The Retail Observer is an industry leading magazine for INDEPENDENT RETAILERS in Major Appliances, Consumer Electronics and Home Furnishings
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1530931
RETAILOBSERVER.COM JANUARY 2025 30 A S S O C I AT I O N [ N E W S ] A nd now it's time to get ready for South Hall. From hosting NEXTStage and the Global Connect Lounge to being the home of groundbreaking brands, South Hall is a must for anyone looking for the next big thing in kitchen and bath. "After many successful years in North Hall, we're enthusiastically embracing new opportunities in South Hall with its greater proximity to some of our emerging partners and international organizations through Global Connect, demonstrating our growing role in the global kitchen and bath community," said Bill Darcy, global president & CEO, NKBA | KBIS. "This move allows us to tap into the vibrant energy of NEXTStage while fostering connections with established brands, our long- term members, as well as fresh talent that bring an innovative spark to the industry." Not to be missed is the NKBA Design Council on stage on Tuesday, February 25, when Thom Filicia, Michel Smith Boyd, Celerie Kemble, and Caleb Anderson will join to discuss the current state of the design industry. Additionally, for each day of KBIS, three daily hosts will guide the NEXTStage audience through an energetic experience of more than 20 programs focused on design trends and insights combining research, data, and expert opinions to forecast the coming year. Day 1 features John McClain, of John McClain Design, celebrated for its award-winning projects and signature "comfortable chic" aesthetic that has been featured in top publications such as Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and The Wall Street Journal. McClain now empowers fellow designers through his Design Success Academy, offering proven tools to build profitable design businesses. Former House Beautiful Editor-in-Chief Sophie Donelson takes over as Day 2 host. Previously Donelson has authored several books including Uncommon Kitchens: A Revolutionary Approach to the Most Popular Room in the House (2023) and was recently the host of Magnolia Network's Design Defined. Day 3 host Breegan Jane is a fixture in the global interior design industry, including as the current host of HGTV's Dream Home. She has several licensed product lines available globally and is an avid philanthropist. South Hall has also been named NKBA's International Hub and will feature more new-to-North America products and services than ever with more than 75 international member companies and five international pavilions exhibiting throughout KBIS, with many concentrated in and around the Global Connect Lounge and Kiosks in South Hall. "The Global Connect program is making its mark," said Heather Shannon, senior vice president, marketing and communications, NKBA | KBIS. "This business development program is bringing our industry closer together, providing richer opportunities for the entire value chain – from manufacturers to designers. Showrooms and dealers are exposed to a broader selection of product lines and solutions, design and construction professionals are learning KBIS 2025: A MUST SEE From a new NEXTStage location in the South Hall showcasing industry stars to global and international pavilions, the NKBA has you covered