KBB - February/March 2015 - 8

SHOW DIRECTOR'S NOTE

What I Took Away from KBIS
...Hopefully You Did As Well
Over the last few weeks since returning from KBIS, I have spent a lot of
time talking with our association partners, exhibitors and attendees about
everything KBIS. I especially enjoy hearing the individual stories about running into old friends, making new ones or seeing that great new product
for the very ﬁrst time. It's that passion people use to describe their experience in such great detail that makes our job in producing the event such
a pleasure. For that, we thank you for allowing us to be a part of your week.
As we begin to press forward with our planning for next year, there are
some things we should all take away from KBIS 2015.
Tech in the Home. Throughout the show ﬂoor there was an increased
emphasis on the inclusion of technology and innovation in the home; creating for an easier and - in many cases - a more efﬁcient user experience.
Everything from super-efﬁcient plumbing products to remote lighting solutions to smart ovens and wireless charging solutions on kitchen surfaces
was featured. The connected home will only continue to become even
more connected in the coming years.
Customization. Top manufacturers have made it easier for the consumer to use materials and ﬁnishes that are both ﬂexible and completely
unique to their project. Everything from color-match products to adjustable storage solutions - you now have the ability to use custom ﬁnishes
throughout a project.
Our Industry Has a Very Bright Future. There are so many very passionate and incredibly talented professionals in our industry today. For those
who have been around a while, this is no surprise. What was very refreshing,
however, is the youth movement in our industry. All you need to do is look
at the roster for the NKBA 30 under 30 program or the group of students
responsible for the Virginia Tech FutureHaus to see all of the young professionals who are the future of kitchen and bath design.
Social Engagement. In my opinion, this was at an all-time high. Of
course most key brands have a very active presence on the major social
platforms, but what was truly impressive has been the chatter before, during
and after the show. Exhibitors, attendees, bloggers and press are all actively
driving the conversation online. I would invite you to stay involved throughout the year on all of our social platforms. Go to kbis.com to learn more.
I hope that if you attended KBIS, we were able to deliver on our promise of a Bigger. Bolder. Better. event experience. In fact, you should have
received a survey asking for your feedback. I hope you will take a few
minutes and tell us how we did. We, along with our partners at NKBA, value
your comments we can use to improve the show. So please let us know
what you think. n

Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) 2016
January 19-21, 2016
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
www.kbis.com
1145 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 355
Alpharetta, GA 30009

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
Joe Randall
joe.randall@emeraldexpo.com
VP KITCHEN AND BATH GROUP
Brian Pagel
(770) 291-5438
brian.pagel@emeraldexpo.com
SALES MANAGER
Amy Hornby
(770) 291-5434
april.hayslip@emeraldexpo.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Maria Hill
(770) 291-5419
maria.hill@emeraldexpo.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Diana Gallagher
(770) 291-5436
diana.gallagher@emeraldexpo.com
MARKETING MANAGER
Rebecca Corbett
(770) 597-8166
rebecca.corbett@emeraldexpo.com
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Lane Vento, CMP
(770) 291-5538
lane.vento@emeraldexpo.com

President
Maria Stapperfenne, CKD, CBD
President-Elect
Mark Kovich
Vice President
Denise Dick, CMKBD
Treasurer
Lorenzo Marquez
Secretary
Blue Arnold, CKD, CBD
Immediate Past President
John Petrie, CMKBD
Chief Executive Ofﬁcer
Bill Darcy
Senior Director of Finance
Stephen Graziano
General Counsel and Director of Legislative Affairs
Edward S. Nagorsky
Director of Governance and International Initiatives
Suzie Williford

Brian Pagel
Vice President, Kitchen and Bath Group
brian.pagel@emeraldexpo.com

+
K BB

February/March 2015 / www.kbbonline.com / The Ofﬁcial Sponsor of KBIS www.kbis.com

Director of Learning
Nancy Barnes
Director of Marketing
Loren Barrows

http://www.kbis.com http://www.kbis.com http://www.kbis.com http://www.kbbonline.com http://www.kbis.com

KBB - February/March 2015

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