The kitchen and bath industry’s official show takes honors in all three categories
Last week Tradeshow Executive Magazine hosted its annual event in Chicago to honor the 50 fastest growing events in North America for 2014. The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) walked away with top honors for the fastest-growing show in attendance in both percentage growth and sheer numbers. The designations recognize KBIS among the trade shows that grew faster than 99% of the trade shows held in the U.S.
“In 2008, our country saw the worst recession in more than two generations, hitting the kitchen and bath industry hard,” said Brian Pagel, VP Kitchen and Bath Group, Emerald Expositions. “Even in the wake of this economic downturn, each year KBIS continues to achieve double-digit growth and thrive through our partnership with exhibiting brands and the support of the kitchen and bath industry. The show’s success is a testament to the dedication of the industry and the shared vision for the KBIS brand.”
Produced by Emerald Expositions and owned by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), KBIS was recognized in the top spot as a Growth Leader in Attendance for 2014 (based on sheer numbers) with an increase of 12,284 qualified attendees versus 2013, as well as Growth Leader in Attendance for 2014 (based on percentage growth) for a 65.3% growth in qualified attendance over 2013. KBIS also came in eighth for Growth Leader in Paid Net Square Feet (NSF) for 2014 (based on percentage growth) with a 29.2% growth in paid NSF over 2013.
The key indicators for these distinctions are percentage growth in NSF, growth in the number of exhibitors, percentage growth in attendance, and overall growth in attendance. Show producers, Emerald Expositions, also took home the TSE Grand Award, presented to the top show organizer by placing five events in the Fastest 50.
During the 2015 show, more than 33,119 industry professionals canvassed the show floor. The 2015 event attracted over 500 exhibitors, including 96 new presenters and 87 Loyalty Leaders – the group of exhibitors recognized for their commitment to consecutively exhibiting at KBIS for at least the past six years.
And plans are already underway to expand the show in 2016. One month after the success of the 2015 show, 266,130 NSF of exhibit space were already sold – almost the equivalent of what was sold in all of 2015.
“Speaking on behalf of the National Kitchen & Bath Association, we are all honored by these accolades,” said Bill Darcy, CEO, National Kitchen & Bath Association. “As the owners of KBIS, the NKBA is excited to see the growth in the show over the past few years. With major brands investing in space at KBIS, and with other manufacturers returning to the show after a hiatus, it is a testament to the level of confidence in our industry. The NKBA continues to invest in KBIS, enhancing the experience for exhibitors and attendees alike through our Voices From The Industry conference programming, learning opportunities, awards, events and networking. Moving forward the NKBA will keep the show on the cutting edge, working with manufacturers to provide the best possible experience, programs and technology. We’ll take our inspiration from both inside and outside of our industry. Tradeshow Executive Magazine’s recognition clearly positions KBIS as a leader — a reputation we will tirelessly work to maintain.”
Emerald Expositions credits part of the continued success of KBIS to the creation of Design & Construction Week™ (DCW). KBIS, in conjunction with the International Builders’ Show (IBS), owned by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), anchor the week-long mega-event, established in 2014. DCW 2016 will also include the International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE) and The International Surface Event (TISE).
For the latest news and announcements visit www.kbis.com or www.kbispressroom.com, and follow KBIS on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KitchenBathIndustryShow and on Twitter at @KBIS2016.
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. 19-21, 2016, 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.
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.
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.