In keeping with the thought provoking, inspired “on floor” programming of the newly launched KBISNeXT area at the 2015 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the KBISNeXT™ Tech Bar will be the destination to explore the digital nuts and bolts of tech topics that matter to the design community. The lounge-like setting of the KBISNeXTTM Tech Bar, sponsored by Consumer Reports, will offer KBIS attendees the opportunity to “re-charge” physically and talk tech while charging up their mobile devices. Subject matter hosts will lead discussions on the hottest tech topics in the kitchen and bath industry through one-on-one chats or small group interactions.

“The Tech Bar will offer programming directed to social media influencers across the design community, and serve as a hub for conversation around technology in the home,” said Brian Pagel, VP Kitchen and Bath Group, Emerald Expositions. “We’re also happy to have our friends from Consumer Reports not only sponsoring the Tech Bar, but Senior Editorial Staff will also be involved in the discussions each day at 3:15PM and will share their best finds from the show floor.”

In addition to charging stations, several laptops will be available for attendee use and for hosts to offer demonstrations. Whiteboards will be positioned around the lounge for group discussion.

A list of topics and hosts, by day, includes:

Tuesday, January 20:

Getting Published – Leslie Carothers, Social Media Brand Strategist and CEO of The Kaleidoscope Partnership, will teach attendees how to draw more attention for design projects.

3 Steps to Maximize Your Exposure on Houzz – Deepa Mungara of digital platform, Houzz, takes a step-by-step approach of making the most of listings on Houzz.com.

Email Marketing – Tim Clark, Director of Communications – ImproveIt! 360, will show how to start, how to maintain and how to get results you want in email marketing efforts.

Tips and Tricks with SketchUp – Eric Schimelpfenig, founder of SketchThis.net, will present tips and tricks to using one of the design industry’s most-used programs, Sketch Up. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask Eric about 3D Printing in the design industry.

Energy Efficiency in the Home – Dan DiClerico, Senior Editor from Consumer Reports, will lead the discussion on this vital topic.

Social 101 – The KBIS Social Media Team takes you through the basics of social media and answers questions on getting brand recognition.

Wednesday, January 21:

Original Content – You’ve decided to start a blog – now how do you develop content for it and your social spaces? Brandon Smith, Principal Editor of DCoopMedia digital publication will share insights and experience.

Making The Most of Your Digital Marketing With SEO – Digital Expert, author, speaker, and CEO of Stone Temple Consulting Eric Enge, will cover how to connect the dots from social platforms to a website and blog, create meaningful links; and provide tips for effective content marketing.

Taking Your Blog To The Next Level – Ronique Gibson, Associate Architect and author of popular home lifestyle blog, Stagetecture, shares her personal insights and proven tips. Using WordPress – How can you maximize your WordPress site and/or blog for business use? The Interior Design Community’s Ross Dunn, CEO of StepForth Web Marketing Inc., will share his must-do tips for success.

Debunking The Myths With G+ –Laurie Laizure, founder of the Interior Design Community, shares how she made the platform work for her and how you can, too.

E-Design – Sarah Daniele, member of the Interior Design Community and co-founder of Mydoma Studio Inc. provides insight into the new world of e-design.

The Automated Home – Take a tour of the technologies, gadgets and design practices creating the home of the future with Shax Riegler, Home Content Team Leader from Consumer Reports.

Social 101 – The KBIS Social Media Team takes you through the basics of social media, shares best practices, and answers your questions you may have about any social platform.

Thursday, January 22:

Social Media Morning – Visit with the KBIS Social Media team to receive one-on-one help on any social media platform. Discuss which platforms are perfect for your business.

Using 2020 As A Sales Tool – Join Roberto Ferrer, Design Product Manager from 2020 Spaces as he provides tips and tricks on getting the most out of the 2020 program.

Analytics: What Does It All Mean? – Get a better understanding on web and social metrics, presented by Nora DePalma, Principal at O’Reilly DePalma.

Apps In The Field – What should you be using to make your day more productive? Join design technology expert and Past-President of the NKBA, John Morgan, to learn about his go-to favorite apps.

Life in the Fast Lane – Michael DiLauro, Senior Market Analyst from Consumer Reports discusses the best appliances, small and large, that save you time in the home.

Full information on KBISNeXT Stage programming and Tech Bar timing is available on KBIS.com under Show Highlights.