The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show Announces New Program for Brands in 2026
Brand-New Innovation Hour and Returning Staple Hard Hat Media Tour Open for Applications
Orlando, Florida – February 17-19, 2026
(ORLANDO, FL.) — October 14, 2025 — The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) has announced a brand new program to spotlight exhibitor excellence: Innovation Hour, a fast-paced, design-forward “show + tell” session that highlights emerging materials, product features, and design details that are quietly shaping the future of kitchen and bath spaces.
An invitation to be creative, this editorial event will feature up to eight live presentations detailing new-to-market or under-the-radar innovation that deserves more attention – whether it’s a new finish, a clever use case, or a sustainable material. While “newness” is always something to celebrate at KBIS, this format is designed to widen the spotlight to include the many noteworthy products and minds that deserve to shine.
Each five minute moderated presentation will engage tactile, sample-drive storytelling – and offer a must-attend event for designers, specifiers, and creative thinkers. At the end, audience members will judge the presenters live in three categories: “Most Innovative,” “Most Unexpected,” and “I’d Spec This Tomorrow.”
Brands can apply now to present their innovations here; the deadline to submit an application is December 4, 2025. The event will take place on February 17, 2026 at 12pm on the KBIS NEXTStage.
In addition to Innovation Hour, KBIS is pleased to present the 2026 Hard Hat Media Tour where a curated selection of exhibitors will showcase their newest products to a group of invite-only influential media. Selected brands will receive 10 minutes to present their product story and showcase their unique booths on Tuesday, February 27, 2026 from 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM.
Exhibitors can self nominate to be blind judged by a team of high-profile media for five available spots. The chosen exhibitors will be notified in December. The application for brands is here and due by November 7, 2025.
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.
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