There’s something about Boise in spring – crisp air, creative energy, and a community that thrives when design meets innovation. This synergy was fully on display at the NKBA Big Sky and Mountain States Spring Meeting, where collaboration, education, and inspiration came together under one very stylish roof at the Renegade Hotel. And let me just say – if this event is a preview of what’s next for design and tech, the future’s not just bright – it’s glowing.
From the moment the doors opened, there was a palpable buzz. Industry professionals, thought leaders, and rising stars mingled in a space curated for connection. The vibe? Relaxed, purposeful, and positively electric. There’s a reason NKBA chapter events always feel like a family reunion – and this one was no exception. Or maybe it was the networking reception the night before, which offered attendees not only exceptional views from the rooftop bar but also delicious food, refreshing drinks, and time to get to know each other.
A Kickoff With Heart and Hustle
The meeting itself kicked off with warm welcomes from Scott Abel and Josh Stokoe of the NKBA Big Sky Chapter, and Rachel Hutchens, CMKBD, President of the Mountain States Chapter. Their passion for fostering community was contagious, setting the tone for a day rooted in genuine exchange and mutual support.
That Scott is the Communications Chair for the Big Sky Chapter and works for a tech integration firm is an important part of this story as it perfectly illustrates the benefit of design and tech community members working together more often to create a better understanding of what each brings to the collective table.
Data, Direction & a Dash of Bold
Kicking off the morning’s guest speaker sessions, Deb Webb, EVP of Operations & KBIS at NKBA delivered a power-packed session on market trends, client preferences, and what’s next for the ever-evolving K-B industry. With a deep dive into recent research and a recap of KBIS 2025 (spoiler alert: it was 🔥), Deb emphasized one trend that just won’t quit: customization. “It’s not just about pretty. It’s about purposeful,” she reminded us. Her insights on labor challenges also hit home – and her solution? Get involved, stay connected, and be the bridge between legacy and future.
Lighting That Feels Like Art
Enter David Weinstein, VP of Residential Sales at Lutron. Now, if you’ve ever questioned whether lighting could stir emotion – David will convince you otherwise in five seconds flat. His presentation on intelligent lighting wasn’t just informative – it was soulful. “Great lighting isn’t about brightness; it’s about how it makes you feel,” he said, echoing the sentiment that technology should elevate lifestyle, not complicate it. And honestly, isn’t that the dream?
Kitchens, Color & Real Talk
Tom Knotts, owner of Adalay Interiors and President of the NKBA Central Florida Chapter, brought a refreshing mix of tech and trends. His talk on cabinetry innovation, sustainable materials, and regional color preferences felt like a masterclass in modern kitchen design. But it was his reminder about our responsibility to educate the client that really stuck with the room: “We’re not just here to sell. We’re here to empower.” Can I get an amen?
Education With Intention
Kelly Buchsbaum closed the morning sessions with an overview of NKBA’s chapter programming and professional development tracks. Her passion for building the next generation of leaders and learners was crystal clear. And her enthusiasm for the specialty badge program was totally contagious.
Post-session, attendees dove into breakout CEUs that were equal parts deep-dive and hands-on: from 3D software to lighting for wellness, and universal design, luxury appliances, hardware, energy management and technology concealment, it was an all-you-can-learn buffet. Let’s just say no one left empty-headed.
More Than a Meeting
Between the guest speaker insights, CEUs and sponsor showcases, and the hallway hugs and high-fives, something bigger emerged in Boise – a collective reawakening to the power of collaboration. From boutique cabinetmakers to big-name brands, everyone shared the same takeaway: when we work together – across chapters, across disciplines, and across the table – we create better experiences for our clients and a stronger future for the design and technology industries.
“Collaboration across the residential design and installation stakeholder community is the key to creating the best and most innovative client experiences and elevating our overall value through these kinds of events,” said David Weinstein of Lutron. “The opportunity to spend quality time with the local design community and other innovative oriented manufacturers to educate, inspire, and deepen relationships with the NKBA members was outstanding.
It was also great to support technology integration pro Scott Abel of SAV Digital Environments and Premiere SAV and his efforts to successfully organize, lead, and emcee this Boise event. Industry associations like NKBA and CEDIA rely on volunteers like Scott to support local organizations and to contribute to their success. Scott and the entire SAV organization are great examples of integrators who are deeply committed to supporting the needs of the local specification and design community. Overall, it was a very worthwhile event, and we are pleased that we could contribute.”
Final Thought: This is Just the Beginning
So, was it worth the trip to Boise? Absolutely. But more than that, this event felt like a marker of something bigger – a shift toward deeper partnerships, smarter design, and a more inclusive, tech-integrated future.
If we can carry the spirit of this meeting – the openness, the creativity, the let’s-do-this energy –into every project, partnership, and presentation moving forward, then buckle up. The best is yet to come.
