VFTI to Offer Focused Education at KBIS 2026
By Dianne M. Pogoda, NKBA
Build your business. Tweak your marketing. Enhance your leadership skills. Catch up with emerging design, tech and trends. It’s all part of the learning experience at KBIS, which not only provides access to new products and technology but also the opportunity to learn and grow professionally while networking with peers and tapping the resources of subject matter experts.
Above photo: Caption: Two new learning tracks, Sustainability and Technology, have been added to the
Voices From the Industry Conference at KBIS 2026 in February. Photo credit: PWP Studio
NKBA’s venerable Voices from the Industry Conference at KBIS 2026, from Feb. 17 to 19, promises an efficient and streamlined experience with fresh new topics and sessions, as well as returning favorites. The next edition features seven course tracks: Building & Remodeling, Leadership & Management, Design, K&B Trends, Marketing and two new categories: Technology and Sustainability.
“We recognize that as the industry evolves, our focus on educational subjects must evolve with it,” said Kelly Ann Ryan, learning programs manager for NKBA. “VFTI sessions deliver real-world insights with immediate value. We assessed reviews and feedback from attendees and have improved our offerings to be more in sync with what they want to learn about, keeping the topics relevant to what’s happening across the industry.”
KBIS attendees may purchase a package that includes the Expo pass and a conference pass for all on-site VFTI presentations, as well as unlimited access to select on-demand sessions throughout 2026. All sessions are CEU-qualified – 0.1 CEU for the one-hour sessions and 0.15 CEUs for the 90-minute workshops.
Each presentation is carefully selected for its relevance to the industry, originality, practical application and dynamic approach to content delivery, offering attendees an engaging and actionable learning experience.
“VFTI recognizes the unique value and energy that comes from live, in-person learning experiences,” added Ryan. “To support both presenters and attendees in making the most of this dynamic forum, the 2026 conference will place a stronger emphasis on its live programming. While VFTI will scale back its on-demand virtual offerings, a curated selection of sessions will be available for on-demand viewing following the event.”
New for 2026
In addition to its most popular tracks, the VFTI conference has introduced two significant learning categories: technology and sustainability. Sessions in these areas will focus on AI as a tool and a timesaver, integrating tech-enhanced environments and green building and practical solutions for integrating sustainable design.
A new feature of the conference will be a Wine & Design event at the end of each day. All VFTI registrants are invited to attend these educational and interactive presentations, held from 3:00 to 4:00 pm in the VFTI conference area at the Orange County Convention Center. VFTI registrants will be asked to reserve their attendance in advance, as space at the Wine & Design events is limited. These sessions provide an opportunity to network in a relaxed atmosphere centered around learning.
KBIS attendees may purchase a VFTI package when registering for the show, and discounts are available for early registration and for NKBA members. Visit KBIS.com to see pricing options and register for the conference.
