Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM DECEMBER 2021 20 KBISNEXT STAGE BRINGS BUSINESS INSIGHTS, "NEED TO KNOW" TRENDS AND TOPICS TO KBIS 2022 Subject matter experts offer thought-provoking takes on the K+B industry The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), owners of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), revealed the programming lineup planned for the NKBA presents KBISNeXT™ Stage. KBISNeXT™ Stage is one of the most popular show destinations and features thought-provoking industry topics like the newest NKBA Design Trends, the ever-popular Design Bites series and more. The stage, situated in the South Hall of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, will host more than 20 programs including four awards events and 60+ leading industry voices and personalities throughout the three-day show, February 8-10, 2022. Topics for the 2022 programming grid include how the generational divide is impacting design and lifestyles today, how to integrate diversity and inclusion practices into your business, what's happening in a healthy home and resilient design, how to manage your business for today's new realities, and more. "This year's lineup of programming on the KBISNeXT Stage is stellar," said Suzie Williford, EVP of Industry Relations and Chief Strategy Officer of the National Kitchen & Bath Association, which owns KBIS. "Each year the team brings forward compelling material and presenters, but for this show we've really dialed it up, including some very different and critical topics. All are sure to help attendees improve their businesses and maneuver our new reality. The KBISNeXT Stage is definitely a must-attend venue." The KBISNeXT™ Stage is free to all registrants. Here is a preview of some of the sessions: SHIFT FORWARD This two-part session is designed to help us comprehensively understand societal shifts impacting our country today. A 45-minute presentation will set the table, giving panel participants a platform to dive into specific topics, including how to drive business success and new opportunities through a better understanding of diversity and inclusion, demographic differences, the role of social commerce and more. THE LANGUAGE OF LUXURY This panel will deliver a solid set of takeaways including how to find, engage and nurture the luxury client. Position and market yourself and your business to speak the language that attracts and develops the ultra-high-end client base. The panel discussion will kick off with a special presentation by a leading luxury marketing consultant who'll set the foundation of the discussion. RESPONSIBLE DESIGN: EXPLORING THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND HOW THE K+B INDUSTRY NEEDS TO ADAPT Even though the concept of designing for permanence and adopting regenerative design practices can feel overwhelming, it's essential. Join this panel of experts to learn adaptation strategies to build into your projects, such as the inclusion of upcycled and recycled products and components, managing water, reducing carbon footprints and selecting responsible products from manufacturers who are making a difference. COMPOUND INTERESTS: DESIGNING FOR THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE Multi-use, multi-family, multi-age – how to design for the generational divide in a time when fading generational wealth and polarizing design sensibilities are instilling different values? Identify what's important to each generation, and how to bridge the gap. WORK IT: NEW BUSINESS MODELS, NEW REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES Embrace new technologies and alternative thinking that will empower you not only to enhance your traditional practice but develop new income streams. It's "the silver lining for your bottom line." Hear from the experts who've adapted and thrived as they share the ups and downs on the way to success. TECH POINT: THE POSSIBILITIES FOR TOTAL TECH INTEGRATION WITH LEADING TECH EXPERTS As the demand for technology solutions increases, learn from the experts about seamless tech integration. Whole-home technology integrators identify the brands and products you need to know and understand and discuss how to incorporate them into residential kitchen and bath projects, as well as how to position your business as a provider of the next wave of integrated technology components for the home. WELL LIT: THE IMPORTANCE OF LIGHTING IN EVERY DESIGN PROJECT How to design the perfect lighting scheme? Integrating lighting into whole-home systems, coaching clients on new design possibilities – and why it matters. I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ]

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