What Not to Miss at KBIS 2026
With KBIS 2026 quickly approaching, anticipation is building for what promises to be one of the most expansive and design-forward shows in recent years. Set for Feb.17–19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, the event will welcome more than 600 exhibitors across two major halls as part of Design & Construction Week. In a recent episode of the KBB From the Tap podcast, KBIS Show Director Jason McGraw joined KBB Executive Editor Chelsie Butler to preview what attendees should prioritize and why thoughtful planning will be essential to making the most of the three-day event.
Insightful Programming
One of the biggest draws this year is all-new programming, anchored by the NEXTStage located in the South Hall. Designed as a hub for forward-thinking conversations, the stage will spotlight emerging ideas and timely industry shifts across tracks including Whole Home, Business & Buzz, Technology and Wellness and Sustainability. Audience interaction is built into every session, offering attendees the chance to engage directly with the topics shaping the future of kitchen and bath design.
Exhibitor Focus
Alongside established, trusted brands, the show will feature a growing roster of international participants, including dedicated country pavilions, reinforcing KBIS’s role as a truly global marketplace. The overall tone of the show is also shifting, with McGraw noting an increasing emphasis on luxury, elevated booth design and high-end product introductions across categories ranging from appliances and plumbing to surfaces, cabinetry and vanities.
The sheer scale of the show remains a defining feature. With KBIS and the International Builders’ Show spread across two buildings, attendees can expect to log serious mileage on the show floor. McGraw and Butler emphasize that navigating the show efficiently – whether by dedicating full days to individual halls or strategically mapping must-see exhibitors in advance – can make a meaningful difference in both comfort and productivity.
Making Connections
For many attendees, KBIS is as much about discovery as it is about connection. From serendipitous aisle encounters with new brands to moments of pause in thoughtfully designed lounges, the experience offers space to recharge while staying immersed in innovation. As Butler notes, stepping away from day-to-day routines to engage face-to-face with the people, products and ideas shaping the industry is what makes KBIS a must-attend event year after year.
To hear more about what not to miss at KBIS 2026 and how to prepare for a successful show, tune in to the full KBB From the Tap podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora and other outlets.
