The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) recently wrapped up its 2013 event and conference at the Ernest N. Morial convention center in New Orleans. Attracting more than 20,000 professional registrations, 400 exhibitors and more than 250 members of the media, the event reflected the overall improvement in the housing and remodeling markets.
“There is no question that KBIS is one of the best business investments for each and every segment of the kitchen and bath industry,” said John Morgan, 2013 National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) president. “I’m thrilled to have been a part of such an energetic and inspiring event. The exhibits, the new learning opportunities and the added attractions hit just the right notes to motivate everyone who joined us at KBIS.”
Approximately 45 percent of show attendees represented the designer, dealer and builder/remodeler audiences, and 30 percent of total registrants were members of the NKBA. The audience included a large percentage of small business owners, CEOs and presidents seeking the relationships they need to grow their businesses. Guests hailed from five continents with the strongest attendance from North America.
KBIS 2013 featured industry insights, educational programming, product innovation, cutting-edge technology, exciting events and forward-thinking design. An expanded NKBA conference experienced standing-room only sessions, with robust conference attendance.
“Feedback from our exhibitors was extremely positive,” said Jim Scott, managing director. “Many brought new products, new displays and new ideas to New Orleans, as well as hosting in-booth events and learning sessions, which added to the overall energy on the floor.” Coming off of a successful 2013 event, KBIS makes a change next year with Design and Construction Week. For the first time, KBIS and the International Builders’ Show will co-locate in Las Vegas February 4-6, 2014. Expected to draw more than 70,000 professionals, KBIS is already more than 85 percent sold for the show.
“We’re thrilled with the excitement, energy and enthusiasm coming out of KBIS 2013,” said Bill Darcy, CEO, NKBA. “Interest in the 2014 event, coupled with the new Design & Construction Week platform, is tremendously exciting. Audience engagement is the strongest it’s been in a number of years. We look forward to continuing the momentum through our KBIS platforms like KBIS 365 and kbis.com leading into an outstanding event in Las Vegas.”
