Applications for Hard Hat Media Tour and DesignBites Are Now Open
DesignBites Celebrates 10th Year of Highlighting Innovation
(LAS VEGAS, Nev.) — October 16, 2024 — The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) announces the return of the Hard Hat Media Tour, a VIP early access experience for accredited journalists, as well as DesignBites, the not-to-be-missed live product showdown on the NEXTStage. These show events are elite opportunities for brands to connect with visitors, media, influencers, and the industry community as well as spotlight their innovations. In addition, DesignBites marks its tenth anniversary in 2025, and has become the place where innovation, design, and fun collide, propelling new product launches into the spotlight.
“The Hard Hat Media Tour is an exclusive opportunity for editors to get a sneak peek at the most unique products that KBIS exhibitors have to offer. We continue to create an engaging experience at the show while supporting our media partners with chances to discover innovative products,” says Jason McGraw, Group Vice President at Emerald, which produces KBIS. “In contrast, DesignBites presents rapid pitches from leading brands about their latest products, in front of an energized crowd on the KBIS NEXTStage. It is a fantastic showcase for attendees to learn about some of the most exciting product debuts at the show.”
KBIS is pleased to present the 2025 Hard Hat Media Tour where a curated selection of exhibitors will showcase their newest products to a group of invite-only influential media. Brands receive 10 minutes to present their product story and showcase their unique booths. This will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM.
Exhibitors can self nominate for the tour’s five available spots and will be vetted by a team of high-profile media. The chosen exhibitors will be notified in December. The application for brands to self-nominate is here and due by November 15, 2024.
The selected brands will join the three sponsored brands to create the Hard Hat Media Tour. Empava is the coffee sponsor supporting the event and Signature Kitchen Suite is the breakfast sponsor. Exhibitors interested in sponsoring the Hard Hat Media Tour should contact their sales representative to guarantee a spot on the tour.
Over the past decade, DesignBites has showcased groundbreaking products. The program will return for KBIS 2025 with another round of high-energy presentations detailing the latest designs for the kitchen and bath marketplace. Each exhibitor will give a three-minute product pitch with a short graphic slideshow, followed by a Q&A. It’s the fastest way for brands to get the word out on their newest items to an engaged audience of media, influencers, and attendees. The dynamic head-to-head brand competition will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 12:00-1:30 PM on NEXTStage (South Hall).
There will be 12 brands selected to participate this year, with the most innovative product selected by a panel composed of media and industry VIPs. The winner will receive the “Brand with the Biggest Bite” award. The crowd will also be asked to vote in real time to choose the “People’s Pick” award.
The application form can be found here and is due December 6, 2025.
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), the largest kitchen and bath show in North America. With nearly 55,000 members in all segments of the kitchen and bath design and remodeling industry, NKBA has educated and advised the industry since it was founded in 1963. The NKBA’s mission is to inspire and support the kitchen and bath industry through community, events, learning, and professional certifications. 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.
About Emerald
KBIS is produced by Emerald. Emerald’s talented and experienced team grows our customers’ businesses 365 days a year through connections, content, and commerce. We expand connections that drive new business opportunities, product discovery, and relationships with over 140 annual events, matchmaking, and lead-gen services. We create content to ensure that our customers are on the cutting edge of their industries and are continually developing their skills. And we power commerce through efficient year-round buying and selling. We do all this by seamlessly integrating in-person and digital platforms and channels. Emerald is immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. As true partners, we create experiences that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results. For more information, please visit: www.emeraldx.com
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