The 2018 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the destination for kitchen and bath design professionals, announced its schedule of programs and events set for the NKBA presents KBISNeXT Stage sponsored by HomeAdvisor. The KBISNeXT Stage will host design experts, celebrity hosts and young professionals, all sharing insights into the industry’s need-to-know topics to educate, inspire and connect members of the kitchen and bath industry. Programming takes place over all three days of KBIS, Jan. 9-11, in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center.
Day One: Jan. 9, 2018
Fire and Ice: Nancy Fire and Vanilla Ice Talk Trends, Taboos, and Talent: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Nancy Fire, founder and design director, Design Works Intl and HGTV Home, gives a sneak peek into 2019 design trends and throws questions at Vanilla Ice, rock star home improvement expert about design – what’s smart, what isn’t and how he approaches kitchen, bath and outdoor living design challenges. A short meet-and-greet will take place immediately following the discussion. The audience will be invited to participate in a Q&A session with Nancy and Ice.
DesignBites, Kitchen Day: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
DesignBites gives exhibitors the opportunity to “speed date” with industry VIPs, introducing each brand’s most innovative new products. A total of 14 exhibitors over two days will be selected to conduct a three-minute presentation followed by a two-minute question and answer session. Jeff Devlin, host of DIY Network’s “Stone House Revival” and HGTV’s “Ellen’s Design Challenge,” will host day one and get the crowd of industry VIPs and media energized to see the newest kitchen innovations of 2018.
Secrets of Smart (Tech) Remodeling: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
This panel will discuss ways in which the mass-market adoption of smart home technology is impacting home remodeling, with a focus on kitchen and bath remodeling projects. Dan DiClerico, home expert and smart home strategist at HomeAdvisor, will lead a panel of experts from the installation, design and manufacturing sides of the smart home industry. Among the questions they’ll consider include:
- What smart home technologies are consumers most interested in now, and what are the hottest trends coming down the pike?
- How can designers and home technology professionals collaborate effectively?
- What are some strategies for upselling smart technology on a remodel?
- What are the pitfalls to avoid when integrating smart technology into a remodeling project?
Innovative Showroom Awards Panel and Ceremony: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Innovative Showroom Awards celebrate existing showrooms in the kitchen and bath space that are doing an outstanding job of engagement, creating an unforgettable experience and educating customers. The program, sponsored by American Standard, DXV and GROHE – the brands that comprise LIXIL Water Technology Americas – culminates with the awards ceremony announcing the 2018 winners. Recipients are selected by the Innovative Showroom Awards advisor board, a group of six leaders from various industries and design backgrounds, who firmly believe in the importance of the showroom experience to the kitchen and bath industry.
Day Two: Jan. 10, 2018
The Globalization of Kitchen Design: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
How does globalization affect the future of kitchen design? As business is rapidly operating on an international scale and looking beyond borders to develop new markets, what areas of the world will see the most change as future trends come to fruition? Join our international panel as we explore differences, similarities and how the kitchen will play a role in social development and change. An important, forward-thinking discussion for those looking to buy/sell/design internationally. Moderator: Veronika Miller, CEO, Modenus Media
The Good Home: 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
How to integrate wellness and environmental solutions into a home from the ground up. Examples for this can be anything from fitness to work spaces, ergonomic kitchens and baths, kitchens that support recycling and healthy living. Panelists will include an expert who can speak to relevant research in those areas plus a designer, manufacturer and/or product designers. Moderator: Veronika Miller, CEO, Modenus Media
DesignBites, Bath Day: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
DesignBites returns for day two of KBIS with Kevin O’Connor, host of “This Old House” and “Ask This Old House.” O’Connor will host seven participating bath brands as they introduce their 2017 innovations. Participating brands will be announced in late fall 2017.
NKBA Thirty Under 30 Presentations: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The NKBA is adding a fun element to this year’s proceedings. Prior to KBIS 2018, the newly inducted Thirty Under 30 honorees will be assigned into six groups of five, with each team collaborating on a “Product of the Future.” Teams will present their creations on the KBISNeXT stage on Jan. 10 at 2:00 p.m. These are sure to be eye-opening presentations showcasing what these rising young professionals view as important developments in the space, what’s missing and what can be improved.
Best of KBIS Awards: 3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
As the kitchen and bath industry’s most prestigious awards, the Best of KBIS awards recognize the most innovative new products of the year that debut at the show. Meredith Corporation magazine brands Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, Traditional Home and Dream Kitchens & Baths will once again sponsor the Best of KBIS awards. The process of selecting each year’s winners is done by a board of industry expert judges, with awards presented on day two of KBIS.
Day Three: Jan. 11, 2018
Designing Kitchens and Baths for Airbnb’s: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Ever have a client ask about redesigning or remodeling their principal residence specifically to rent as an Airbnb but also to still use as their principal residence? Baby boomers are finding the market less than desirable to sell their primary residences, while millennials are looking for flexibility while also trying to find ways to buy and keep a primary residence. The solution: redesign their homes to be easily transformed into income-generating property at the flick of a switch or turn of a lock. Hear from designers who have discovered a unique niche – remodeling and designing principle residences – with an emphasis on the most heavily used spaces – the kitchens and baths – specifically for short- and long-term renting, while also keeping the integrity of the property intact. Moderator: Jaime Derringer, Founder, Design Milk
K+B Design for Alzheimer’s: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Designing for a household where someone has dementia can be easier when you know the solutions to solve their day-to-day frustrations. Design and specific products can reduce stress and increase the likelihood of staying at home longer. We’ll talk about the colors, materials, products and innovations that can truly help your clients as they navigate the progression of Alzheimer’s. Moderator: Theresa Clement, Co-host of MyFixItUpLife, Licensed Contractor, Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, Certified Color Consultant and Designer
“We’re looking forward to the outstanding line up of stage programming at KBIS 2018, including our NKBA Thirty Under 30 program, which has been given a fresh look for 2018,” said Suzie Williford, vice president of industry relations for the National Kitchen & Bath Association, which owns KBIS.
“We’re taking the KBISNeXT Stage to the next level in 2018. Attendees will be welcomed by a more modern, energized stage area that will serve as a perfect backdrop to our many inspiring panel discussions and events,” said Brian Pagel, senior vice president, Emerald Expositions. “We’re proud to have such a tremendous partner in HomeAdvisor, our KBISNeXT Stage sponsor for the second year in a row, as we work together to bring these programs to life at KBIS.”
