90,000 design and construction attendees, hundreds of new product introductions and standing-room-only programming at KBIS 2020 reinforce industry is thriving and evolving rapidly
Alpharetta, GA.– (February 13, 2020) – The energy was high, brands were engaging and crowds were enthusiastic at this year’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS). More than 90,000 design and construction professionals canvassed the Las Vegas Convention Center, January 21-23, 2020. Along with 600 exhibitors and nearly 500 members of the media, the energized crowd reinforced the positive sentiment around the residential design and construction industries.
The combined forces of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) continued their partnership as the founders of Design & Construction Week® (DCW). Together, the shows featured more than 2,000 exhibitors, occupying one million square feet of exhibit space. The blended KBIS and International Builders’ Show (IBS) floor experience continues to foster increased crossover traffic as custom builders, remodelers and project builders discover new product options with KBIS exhibitors and vice versa. This success is a testament to the dedication of the industry and the shared vision of these associations.
“This was an amazing event. One of the best since 2008. The energy at KBIS was electric,” exclaimed Suzie Williford, executive vice president, industry relations and chief strategy officer, NKBA. “KBIS is the time we bring the entire industry together and this year was especially stellar. There was a constant flow of new and exciting products to see and insights to learn, whether walking the show floor, participating in one of our educational sessions, attending a KBISNeXT Stage panel discussion, or reconnecting with an industry colleague – KBIS 2020 was exceptional. “
KBIS is owned by the NKBA, produced by Emerald and is the largest North American trade show for the kitchen and bath industry. Year over year, the show continues to be the platform to discover new ideas, exceptional design and technological innovation for the kitchen and bath. 2020 was no exception.
KBIS 2020 By the Numbers
90,000 Design & Construction Week Attendees
600 Exhibitors
100 new exhibitors
25 new global brands from Germany, Italy, Turkey, Brazil, Spain and the UK
70+ NKBA Voices From the Industry conference education sessions
35+ panels and award presentations at the KBIS NeXT Stage and DMM Lounge
20+ KBISThink seminar and lecture programs
“We came into this year with a sold-out show floor, more than 500 returning exhibitors and 100 exhibiting for the first time,” said Amy Hornby, KBIS show director. “KBIS has experienced double-digit attendance growth over the past two years, and hundreds of exhibitors are confirmed to exhibit at KBIS 2021, with many increasing their show presence. Early sales are up over 20,000 more NSF than the same time last year, with more than 85% of the show floor space secured.”
Show Highlights
NKBA Design + Industry Awards
On the eve of KBIS 2020 nearly 1,000 industry leaders, design professionals, VIPs and media attended the highly anticipated NKBA Design + Industry Awards (see complete list of winners) at the Encore Resort. Celebrity designer and lifestyle expert Kelli Ellis hosted the ceremonies, presenting more than 40 awards recognizing the industry professionals whose work is raising the bar in kitchen and bath design, showroom design, building and remodeling, outdoor living and Living in Place. The awards were sponsored by 2020, The Home Depot and Control4.
KBISNeXT Stage
Sponsored by Houzz Pro, the KBISNeXT Stage continued to be the cornerstone of the KBISNeXT Experience. Featuring more than 20 panels and presentations, 80+ industry leaders shared their expertise on topics including: Resilient Design, the Connected Home, Power in Brand Partnerships, Color Trends, Avenues to New Revenue and Designing for Wellness. Panel sponsors included Kohler, Chase Bank, Control4 and Cosentino.
The fifth anniversary of the always popular DesignBites program was celebrated by bringing back Dave Hall of Rev-A-Shelf, one of the first DesignBites participants. A special “Biggest Bite Award” was presented to first-time exhibitor Plum for its innovative new wine storage technology. Other presenting brands included: Electrolux, INOX, Control4, BestBath, Plum, Neolith, LG, Fotile, SKS, Titus and Native Trails.
Best of KBIS Awards
A KBIS standout, the Best of KBIS Awards recognize the top new product innovations from the show. Sponsored by Luxe Interiors & Design and hosted by editor in chief Pam Jaccarino, eight brands received honors with the award’s top honor – Best in Show – awarded to the new Brizo Kintsu Bath Collection. The full list of winners includes:
• Best of Show – Kintsu Bath Collection by Brizo
• Kitchen Gold – Plum by Plum
• Kitchen Silver – Miele G 7000 Dishwasher by Miele Inc.
• Bath Gold – GE UltraFresh Front Load Washer by GE Appliances
• Bath Silver – DUW Series – Wall Recessed Linear Floor Drain by Drains Unlimited
• Smart Home Technology – U by Moen Smart Faucet by Moen
• Outdoor Living – Kalamazoo Shokunin Kamado Grill by Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet
• Impact Award – Rainfinity by Hansgrohe
Educational Opportunities
Equally as robust was the educational programming available both on and off the KBIS show floor. More than 1,200 attendees participated in the NKBA Voices From the Industry Conference which featured 70+ CEU sessions led by some of industry’s most influential leaders and speakers.
KBISThink, part of the KBIS NeXT Experience, hosted 30+ presentations, panels, and roundtable discussions developed by the Dallas Market Center Lightovation team, American Lighting Association, NKBA Specialty Badge group and the Living In Place Institute. Topics focused on the rapidly growing and changing world of lighting and living in place and the impact on residential design. Over 55 attendees earned NKBA Specialty Badges in sustainability, cabinetry and remodeling.
State of the Association/State of the Industry
NKBA CEO Bill Darcy hosted the annual State of the Association/State of the Industry. The standing- room-only event included a panel moderated by FOX News/FOX Business Anchor Melissa Francis, along with industry leaders including Katty Pien, chief marketing officer, LIXIL Americas, Mikael Åkerberg, chairman and CEO, nobilia North America, Randy Warner, president, Dacor and Adam Sandow, chairman and CEO, SANDOW, to tackle topics including the skilled labor shortage, sustainability issues, trade regulations and more.
The increased foot traffic at DCW reflects the positive outlook for the design and construction industry and reinforces the commitment of the KBIS and IBS co-location through 2026.
KBIS 2021 and Design & Construction Week is Feb. 9-11, 2021, in Orlando, FL, at the Orange County Convention Center. Mark your calendars now.
For additional information about the show and to receive high-res show images, contact, Julie McCrary, White Good, jmccrary@whitegood.com
Click link to download high-res images of KBIS 2020
https://nkba.imagerelay.com/sb/ee750fc5-3fdb-4077-b586-9b2563a88ecf/kbis-2020-images
About KBIS
KBIS, in conjunction with the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), is an inspiring, interactive platform that showcases the latest industry products, trends and technologies. KBIS is the voice of the kitchen and bath industry and has been for 50+ years.
In 2013, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) announced an agreement to co-locate the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) with the International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas, Nev. in February 2014 under the banner of Design and Construction Week®. In 2018, both organizations extended the agreement through 2026. The mega-event moves to Orlando, FL, Feb. 9-11, 2021. NKBA and NAHB will continue to produce separate educational programming and special events though one pass provides access to both shows.
About Emerald
KBIS is produced by Emerald, a leader in building dynamic, market-driven business-to-business platforms that integrate live events with a broad array of industry insights, digital tools, and data focused solutions to create uniquely rich experiences. As true partners, we at Emerald strive to build our customers’ businesses by creating opportunities that inspire, amaze,and deliver breakthrough results. With over 140 events each year, our teams are creators and connectors who are thoroughly immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. For more information, please visit www.emeraldx.com
More information about KBIS can be found at www.kbis.com.
About the National Kitchen & Bath Association and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is the not-for-profit trade association that owns the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show® (KBIS), as part of Design and Construction Week ® (DCW). With nearly 50,000 members in all segments of the kitchen and bath design and remodeling industry, the NKBA has educated and led the industry since the association’s founding in 1963. The NKBA envisions a world where everyone enjoys safe, beautiful and functional kitchen and bath spaces. The mission of the NKBA is to inspire, lead and empower the kitchen and bath industry through the creations of certifications, specialty badges, marketplaces and networks. For more information, visit www.nkba.org or call 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522).
KBIS® and NKBA® are registered trademarks of the National Kitchen & Bath Association.