More than 120 Retail Showrooms Nominated

In the first award of its kind, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) Innovative Showroom Awards received more than 120 nominations from across the country. The awards will honor retail showrooms serving the kitchen and bath industry and, which provide an amazing shopping experience for customers.

“We called on members of the kitchen and bath industry to nominate retail showrooms providing an exemplary customer experience and the response was overwhelming,” said Brian Pagel, VP Kitchen and Bath Group, Emerald Expositions. “Voting is now open to determine which of these showrooms will be recognized as the most Innovative Retail Kitchen & Bath Showrooms.”

KBIS has partnered with the Hearst Design Group (Elle Decor, House Beautiful, and Veranda) to produce the awards, which will come to life in the South Hall (branded KBISNeXT™) at the KBIS show in Las Vegas January 20-22, 2015.

“The showroom experience is an essential link in the kitchen and bath design arena,” said Sean Sullivan, Associate Publisher/Group Marketing Director, Hearst Design Group. “Our editors work with designers and manufacturers to bring ideas and product news to our millions of print and digital readers.  The magazines also partner with advertisers to further promote brand messages and points of distinction.  A positive, engaged showroom experience benefits consumers as well as designers and manufacturers.”

Public voting will occur on the KBIS Facebook page and will run November 10-14. Voters will determine the top three candidates in the following categories:

• Independent Retail Showrooms Locations (1-5 showroom locations) – Small (1,000- 2,500 sq ft)
• Independent Retail Showrooms Locations (1-5 showroom locations) – Medium (2,500 – 5,000 sq ft)
• Independent Retail Showrooms Locations (1-5 showroom locations) – Large (5,000 sq ft+)

• Multi Location Retail Showrooms (6+ showroom locations) – Small (1,000- 2,500 sq ft)
• Multi Location Retail Showrooms (6+ showroom locations) – Medium (2,500 – 5,000 sq ft)
• Multi Location Retail Showrooms (6+ showroom locations) – Large (5,000 sq ft+)

A jury of retail showroom design professionals will review these finalists, determining the winner in each category.  Additionally an overall Innovative Retail Showroom Award will be given.  The winners will be announced from the KBISNeXT™ stage on January 22, 2015.

About KBIS
KBIS, in conjunction with the National Kitchen and 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.

Early 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™. The mega-event will return Jan. 20-22, 2015, in Las Vegas with each show occupying a separate hall. Kitchen and bath brands that have participated in both shows can continue to choose to exhibit in the KBIS or IBS hall. One pass will provide access to both exhibits. NKBA and NAHB will continue to produce separate educational programming and special events.

For the latest news and announcements visit www.kbis.com, follow KBIS on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KitchenBathIndustryShow and on Twitter at @KBIS2015.

About the Hearst Design Group

Elle Decor, House Beautiful and Veranda magazines comprise Hearst Magazine’s Hearst Design Group.  Hearst Magazines is one of the world’s largest publishers of monthly magazines with 21 U.S. titles and close to 300 International editions.

About the National Kitchen & Bath Association
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade association with more than 60,000 members that has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry for over 50 years. NKBA.org provides consumers with an inspiration gallery of award-winning kitchen and bath designs, as well as articles, tips, and an extensive glossary of remodeling terms. At NKBA.org, consumers can also find NKBA Connect (the association’s official blog), certified kitchen and bath professionals in their areas, submit questions to NKBA experts, and download the free NKBA Kitchen Planner and NKBA Bath Planner. To learn more, visit the NKBA Press Room at www.NKBA.org.

About Emerald Expositions

Emerald is a leading operator of large business-to-business tradeshows in the United States, producing more than 85 tradeshows and conference events per year connecting over 525,000 buyers and sellers across ten diversified end-markets, including general merchandise; sports; hospitality and retail design; jewelry, luxury, and antiques; e-commerce; photography;  decorated apparel;  building; healthcare; and military. Emerald is headquartered in San Juan Capistrano, Cal. The company’s shows are typically the most prominent and important for exhibitors and attendees within their various industries. For more information on Emerald, please visit www.emeraldexpositions.com.