KBIS HAS ANOTHER BANNER YEAR

Estimated five percent growth in verified attendance from 2014

The 2015 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the largest North American platform devoted to kitchen and bath industry design, wrapped its 51st annual show at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Visitors Center. More than 500 exhibitors took part in the three-day show on Jan. 20-22, 2015. According to KBIS producers, Emerald Expositions, and show owners, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), early indicators show the 2015 event saw a five percent growth in verified attendance.

“Everything about this year’s show lived up to the promise of bigger, better and bolder,” said Bill Darcy, NKBA CEO. “We were thrilled, not only by the turnout, but by how many innovations were introduced by exhibitors this year. We couldn’t be happier that the industry sees KBIS as the platform to successfully launch new products.”

The addition of 500,000 square feet in the South Hall offered the opportunity to provide thought provoking, inspired ‘on floor’ programming, as well as additional exhibit space. Branded as KBISNeXTTM, the area was a destination for discovering the next ideas, trends and innovations in the kitchen and bath industry. In addition to programming on the KBISNeXT Stage, the area also featured a Tech Bar, and the FutureHaus Kitchen, presented by Virginia Tech.

Once again, the NKBA’s Voices From The Industry (VFTI) delivered huge value to attendees with more than 90 sessions in 11 conference blocks. Many of the sessions offered continuing education units (CEUs) from the NKBA as well as other industry associations, including NAHB (National Association of Homebuilders), NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry), and AIA (American Institute of Architects).

In collaboration with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), KBIS co-located with the International Builders’ Show (IBS) for the second annual Design & Construction WeekTM. Two additional design and construction events – the winter 2015 Las Vegas Market and The International Surface Event – SURFACES and The Tile Expo took part in this year’s event. The International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE) also continued its participation. Early estimates show the 2015 mega-event drew more than 125,000 designers, builders, dealers and suppliers and more than 300 members of the media.

As the founding members of Design & Construction WeekTM, the NKBA and NAHB announced this week their respective trade shows will continue to co-locate together through 2020 as one of the world’s largest gatherings focused on new ideas, products and technologies to design, build and remodel homes. Design & Construction WeekTM is among six events scheduled at the Las Vegas Convention Center during January, making it “one of the most robust months of convention attendance in years,” according to theLas Vegas Review.

News of the co-location extension is welcome, coming on the heels of a positive housing report released from the U.S. Commerce Department. The report, which points toward a positive outlook for the building industry in 2015, provides optimism for kitchen and bath professionals and KBIS exhibitors.

“KBIS 2015 and our participation in Design & Construction Week was a huge success,” said Brian Pagel, VP, Kitchen & Bath, Emerald Expositions. “We are incredibly excited about the future of these events given the prospect of a stronger housing market in 2015.”

At the NKBA’s annual State of the Industry address, Kevin Murphy, chief operating officer of Ferguson Enterprises declaring to a cheering crowd that the state of the industry is excellent. Murphy cited strong employee development programs, a multi-channel experience and the need to embrace the changing expectation of customers as today’s key opportunities for innovative businesses.

The 2016 KBIS will be held Jan. 19-21, 2016 in Las Vegas. Future show dates are Jan. 10-12, 2017 and Jan. 9-11, 2018 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

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.