Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JANUARY 2022 40 At the KBIS NeXT stage you can check out the daily 30-minute trend rev-ups presented by NKBA that will share the details behind the macro directions identified by the 2022 NKBA Design Trends research. Every session will examine the "why" behind the insights – not just the data. These quick sprints will explore the impact of the changing consumer, what's important to them, and why as well as how existing products deliver (and don't), as well as outlining areas that are underserved and offering clear opportunities for savvy professionals going forward. Day one programming will include the announcement of the 2022 NKBA Thirty Under 30 class. This talented group of NKBA members will be inducted into what has become one of the more prestigious NKBA programs. Now in its 11th year, this class is a diverse group of kitchen and bath professionals, from showrooms to manufacturers, designers to distributors. They will be celebrated and welcomed into the "club" on February 8, 2022 at the KBIS NeXT Stage. As part of their immersion into KBIS they'll be charged to comb the show floor, sussing out the best products that deliver on ten categories focused on benefits, not features, including sustainability, luxury and more. The final selections will be announced on Thursday, February 10 at the 30's Choice Awards. Their collective insights will likely shock and surprise. The lineup of presentations and panel discussions will challenge our traditional models. For instance, did you know there are no fewer than eight significant societal shifts impacting our world now? Will your organization be ready? We'll explore the topic "Shift Forward" in a foundational presentation, followed by an in-depth panel discussion, ensuring that we all pay attention to the realities of these key topics: Changing Demographics, Urbanization, Tech Innovation, Big Data, Social Commerce, Managing Diversity and Inclusion, and more. The discussion will drive honest evaluation of how to change perceptions and biases in favor of a broader approach to hiring, designing, concepting and marketing to audiences previously missed or undervalued. The luxury customer segment continues to grow. Data shows that luxury homeowners have reassessed their homes from top to bottom during the pandemic. If the ultra-high net worth consumer is your preferred target client, or if you want to understand how you might play in this space, attending the "Language of Luxury" panel discussion is a must. Luxury marketing experts David Friedman of the Wealth Quotient and creator of the world's leading database of ultra-high net worth consumers; Julie Faupel, founder of REALM, the first collaborative global real estate collective; and designer Brian Brown, owner, Brian Brown Studio in San Diego will discuss how to find, cultivate and connect with these very special customers. Friedman notes, "Everybody has existing relationships, whether it's with friends or people you work with. The key to connecting with ultra-high net worth buyers is to start with the people you know and start mapping around them." Moderated by Kathryn Given, Market Editor, Luxe Interiors + Design, the group will share the tips, tricks and talent you need to fertilize and harvest this lucrative segment. The "Responsible Design" discussion will address shaking up how we really think about designing for a world that can't handle any more stuff in landfill. As a society, we're using the term "circular economy" more and more – but what does it really mean? Designing for permanence and adapting regenerative design practices are critical components to ensure we keep landfills free of construction waste. If you're really interested in making a difference, you need to include a commitment to designing with products that last, and designing spaces that will live on as a result. Fast fashion isn't the only culprit when it comes to wasteful acquisition. Investing in products that fight the concept of planned obsolescence will reduce environmental impact on the front as well as the back of every project. Every businessperson is interested in new revenue streams. Embracing new technologies and understanding how to maximize those opportunities to drive new revenue is the theme behind the "Work It" panel discussion. You may find that design is one angle for driving revenue, but reselling, influencer marketing and affinity marketing might be solid complements to your business plan. Who knows, you may find design or showroom sales are supplemental to a new core business. Additionally, the Tech Point panel will help you think about new and evolving needs and capabilities your clients are looking for. If you haven't thought about a strategic partnership with a technology integrator, this is the discussion to attend. Incremental revenue, bigger, fuller service solutions and a growing market are all reasons to embrace the next wave of residential tech integration. Awards abound not only at the NeXT Stage – where the Best of KBIS and NKBA Renovation Angel Luxury Kitchen Awards will be presented – but also off the show floor on Monday night, February 7 at the Rosen Center where the NKBA Design + Industry Awards will take place. KBIS 2022 is poised to facilitate new directions and new connections. It's an opportunity to grab ideas and turn them into profitable realities. As Suzie Williford, EVP of the NKBA says "It's a not-to-be-missed event. The things you learn and the people you meet can be, and often are, life changing." RO KBIS NEXT STAGE AND NKBA VOICES FROM THE INDUSTRY

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