The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show USA (KBIS) is the largest kitchen and bath trade show in North America. KBIS is the perfect meeting point for vendors with exhibits and attendees to exchange ideas and information, network, and grow their businesses.
There are so many exhibits and events, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show can be overwhelming for first-timers. Read on for what to expect at the show and tips to make the most of your KBIS experience, whether you are participating as an exhibitor or an attendee.
What is the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS)?
KBIS is the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show USA. The show brings together manufacturers, retailers, designers, architects, distributors, and more to experience the future of kitchen and bath design.
Every year, visitors have the chance to see thousands of new products on display at the show. The themes of KBIS change with each year’s show. Influential speakers offer insights and industry experts provide workshops and professional development courses.
From appliances to finishes, lighting to hardware, you can explore hundreds of exhibitors featuring everything related to kitchens and baths. If you’re wondering how you can attend this event or what you can expect from a visit, read on for all you need to know about KBIS.
For over 50 years, the KBIS has been the leader in showcasing the latest in kitchen and bath products, trends, and technology. KBIS works together with NKBA, the National Kitchen & Bath Association, to offer an interactive platform for everything related to kitchen and bath products with special exhibits by established companies and newly emerging ones.
Registration is required to attend KBIS. Once you are fully registered, you will receive a badge to gain admission to the show. Taking photos is not permitted without the permission of the speakers or exhibitors.
How to Attend the KBIS Show
There are a couple of different ways to attend the show depending on your objectives. First, you can register as an attendee. This will allow you to attend the show and explore the exhibits as an individual.
Second, you can register as an exhibitor. As an exhibitor, you can purchase booth space at the show and have a direct line of communication with attendees. Many manufacturers attend this show to launch new products and look for distributors, partners, and retailers.
The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show draws numerous industry professionals from around the globe. The show attracts designers, distributors, builders, fabricators, architects, independent manufacturers’ representatives, remodelers, decorative plumbing and hardware professionals, cabinet shops, consultants, remodelers, dealers, and others.
The show takes place in a handful of cities on a rotating basis. All of the cities have good public transportation access and convenient ways to reach KBIS.
How to Get the Most Value Out of Your KBIS Kitchen and Bath Industry Show Experience As An Exhibitor
- Become a member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). Membership includes a discount for participating in the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.
- Utilize the KBIS Exhibitor Console
Inside the console, you can manage your online and print directory listing. You can also download a custom eBooth widget. You will have access to KBIS Connect for lead generation, register staff badges, and find the downloadable Exhibitor Service Kit.
- Be clear about your goals and objectives at the show. Do you want to:
- Launch a new product
- Network with other industry professionals
- Network with qualified buyers
- Generate new leads
- Position yourself as a thought leader
- Increase sales and marketing with media exposure from KBIS
If you’re like most KBIS exhibitors, you are interested in all of the above. KBIS is the ideal platform to accomplish your goals and objectives at an ever-growing, popular industry show. Pay close attention to deadlines for updating your listing.
How to Get the Most Out of Your KBIS Kitchen and Bath Industry (KBIS) Show Experience As A Visitor
Plan ahead and keep in mind the following hints to maximize your visit:
- If you are traveling to the show, look for discounts arranged by KBIS for select hotels. Refer to the KBIS website for details.
- Remember that registration is required to attend the show. Even if you’ve attended past events, double-check the procedures and rules since details can change from year to year.
- Check to see if there is a dedicated KBIS app. The app can make it easier for you to keep track of everything. There will be a map of the exhibit locations in the show. You can also find useful information about special events that you won’t want to miss.
- Make a priority list of the exhibits you definitely must see. With so many exhibits in such a short timeframe, you may not make it to all of them. It helps to have a map of the show in advance so you can plot out your plan to take in as much as possible. Review the exhibitors, events, and special sessions and add the ones you are interested in to your list.
- Know that, due to the sheer size of KBIS, you may not be able to see every exhibit. (This is why making a priority list enables you to concentrate on the exhibits you consider to be essential.)
- Wear comfortable attire. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
- Bring business cards so you are prepared to exchange contact information.
- Plan for snacks and keep hydrated. There are food venues nearby but you may also want to pack a snack and bottle of water in your bag.
What Are The Advantages of Having A Booth at KBIS?
The advantages of an exhibition booth at KBIS are numerous. The show is the ideal opportunity to network with industry leaders and potential partners.
The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show is the largest professional kitchen and bath event in North America. It is the ideal environment to solidify your brand recognition, position yourself as an industry thought leader, attract new leads and customers, and receive valuable media exposure. Most exhibitors find that the publicity and exposure from a KBIS event put their brand in front of many new customers.
KBIS Exhibitor Spotlight: CopperSmith
An example of an exhibitor at a Kitchen and Industry Bath Show is CopperSmith. This business offers a large selection of custom tiles, copper range hoods, bathtubs, sinks, and more, crafted by metal artisans and sold through showroom wholesale partnerships, interior design trade programs, and to consumers.
CopperSmith exhibitors presented examples from each of the company’s product lines at a recent KBIS. Visitors could observe closeup the quality craftsmanship of a copper fire pit, stainless steel kitchen ventilation hood, a 72” copper bathtub, and two 48” copper workstation sinks. CopperSmith aims to build the world’s preeminent custom metalwork platform.
A huge 150” display screen featured the company’s website. During KBIS, visitors could design products like range hoods, sinks, bathtubs, tables, and fire pits in real time in 4K format. CopperSmith’s exhibit was 2,400 square feet. Visitors who stopped by CopperSmith’s exhibit could register to win an outdoor copper fire pit valued at $12,000.
CopperSmith’s exhibit attracted customers, trade partners, and new business contacts. The goals of each participant in the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show may vary but the power of having an exhibit viewed by thousands of visitors is clear.
Brands such as CopperSmith have a large platform to present themselves as thought leaders and to make valuable connections with others in the industry. Both the publicity and promotion generated by KBIS increase the brand recognition of exhibitors.
What Is The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA)?
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is the only non-profit trade organization dedicated to the kitchen and bath industry. The NKBA provides information and education to industry members and consumers. The NKBA has a membership base of over 50,000 industry professionals.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) owns KBIS. The NKBA consists of a membership platform of approximately 14,000 companies whose thousands of members are from all areas of the kitchen and bath industries. The NKBA states its operating mission as creating certifications, marketplaces, and networks to inspire, lead, and empower members of the kitchen and bath industry.
Where is the KBIS show?
KBIS events take place in different cities each year. Show cities include Las Vegas, NV, Chicago, IL, Atlanta, GA, and Orlando, FL. KBIS took place in Orlando at the Orlando County Convention Center. The venue in Las Vegas rotates between Mandalay Bay, Sands Expo, and the Venetian Las Vegas. The Chicago show runs at McCormick Place. In Atlanta, the show takes place at the Georgia World Congress Center.
When is the KBIS show?
The dates for the show vary a bit from year to year, but you can find the exact dates listed on the KBIS website. Typically, the show is held early in the year in January or February. The event takes place over three days.
What to expect at KBIS
Expect to see over 1,000 exhibitors showcasing the latest trends and innovations in the kitchen and bath industry, ranging from energy-efficient appliances to smart home integrations, to bold new color trends. In terms of floor space, different locations vary slightly, but KBIS occupies approximately 450,000 to 500,000 square feet of exhibit space.
Exhibitors at the show include cabinet makers, manufacturers of appliances like stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, kitchen and bath designers, lighting specialists, flooring companies, tile specialists, and more. You’ll also find distributors, retailers, and other specialists at the show. Featured celebrity speakers and special events provide an entertaining, informative experience. Past notable celebrity speakers include Gwyneth Paltrow and Magic Johnson.
Who’s going to be there?
Besides all the exhibitors, you can expect to see a variety of industry experts and celebrity designers at the show. Some examples of featured speakers have included HGTV’s Vern Yip, designer and blogger Sarah Richardson, and interior designer and author Adrianne Hackney.
KBIS is the ideal platform for up-and-coming designers and new product debuts. Exhibits from past KBIS events include new product introductions from names like Kohler, Delta Faucet, Moen, Electrolux, GE Appliances, Samsung, LG, Panasonic Whirlpool, Miele, and CopperSmith.
The actual number of participants varies from event to event, but over the years KBIS has included over 600 exhibitors and over 33,000 attendees. In addition to debuting and showcasing the latest kitchen and bath products, other activities like tours, social meetups, and special events are included.
When Was The First KBIS?
The very first Kitchen and Bath Industry Show took place in 1964. It was called the AIKD Kitchen Show. The American Institute of Kitchen Dealers hosted the debut event.
In 1981, the name of the show was changed to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. The American Institute of Kitchen Dealers became known as NKBA, a not-for-profit trade association.
The original American Institute of Kitchen Dealers was a network of kitchen dealers that put on the show. KBIS now is made up of a large variety of kitchen and bath industry retailers, distributors, designers, manufacturers, and other industry-related professionals.
KBIS Kitchen and Bath Industry Show USA Is A Must-See Experience
The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show is a must-attend event for anyone who wants to stay on the cutting edge of design. New products are introduced at KBIS each year. The show is the ideal opportunity to meet professionals from all segments of the industry.
If you’re in the design or manufacturing industry, this is an event you definitely don’t want to miss. There are other kitchen and bath shows, but none compare in quality, scope, or reputation to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. KBIS is a great way to network. You can get a sneak preview of what will be trending in the next year or two, and take a look at new products with direct access to the manufacturers.