Retail Observer

NKBA has built enormous momentum for its Global Connect program which is dedicated to connecting the kitchen and bath industry globally. The dynamic panel of international design experts explores international trends, products and projects while discussing the international business of design and how it differs from the design business in the US. • Emerging Market: Designing for Short-Term Rentals The $20 billion emerging short-term rental market is booming and holds tremendous opportunities for the K+B designer. Now more than ever, homes are being built or converted for vacation/short-term rentals, and design plays a critical role in a property's popularity, sustainability and profitability. Learn the ins and outs of this key market. • Design Therapy: Collaborations for the Future of Accessible Homes Sponsored by Acquabella From "Aging in Place" to "Living in Place" to "Aging with Grace," the industry is aligning the aesthetics-driven design industry with the realities of human aging or illness. The future of accessible homes must include solutions for every stage of life. This panel discusses a holistic, integrative and collaborative approach to design that offers solutions for aesthetically pleasing, functional and truly universal spaces. • Filling your Cup: Wellness Design Starts With You The past three years have changed how many of us live and work while being some of the busiest in our industry. There is a much stronger emphasis on health and wellness in design, a renewed focus on creating not only functional and beautiful spaces but homes where clients can be WELL. This interactive session (be prepared to get on your feet) explores the importance of wellness for those tasked with creating it. • Join the Pack: Designhounds Favorite Finds Twenty-one members of the Designhounds Influencer Network will canvas the KBIS show floor with a mission to uncover the most unique designs and innovative technologies worthy of "Favorite Finds" honors. Four representatives will share their top three Designhounds Favorite Finds. • Holistic Design: The Fine Line The roles and relationships of designers and clients are changing. This intimate panel discussion between design pros and their clients will demonstrate the value of building deeper, more productive relationships between you and your clients – with suggestions for how to adjust your business model accordingly. Learn how to engage your client as a collaborative partner, building a life-long consultative connection founded on trust and mutual appreciation of each other's contributions. • Design Bites LIVE! 2023 brings a reinvented new DesignBites program to the KBIS NEXT Stage. This high-energy "speed dating for brands" initiative showcases the latest innovations and coolest designs for the kitchen and bath marketplace. Ten brands, including one "wildcard" brand from NKBA's pre-show product preview series, will vie for the title of Brand with the Biggest Bite – and real-time audience voting will determine the People's Pick. Stage Host of Day 1, Arianne Bellizaire of Arianne Bellizaire Interiors will keep the energy high at this fun, engaging event on KBIS NEXT Stage, January 31, 2023, from 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm. • Awards and Recognitions Numerous awards programs will be presented on the KBIS NEXT Stage. "I'm so thrilled to be hosting Day 3 of the KBIS NEXT Stage for 2023," said Laurie March, host and producer of a number of HGTV short-form digital series. "My favorite part is the day when we hear all the awards given! From the Best Booth awards to KBB Person of the Year, to the Designhounds Favorite Finds, not to mention the 30s Choice Awards, our day is chock-full of powerful roundups of the best in the show. KBIS delivers, year after year!" • Best of KBIS Best of KBIS 2023 is the industry's premier awards program and is sponsored by Luxe Interiors + Design. An independently judged program, Best of KBIS recognizes the pioneers and trailblazers in design and technology. Winners will be announced at the KBIS NEXT Stage starting at 4:00 PM on February 1, 2023, followed by the Best of KBIS Happy Hour. • Best Booth The KBIS Best Booth Awards will be awarded by a committee of Emerald Expositions show staff and partners. Booths are awarded to those who best showcase exceptional creativity, innovative and beautiful product display, thoughtful design and an outstanding attendee experience. Winners will be announced at 10 AM on February 2, 2023. • NKBA Thirty Under 30 Choice Awards The NKBA 30s Choice Awards recognizes 10 categories of products, selected by the NKBA 2022 Thirty Under 30 class. The winners will be announced at the KBIS NEXT Stage at 10:30 AM on February 2, 2023. KICKSTARTER COMPETITION WINNERS Select leaders from the K+B industry will visit each booth in the Kickstarter Zone in a "Shark Tank" style, hearing pitches from exhibitors and judging participants on product innovation, market viability, implementation and presentation. They can only select one to be the KBIS Kickstarter Competition winner. Winners will be announced at 10 AM on February 2, 2023. "I hope anyone recently joining our industry or attending school with a focus on design will take the opportunity to check out the amazing show," continued Garrison. Visit www.KBIS.com to register and stay up-to-date on all KBIS happenings. JANUARY 2023 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 33 RO

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