KBISNeXT Stage brings new programming to KBIS Virtual
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HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. -- The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show for kitchen and bath design professionals has announced the lineup for the NKBA presents KBISNeXT Stage during KBIS Virtual February 9-12.

“This last year has reshaped the conversations we have about the home and more specifically, the kitchen and bath. No longer just a retreat from the outside world, these spaces are the center of our day-to-day lives,” said Suzie Williford, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer of the National Kitchen & Bath Association, which owns KBIS. “This year’s KBIS NeXT Stage topics and guest panelists tackle the new design challenges and discussions affecting every facet of the industry that have been brought to the forefront.”

On the schedule for the 2021 virtual experience are daily panels, interviews and awards programs. The following is a preview of the sessions on the KBISNeXT Stage:

Events

DesignBites -- New host Darren Keefe welcomes 10 of the most innovative kitchen and bath brands to DesignBites in this rapid-fire introduction of the industry’s newest product launches.

Panels

Design Eye: Up Close with Bobby Berk -- Bobby Berk’s rise to fame as the design guru on the Netflix series Queer Eye was anything but an overnight success. Hear about his strategic journey and approach to his successful design career in this special one-on-one interview with one of the design industry’s brightest stars, hosted by fellow designer and friend Kelli Ellis. Sponsored by: Wellborn.

The Crystal Ball: Predicting the Unpredictable for 2021 -- Find the opportunity in unpredictable circumstances. What insight has 2020 provided for the design community and manufacturers? Join the discussion about how we leverage our learning, continue innovating and take design from reactive to timeless. Sponsored by Kohler.

The New Frontier: Technology Takes Its Place -- Technology is an integral part of not only kitchen, but whole home design. Join them for forward thinking trends and must haves for future design. Sponsored by: GE Profile.

The Happiness Equation - How "well" are your designs?  -- Building positivity into our spaces from the ground up. Wellness in design is hard to measure but emphasizing happiness is a must for healthy living. Join them for the next step in the wellness conversation. Sponsored by: Elkay.

The Rise of Outdoor Kitchens: Profit from the Outside -- Outdoor spaces have become more important than ever with many consumers diverting funds away from travel and entertainment to invest in outdoor projects. Leading outdoor living experts will share their perspectives on design considerations for expanding outdoor living spaces, exploring how the use and design of outdoor kitchens is evolving, new opportunities for appliances, the importance of durable surfaces and more. Sponsored by: Cosentino

Awards programs include the Best of KBIS, which recognizes those brands and product design teams that are going above and beyond to design new innovations that have a profound impact on the industry. The NKBA Thirty Under 30 Class of 2021 takes to the virtual show floor to award their top finds in sustainability, outdoor living, smart home integration, universal design/living in place, health and wellness and creative use of color.

The NKBA and Renovation Angel, a 501 c(3) non-profit and the nation’s premier kitchen, bath and furniture recycler, will recognize the work done by design professionals nationwide who have made the commitment to be responsible renovators.

Go to KBISConnect for updates on timing and dates for all KBISNeXT Stage panels and presentations.

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About the author
Karl Forth

Karl D. Forth is online editor for CCI Media. He also writes news and feature stories in FDMC Magazine, in addition to newsletters and custom publishing projects. He is also involved in event organization, and compiles the annual FDM 300 list of industry leaders. He can be reached at [email protected].