ALPHARETTA, Ga. - The 2018 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) has announced its schedule of programs and events set for the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) presents KBISNeXT Stage sponsored by HomeAdvisor. The 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 will take place over all three days of KBIS, January 9-11 in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center.

 

“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.”

 

 

Fire and Ice: Nancy Fire and Vanilla Ice Talk Trends, Taboos, and Talent: 10:30am – 11:00am

 

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: 12:00pm – 1:00pm

 

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: 1:30pm – 2:30pm

 

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.

 

Innovative Showroom Awards Panel and Ceremony: 3:30pm – 4:30pm

 

The Innovative Showroom Awards celebrate existing showrooms in the kitchen and bath space that are doing an outstanding job of engagement. 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.

 

 

The Globalization of Kitchen Design: 9:30am – 10:30am

 

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? This international panel will explore differences, similarities, and how the kitchen will play a role in social development and change.

 

The Good Home: 10:45am – 11:45am

 

This discussion will reveal how to integrate wellness and environmental solutions into a home which can include 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. 

 

DesignBites, Bath Day: 12:00pm – 1:00pm

 

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.

 

NKBA ThirtyUnder30 Presentations: 2:00pm – 3:00pm

 

New to this year’s proceedings, newly inducted ThirtyUnder30 honorees will be assigned into six groups of five prior to the event, and each team will collaborate on a “Product of the Future.” Teams will present their creations on the KBISNeXT stage which 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: 3:15pm – 3:30pm

 

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 awards.

 

 

Designing Kitchens and Baths for Airbnb’s: 10:00am – 11:00am

 

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? Hear from designers who have discovered a unique niche - remodeling and designing principle residences - with an emphasis on the most heavily used spaces - the kitchen and baths - specifically for short- and long-term renting - while also keeping the integrity of the property intact.

 

K+B Design for Alzheimer's: 11:15am – 12:15pm

 

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. Colors, materials, products, and innovations that can truly help your clients as they navigate the progression of Alzheimer’s will be discussed.

 

A full rate schedule for registration is available on the Attendee Pricing page. To register as an attendee, visit the Registration Portal.