Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM APRIL 2015 38 RO K BIS 2015's exclusive networking events, hosted by the NKBA, enabled industry professionals to engage with highly qualified members and vice versa, throwing open several platforms for engaging in thought-provoking business discussions and establishing solid connections. The NKBA, renown for hosting some of the most successful events in the kitchen and bath industry, kicked off KBIS in celebratory style with THE PARTY. This cocktail event was preceded by the NKBA Design Competition awards ceremony which honored the top winning member designers of the year, introducing them to the industry at large and facilitating a meet and greet hour with competition sponsors. Yet another sought after NKBA cocktail and networking event, THE BASH, served as an occasion for the industry to come together to celebrate the success of the show and all that the future has to offer. Organized by the NKBA's Rep Advisory Council, the annual SHARK Breakfast event brought together manufacturers in need of representatives, as well as representatives looking for manufacturers. Champagne & Cupcakes hosted by Modenus Blog Tour Las Vegas, kicked off the show with a live, "tweet-up event," attended by key social media influencers within the kitchen and bath industry. The show presented a myriad of events that catered to professionals spanning across varied industry segments. Each year, KBIS promises to deliver more and better opportunities, and indeed exceeds expectations. At the show this year, the newly introduced KBISNeXT™ area served as the destination for the next set of ideas and the next in contemporary design. The KBISNeXT™ stage and the Tech Bar were packed with industry-relevant programming that held the audience captive with stimulating discussions. The program offerings touched upon a diverse range of topics including The Modern Family: Designing for Multi-Generational Living, SEO By Design, Design Around the World, and The Ultimate Foodie Kitchen among more. The first-ever Innovative Showroom Awards, in partnership with Hearst Design Group and the NKBA, honored retail show- rooms that delivered an excellent experience at point of purchase. Yet another highlight of this arena was the VA Tech FutureHAUS Kitchen that delved into a research project exploring new and more efficient approaches to the way buildings are constructed. Brian Pagel, vice president, Kitchen & Bath, Emerald Expo- sitions, reports that with the introduction of KBISNeXT™, the Innovative Showroom Awards as well as the amount of exhibition space now sold for 2016—all within weeks of the conclusion of the 2015 show—the optimism for the possibilities in 2016 is high. With KBIS 2015 setting the benchmark for a well-rounded trade show experience, the expectations are higher for next year. KBIS 2016 will be held Jan. 19-21, 2016, once again in the spectacular backdrop of Las Vegas, with more outstanding programming, top-notch learning oppor-tunities, and a power-packed show floor thriving with exhibitors launching new innovations! To learn more about the show visit www.kbis.com. 2015 Marks A BANNER YEAR

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