Retail Observer

DECEMBER 2021 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 33 leadership strategist. She will talk leadership in challenging times, discuss the root causes of a lack of diversity, and provide thoughtful, integrated solutions for even small businesses to incorporate. All DCW attendees are invited to attend both sessions for free. If you're a manufacturer's representative looking for new lines or a brand looking for new sellers, check out NKBA's SHARK Matchmaking Event. Scheduled for Wednesday, February 9 from 3:00-5:00 pm ET, this reimagined opportunity will engender personal meet-ups based on pre-supplied profiles. Pre-registration is highly recommended here. On the educational side, NKBA's Voices from the Industry (VFTI) conference includes a whopping 80+ sessions featuring traditional presentations, interactive talks and workshops. Six business tracks have been developed to allow attendees to focus on specific areas of interest, including Grow your Business, Kitchen & Bath Specialty Training, Design, Management, Customer Service and Building & Remodeling. Attendees are urged to buy their VFTI passes when registering here, as sessions sell out quickly. In addition, over 20 sessions are scheduled for the KBIS NeXT Stage, which takes place on the show floor. The NKBA Thirty Under 30 2022 class, sponsored by SKS and Delta, will also be introduced on stage and share their 30's Product Choice Awards. The NKBA Renovation Angel Luxury Kitchen Awards will also return, as well as the prestigious Best of KBIS Awards, sponsored by Luxe Interiors + Design. The ever-popular Design Bites program will also take center stage and celebrate the brand with the "biggest bite," as voted by those present in the audience. Each morning, NKBA will present highlights of its exclusive 2022 Design Trends research, followed by deep dives into topics like Shift Forward – a two-part session designed to help us comprehensively understand the societal shifts impacting our country today; The Language of Luxury; Responsible Design: Exploring the circular economy and how the K+B industry needs to adapt; Compound Interests: Designing for the generational divide; Work It: New business models, new revenue opportunities; Tech Point: The possibilities for total tech integration with leading tech experts; and Well Lit: The importance of lighting in every design project. All KBIS attendees are welcome to attend stage programming as part of their Expo registration. The Design Milk X Modenus Lounge, sponsored by Beko, Snap One/Control4 and SKS, will also return to the KBIS 2022 floor, hosted by Veronika Miller and Jaime Derringer. The duo will manage a series of intimate talks and conversations on issues facing the design community today, including: How to manage margins during a supply chain crisis; How to evaluate your services; Knowing what to outsource; and How to say no when it's just not good for you or your business. All KBIS attendees are welcome to attend as part of their Expo registration INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR The NKBA Global Connect program continues to gain traction with international brands and designers interested in learning more about the North American kitchen and bath marketplace. KBIS 2022 will welcome three international delegations representing associations, organizations and manufacturers intent on discovering go-to-market strategies, distribution opportunities and how to participate successfully in events like KBIS. Additionally, NKBA will introduce an all-new NKBA Global Connect Pavilion to the show floor. NKBA Global Connect Subscribers will participate in a pre-designed space with small kiosks, allowing them to get a feel for how KBIS works and test the waters for future involvement. All participating pavilion brands will have an opportunity to present their stories in a Global Design Bites format in the pavilion space. To further help international marketers understand the uniqueness – and opportunities – of the North American market, NKBA Global Connect Advisors will host two information sessions: Meet the North American Designer, and Meet the North American Showroom and K+B Dealer, as well as sharing updates on the North American market outlook and design trends. PARTIES AND MORE And, of course, KBIS wouldn't be KBIS without parties. The NKBA BASH is back at Mango's Tropical Café Orlando, giving all those who attend a chance to relax, connect with new people and celebrate being together in a casual and fun atmosphere. All Design & Construction Week attendees are welcome to buy tickets at www.designandconstructionweek.com. The final DCW event, the Closing Concert, features country superstar Trace Adkins. Having sold over 11 million albums, the Grammy nominee and Grand Ole Opry member is a perennial favorite. IN CONCLUSION The last two years have certainly brought lots of change and new ways of thinking not only to our industry but to every aspect of our world. KBIS 2022 is slated to offer the best of our current and future state: A safe environment combined with smart programing and engaging events that combined will offer an exciting, memorable experience. To quote Suzie Williford once again: "KBIS is going to be awesome." RO

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