We are gearing up for the second year of Innovation Booth Awards, to recognize and honor exhibitors displaying at the 2015 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS). Judging is based on the WOW Factor, Messaging, Education, Engagement and “The Unexpected & Unprecedented.”

With trends and designs changing from year to year, we asked booth designer and owner of Kuhlmann-Leavitt, Inc., Deanna Kuhlmann-Leavitt, to share her thoughts on what makes a space innovative and the trends shaping exhibition spaces.

When asked, Deanna spoke on the features that make up an effective booth. “The overall look of the space, the materials being distributed, the media playing inside the space, marketing through social media platforms, and giveaways should all tie in with the look and feel of the space.”

Today, social media gives us more ways to draw visitors to a space. “These changes have pushed towards bigger thinking, making you consider more things and to think more holistically on overall effort on the client’s behalf,” said Kuhlmann-Leavitt.

Fads such as the use of fabric and more media are emerging. “Spaces that integrate more media are stronger and reach the audience more effectively. Spaces that do not incorporate media, draw the wrong kind of attention and the aesthetic is all over the place,” said Kuhlmann-Leavitt.

Booth submissions will be accepted until January 9, 2015, at no cost to enter. The spaces will be judged during the show on January 20, 2015, and winners will be announced on Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at 11:00AM on Center Stage in the NKBA Booth. All winners will receive post-show promotional benefits on kbis.com, the KBIS Digital Pressroom and across KBIS social media channels. The first place winner will receive a special innovation award. To submit your company’s booth, click here.

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