Retail Observer

APRIL 2026 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 9 T he National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) hosted a rousing Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando, FL, February 17 to 19. It was the 62nd edition of KBIS and the 13th co-located with the National Association of Home Builders' International Builders Show (IBS) as part of Design & Construction Week (DCW). "KBIS 2026 was, quite simply, spectacular," said Bill Darcy, Global President and CEO of NKBA | KBIS, which owns the show. "The energy and excitement that pulsed through the halls was palpable and shows that our industry is incredibly resilient, dynamic, and eager to explore new ideas and evolving technology. These three days were a source of boundless inspiration and connection. We saw and heard from companies that are not just meeting evolving consumer demand, they're inspiring and driving that demand – and defining the future of design." DCW is the most comprehensive expo devoted to all facets of design, remodeling, and construction in the world. The 2026 edition drew 117,000 registrants to the two sprawling halls of the Orange County Convention Center, where 2,250 exhibitors showcased their latest innovations. "KBIS 2026 once again proved why it is the must-attend event in the industry," said Brian Pagel, EVP of Emerald, which produces KBIS. "From breakthrough product launches on the show floor to the innovation recognized through the Best of KBIS, and Innovation Hour winners, this year's exhibitors showcased the strength and evolution shaping the industry." HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE THREE-DAY EXPO • Design & Industry Awards The week kicked off with the NKBA Design & Industry Awards, where the association recognized the winners of its professional and student Design Competitions, Innovative Showroom Award winners, inducted the late Ric Coggins, a longtime volunteer and member of NKBA and an appliance retail executive, into the Kitchen & Bath Hall of Fame, and honored Elizabeth Lord-Levitt, CMKBD, as Educator of the Year. Best Overall Bath honors went to Shea Pumarejo, CMKBD, of Younique Designs in San Antonio, TX. Her stunningly chic "Paris After Dark" project won first place in the Primary Bath category, and because she is an NKBA-certified designer, she won an additional $25,000 bonus as a Best Overall winner. Meanwhile, Minneapolis-based Kate Roos of Kate Roos Design, along with co-designers Leah Dunne, and from Partners 4 Design, Nicole Sirek and Nancy Baker, earned first place in the Large Kitchen and Specialty Kitchen categories as well as Best Overall Kitchen for their spectacular "Castle Kitchen." • State of the Association Darcy delivered his State of the Association address, sharing insights during the annual meeting of the membership. His overarching message was that despite challenges in the economy generally and the kitchen, bath and remodeling industries specifically, the sector is resilient and flexible – and the NKBA remains a strong and positive voice for advocacy and member support. He also recapped NKBA's accomplishments in 2025, including a strategic alliance with the High Point Market Authority that continues to strengthen bonds between the K&B and overall interior design communities, and offered observations for the year ahead. "Even amid unpredictable macroeconomic forces, the growth conditions for the residential design industry remain solid," he said. "Consumer interest remains incredibly strong. Consumers covet beautiful and functional design, and they want to enjoy their homes and enhance their most important investment." BIG SUCCESS IN ORLANDO THE KITCHEN & BATH INDUSTRY SHOW, OWNED BY THE NATIONAL KITCHEN & BATH ASSOCIATION, WRAPPED A SUCCESSFUL THREE-DAY SHOW THAT DREW 117,000 ATTENDEES AS PART OF DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION WEEK

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