NKBA’s highly regarded Voices From the Industry Conference 2026 at KBIS is among the can’t-miss events during the annual three-day expo, Feb. 17-19 in Orlando. This professional development series offers compelling sessions that will build awareness and skills in seven learning tracks. New for 2026, “Wine & Design” panel discussions at the end of each day’s sessions cover engaging topics with light bites and beverages served. The VFTI conference is generously sponsored by Fabuwood.
Subject-matter experts will share their expertise in categories including Building & Remodeling, Leadership & Management, Design, Kitchen & Bath Trends, Marketing, Sustainability and Technology. KBIS attendees may purchase a package including an Expo Pass and a VFTI Pass for all on-site presentations, plus unlimited access to on-demand sessions throughout 2026. Topics include learning about the daunting new world of AI and social media marketing;integrating technology, universal design and sustainability into projects; client management, hiring strategies; and design tips. All sessions are CEU-qualified, earning 0.1 CEU credit for each hour of instruction, either on-site or on-demand.
Wine & Design events will take place daily from 3 to 4 pm, with experts exploring topics in a relaxed social setting. These events are free and open to VFTI attendees, but advance registration is required, as space is limited.
Down to the Session Details
On Tuesday, hear about disaster recovery and preparedness during “From Ruin to Renewal: The Role of Design After Disaster,” with speakers Louie Delaware, president and owner of The Living in Place Institute; Brian Gee, head of strategy and research at Simon/Myers; and Stacy McCarthy, CMKBD, president of Stacy McCarthy Design. This session examines how destruction can open doors for innovation, from designing homes that support recovery and independence to incorporating universal features for long-term living. Attendees will gain insight into the challenges of rebuilding after natural disasters, key design strategies for safety and adaptability and the importance of creating spaces that foster comfort, dignity and preparedness for the future.
On Wednesday, Elizabeth Lord-Levitt, CMKBD, founder of Built4Design Residential Academy, will moderate a panel with Jim Gurulé, founder and president of Bay West Sales & Innovation; Catherine Deutschlander, CKBD, owner/founder/designer at CW Design; and Janet Engel, VP of clinical strategy and engagement at DwellSafe. They’ll discuss “Inclusive by Design: Creating Spaces for Diverse Needs and Life Stages.” Panelists will share how they create environments that celebrate accessibility and diverse needs and explore best practices for designing spaces that meet clients’ unique needs, including sensory considerations, mobility challenges and life-stage transitions. They’ll highlight the obstacles and successes that shape truly inclusive design.
On Thursday, learn about “The Wellness Blueprint: Spaces that Nurture Body, Mind, and Spirit.” Paula Kennedy, CMKBD, founder and designer of Timeless Kitchen Design, leads a discussion with Ana Cristina Arroyo, specifications representative for Wilsonart; Sandra Diaz Velasco, architect and designer at EOLO A&I Design; and Cindy Aplanalp-Ruzika, founder and principal designer of Chairma Design Group and Löyly Sauna Lounge. This session explores how intentional design can transform everyday environments into spaces of healing, connection and emotional alignment. Attendees will learn how color, texture and material choices affect perception and behavior, how biophilic and sensory principles support physical and emotional recovery and how cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence can guide truly personalized design.
For more VFTI details, the schedule and to register, visit kbis.com/conference/voices-from-the-industry-conference.
