The National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Global Connect business development program will bring more new-to-North America products and services to KBIS than ever before. Additionally, through this program, North American exhibitors will be invited to connect with Global Connect Strategic Alliance Partners, international media and other global industry professionals interested in learning more about the North American kitchen and bath market.
“The Global Connect program is making its mark,” said Heather Shannon, senior vice president, strategic growth, NKBA|KBIS. “This business development program is bringing our industry closer together, providing richer opportunities for the entire value chain – from manufacturers to designers. Showrooms and dealers are exposed to a broader selection of product lines and solutions, design and construction professionals are learning about new approaches to design challenges, and manufacturers are collaborating on technology. This is how the industry is growing, and KBIS is the platform where it all comes together.”
The NKBA Global Connect International Hub
This activation at KBIS, anchored by the Global Connect Lounge and kiosks, will be in the South Hall. Three days of programming in the lounge will include International Brand Spotlight presentations, international cocktail and breakfast events and roundtable luncheons. Ten Global Connect kiosks are slated to feature international product and service providers interested in finding North American business partners. International pavilions, including the Brazilian Stone Exporters Association, the German Modern Kitchen Association and the UK-based Bathroom Manufacturers Association, will bring thousands of square feet of international kitchen and bath products and designs to the show.
The Global Connect Design Trail
More than 75 Global Connect member companies will participate in several ways at KBIS. In addition to those who are part of the international country pavilions, more than 40 Global Connect members will exhibit independently throughout the show. All, as well as the kiosk participants, will be highlighted on a “Global Connect Design Trail,” found on KBIS.com, KBIS Directory and NKBA.org.
Membership in the NKBA Global Connect program includes access to a team of expert advisors who can guide companies as they explore the North American market. Pictured is the 2024 Global Connect Lounge, where Veronika Miller of Designhounds and Modenus Media led a panel discussion in the South Hall. Photo credit: PWP Studios
International Delegation Program
All international guests visiting KBIS are invited to register to participate in the International Delegation Program. This VIP package offers new-to-KBIS and returning international attendees and exhibitors the opportunity to network, meet with Global Connect Advisors and connect personally with NKBA Leadership. The program includes a Welcome Orientation Cocktail Event; tickets and preferred seating at the NKBA Design + Industry Awards, the Opening Night Party and Opening Ceremonies; and tickets to the NKBA BASH, NKBA Leadership Roundtable and Global Connect Lounge programming. For more information and to register contact [email protected].
NKBA Global Connect Strategic Alliance Partner Forum
Global Connect Strategic Alliance Partners include the German Modern Kitchen Association, the German Furniture Association, the British Bathroom Manufacturers Association, the British Institute of Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Installations, Lyrical Communications/InstallerSHOW, NKBA, the European Association for Taps and Valves Industry, Spain Manufacturers of Bathroom, Sanitation and Ventilation Equipment, the Spanish Association of Kitchen Manufacturers, Spain Bathroom Manufacturers Association, Spanish Federation of Bathroom Manufacturers, the Brazilian Natural Stone Exporters Association, the International Exposition of Accessories, Components and Semi-finished Products for the International Furniture Industries, Ukraine LVIV Furniture Cluster and the Italian Taps and Valves sector of ANIMA Confindustria. These partners will convene at KBIS sharing plans and programs for the coming year. NKBA head of market research, Tricia Zach, and Bill Darcy, global CEO and president, NKBA, will share economic updates on the North American residential design and construction market.
North American buyers may learn about international brands and partners at the NKBA Global Connect International Hub. Photo credit: PWP Studios
International Media Tour
NKBA Global Connect will host 10 international journalists at KBIS, introducing them to North American design and market trends, NKBA, Global Connect and KBIS show activations. They will participate in select Delegation Program activities and will be included in a curated tour of KBIS exhibitors. Journalists from Italy, Spain, the UK, Germany and Brazil plan to attend.
Global Connect Program
The Global Connect program offers important benefits to international companies that want to explore ways to break into the North American market. Included in the core membership, which is $3,200 annually, is access to NKBA|KBIS’ extensive market research covering key topics from overall and category-specific design trends to economic data, market outlooks, quarterly reports on the current state of the industry and much more.
Members also may access an array of expert consultants through the team of Global Connect advisors on design, distribution, compliance, finance, business strategy and more, as well as a Business Development Roadmap to define high-level considerations for doing business in the North American K&B industry. Joining the program also includes the Business Development Kickstarter plan, which assesses business goals, provides a roadmap for development and offers an annual business development review.
Members receive the NKBA|KBIS discount to participate at KBIS and join the NKBA|KBIS Delegation Program. For information on how to join Global Connect and explore building a business in North America, visit the NKBA website and click on Global Connect or nkba.org/global-connect-landing.
