Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM FEBRUARY 2022 32 A S S O C I A T I O N N E W S F our years ago, the NKBA announced its Global Connect network – an ongoing international initiative to connect kitchen and bath industry professionals around the world. Intended to expand visibility of the NKBA and the Association's premier trade show event — the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) — internationally with design professionals, brands, influencers and other industry constituents, as well as facilitating discussions on conducting business and participating in events in North America, this effort has cultivated strategic alliances with key associations, manufacturers and industry professionals in the UK, Europe, Turkey and India. "As the Global Connector for the kitchen and bath industry, the NKBA is forging relationships and sharing insights and innovative ideas to inform, inspire and empower the kitchen and bath community around the world," said Bill Darcy, NKBA's CEO. "We are operating in a global marketplace. Our all-industry association is uniquely positioned to facilitate important connections internationally." Throughout 2021, NKBA quarterly research summits have informed over 600 international K+B brands and design professionals about current North American kitchen and bath market realities. Featuring insights from the NKBA market research team and NKBA Global Connect Advisors, these sessions have capitalized on sharing deep dives into macro market data and directions, with a specific focus on the health of the remodeling market tracked through the quarterly NKBA Kitchen and Bath Market Index as well as evaluating specific market segments like the luxury kitchen sector as well as 2022 design trend directions. Designed to be multi-directional, NKBA Global Connect provides opportunities for North American brands and design pros to connect with UK and European markets as well. Strategic alliances with associations like the AMK and VDM in Germany as well as the BMA in the UK, give North American NKBA member brands and design professionals a "letter of introduction" as they look east to grow their businesses. In 2022, the Global Connect KBIS program kicks off with a series of events at the show. Three Global Connect Delegation Tours will cover the show for first-time international visitors, taking in the event and learning how to best maximize their future presence at the show. Additionally, the inaugural Global Connect Pavilion – Germany, brought to the show by the German government and collaborations with German trade fairs and associations, will feature six German brands in a 2500 square foot spot near the KBIS NeXT Stage in the South Hall at the Orange County Convention Center. Lastly, the NKBA is hosting a Global Connect Programming Pavilion, featuring programming from international brands called Global Connect Spotlights as well as opportunities for international brands to meet Global Connect Advisors as well as hear presentations from designers and distribution strategists. "For brands looking to expand into Europe, the UK and North America, NKBA Global Connect provides a platform for learning and networking," said Veronika Miller, CEO Modenus Media and lead consultant for the program. "North American showrooms interested in bringing international brands into their mix should be sure to scope out the KBIS 2022 activations at the NKBA Global Connect Pavilion. The options are impressive." The balance of 2022 will see another round of virtual and live events connecting international and domestic kitchen and bath brands, showrooms and design professionals, including events at Salone in Milan and virtual round tables and events in Germany, Italy and Spain as fairs and events are staged throughout the year. As Suzie Williford, EVP and chief strategy officer of the NKBA says, "Our world is smaller and smaller. Our ability to find opportunities to collaborate, inspire and share insights, growing the industry for all is what our NKBA Global Connect efforts are all about. The NKBA is pleased to be driving the conversation and the connections." NKBA GLOBAL CONNECT INTRODUCES INTERNATIONAL K+B BRANDS TO THE NORTH AMERICAN MARKET RO

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