Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM DECEMBER 2025 30 A S S O C I AT I O N [ N E W S ] E very year, thousands of design and trade professionals gather at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) to explore what's next in innovation, materials, and design. Yet one of the most powerful experiences takes place just beyond the show floor: the NKBA's Voices From the Industry (VFTI) Conference, sponsored by Fabuwood. Now in its 15th year, VFTI remains the kitchen and bath industry's most comprehensive professional education event— a place where the community comes together to learn, connect, and grow. BY THE INDUSTRY, FOR THE INDUSTRY VFTI programming is created by and for industry professionals who are united by a shared passion for excellence. Each session is carefully curated through a highly competitive selection process, to give attendees access to the most relevant, insightful, forward- thinking content available. The conference provides a focused professional setting where attendees can expand their knowledge of the latest technolo- gies, trends, and business strategies shaping the kitchen and bath industry today. Organized into seven essential learning tracks – Building & Remodeling, Leadership & Management, Design, K&B Trends, Marketing, Technology, and Sustainability – VFTI empowers participants to customize their experience based on their unique goals and career stage. NEW FOR 2026: WINE & DESIGN EVENTS Debuting this year, Wine & Design sessions will conclude each day of the conference, offering a relaxed social environment for continued learning and networking. These exclusive events pair curated conversations with industry experts and thought-provoking topics: • Tuesday, February 17 – From Ruin to Renewal: The Role of Design After Disaster • Wednesday, February 18 – Inclusive by Design: Creating Spaces for Diverse Needs and Life Stages • Thursday, February 19 – The Wellness Blueprint: Spaces that Nurture Body, Mind, and Spirit Each event blends insight, inspiration, and community – hallmarks of the NKBA experience. LEARNING WITH LASTING VALUE With a wide-ranging slate of programming led by experts across design, business, and technology, VFTI offers tangible takeaways professionals can implement immediately. Each 1-hour session qualifies for .1 CEU, while 90-minute workshops earn .15 CEUs. For ongoing development, a select number of presentations will be available on demand through December 31, 2026, giving attendees flexible access to earn up to 10 hours of continuing education credits. "VFTI is more than a conference – it's an investment in your professional growth," said Bill Darcy, NKBA | KBIS global presi- dent and CEO. "Our goal is to empower members with knowledge that drives business success and strengthens the entire K&B community." FEATURED 2026 SPEAKERS This year's lineup features a diverse mix of voices shaping the future of design, leadership, and innovation: • Rebecca West, Interior Design Business Coach, Seriously Happy Coaching & Consulting: Marketing Starts Here: Choose the Right Design Territory Thursday, February 19 | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM • Vanessa DeKoekkoek, Product Manager, Design Cyncly: AI in Action: Smarter Workflows, Smarter Designs Wednesday, February 18 | 2:00 PM–3:00 PM • Fred Reikowsky, Principal, Legacy Business Leaders: Bridging the Design/Build Gap From Concept to Completion Thursday, February 19 | 9:00 AM–10:00 AM Each session offers insights tailored to help attendees refine their expertise, grow their businesses, and adapt to a changing marketplace. YOUR PATH TO PROFESSIONAL GROWTH For designers, builders, retailers, and business leaders alike, VFTI is where inspiration becomes implementation. From CEUs to new perspectives and lasting professional connections, the conference delivers a return that endures well beyond KBIS week. Join the conversation. Invest in your growth. Experience VFTI 2026 at KBIS in Las Vegas, February 17–19. Visit NKBA.org/VFTI to learn more & register. VFTI 2026: WHERE THE KITCHEN AND BATH COMMUNITY CONNECTS RO

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