NEW ORLEANS - KBIS, the largest U.S. event devoted to kitchen and bath products and industry trade professionals, recently wrapped up an exciting event at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Attracting more than 20,000 professional registrations, 400 exhibitors and over 250 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. I'm thrilled to have been a part of such an energetic and inspiring event," said John Morgan, 2013 National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) President. "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% of show attendees represented the designer, dealer, and builder/remodeler audiences, and 30% of total registrants touted membership in the National Kitchen & Bath Association. 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.

More than just an exhibition of new products, 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 healthy conference attendance. With happenings on and off the show floor, most notably NKBA 50th anniversary celebrations, KBIS took over New Orleans for an energizing, engaging and action-packed three days.

"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 a successful 2013 event, KBIS makes a bold move forward 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 over 70,000 professionals, KBIS is already more than 85% sold for the show.

NKBA Conference Program

This year's vastly expanded conference program significantly enhanced the return on investment for both attendees and exhibitors. "Voices from the Industry" attracted an average of 30 participants per session during the first two days of the show, with some reaching standing-room-only at more than 70 attendees.

In addition, nine new courses providing more in-depth training attracted nearly sell-out crowds on universally relevant subjects such as "Google AdWords — An Introduction to Search Marketing," and "Recruiting & Hiring for Success."

"Our goal was to enhance learning opportunities at KBIS that infuse every business in our industry with fresh ideas and inspiration," said Nancy Barnes, NKBA director of learning. To learn more about the expanded NKBA Conference Program, please click here.

Opening Keynote

Gary Vaynerchuk, New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author, as well as a self-trained wine and social media expert, presented "The Thank You Economy" in the La Nouvelle Ballroom to open the show Friday, April 19 to a packed house. Vaynerchuk inspired everyone in the room to discover new opportunities for success in the current era of social media. He successfully illustrated how authenticity, originality, honesty and good intent – powered by the Internet and social media – are competitive advantages for small businesses. His energetic presentation left the audience revved up and ready to open the show.

Best of KBIS

This year continued the tradition of the Best of KBIS Awards, with more than 30 manufacturers submitting products for consideration. The Winners for Best of KBIS can be found by clicking here.

KBIS Design Studios

Eight well regarded design professionals were selected to interpret various spaces for a range of generational lifestyles featured in the KBIS Design Studios. Each designer brought their own personal design style, love of products and brands and functional considerations to life using an advanced technology platform, allowing them to interact with their clients in more engaging ways. To learn more about the technology and KBIS Design Studios, please click here.

30 Under 30

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) launched its first ever 30 Under 30 program at KBIS 2013. The 30 carefully selected individuals under the age of 30 made its debut in the NKBA booth on Center Stage. The group spent time exploring innovations, trends and making new connections on the show floor. The show closed with the 30 Under 30 Group returning to the NKBA Center Stage to share the results of their explorations and answered questions from the audience.

Multimedia Stage

Show attendees stopped by the Multimedia Stage to see presentations on Luxury Bathroom Trends, Outdoor Kitchen Design, new platforms like TDN (The Design Network) and watch MyFixItUpLife LIVE as they interviewed design celebs such as Jeff Devlin, Host, DIY Network and contractors Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri, Hosts, Cousins on Call, who stormed the stage for a surprise appearance.

Looking Forward: Design and Construction Week 2014

There was a bit of Vegas on the KBIS 2013 show floor. At one point on Saturday, April 20, John Morgan, President, NKBA, paraded through the aisles along with four Las Vegas Show Girls, handing out Design and Construction Week 2014 beads. Next year, KBIS will co-locate with the International Builders' Show (IBS), in Las Vegas for Design and Construction Week. At this point, KBIS 2014 is 85% sold out, retaining a majority of existing exhibitors and welcoming new exhibitors such as Ronbow, Masterbrand Cabinets, Betch and more.

"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."

About KBIS

KBIS, in conjunction with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) is an inspiring, interactive platform that showcases the latest industry products, trends and technologies. KBIS is the voice of the kitchen and bath industry and has been for 50 years.

Early in 2013, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) announced an agreement to co-locate the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) with the International Builders' Show (IBS) in Las Vegas, Nevada beginning in February 2014 under the banner of "Design and Construction Week." The new mega-event will be held Feb. 4-6, 2014, in Las Vegas with each show occupying a separate hall. Kitchen and bath brands that have participated in both shows can choose to exhibit in the KBIS or IBS hall. One pass will provide access to both exhibits. NKBA and NAHB will continue to produce separate educational programming and special events.

For the latest news and announcements visit www.KBIS.com, follow KBIS on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KitchenBathIndustryShow and on Twitter at @KBIS2014

About the National Kitchen & Bath Association

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade association with over 50,000 members that has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry for 50 years. NKBA.org provides consumers with an inspiration gallery of award-winning kitchen and bath designs, as well as articles, tips, and an extensive glossary of remodeling terms. At NKBA.org, consumers can also find certified kitchen and bath professionals in their areas, submit questions to NKBA experts, and download the free NKBA Kitchen Planner and NKBA Bath Planner. To learn more, visit the NKBA Press Room at www.NKBA.org.

About Nielsen Expositions

KBIS is managed by Nielsen Expositions, a leading trade show producer. For more information, please visit www.nielsen.com.

Source: KBIS