The Retail Observer is an industry leading magazine for INDEPENDENT RETAILERS in Major Appliances, Consumer Electronics and Home Furnishings
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SEPTEMBER 2023 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 33 businesses. Chapters also host unique events, including trend and product information seminars, student events, design competitions, and even golf outings, all of which enhance the community experience. NKBA has developed networking programs, including the Thirty Under 30 and Women to Women (W2W) initiatives, where professionals can connect with others across the U.S. and Canada. Thirty Under 30 affords accomplished young K&B professionals numerous opportunities to learn more about their industry, connect with like-minded colleagues, gain industry recognition, and develop leadership skills. W2W, conceived by NKBA's EVP & CSO Suzie Williford, brings together women in the K&B industry to celebrate professional accomplishments, explore leadership strategies, and discuss solutions for career and personal challenges. • Summits NKBA's informative Summits series spotlights the most note- worthy developments and design and business trends impacting this ever-evolving industry. Whether virtual or in-person, NKBA Summits explore these relevant topics, present research, and invite industry experts to discuss these themes in an engaging interactive setting. Summits are included in the membership. Among its most recent events, NKBA hosted its second Design + Tech Summit, in partnership with Samsung, at the brand's experience store in New York in June. The four-hour conference focused on how designers and technology integrators can better partner in design and remodeling projects. In the spring, as part of #NKBASustainabilityMonth, the association virtually hosted its first Sustainability Summit which offered thought- provoking panel discussions and solutions-oriented information on sustainable design. • Education and Certification Since its founding in 1963, NKBA has led the K&B industry in education and professional development. Members may distinguish themselves by becoming a Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer (CKBD), and level-up to Certified Master K&B Designer (CMKBD), the industry's highest certification. These leading certifications communicate expertise in design and execution, as well as business experience and integrity. Members may also earn micro-credentials (NKBA Specialty Badges) in eight areas: Remodeling, Cabinetry, Color, Sustainability, Universal Design, Lighting, Floor Plans & Specifications, and Sales & Marketing. Additionally, NKBA offers its members opportunities to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain their certification status. They can earn CEUs by attending qualified events, seminars and webinars, as well as participating in various approved activities. Monthly Design + Business webinars, which can be attended to earn CEU credit, cover topics ranging from design to technical skills and business practices. Members can learn about sustainability, remodeling and construction, social media and marketing, color concepts, sustainability, technology integration, and much more. NKBA has established the Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines, the most complete illustrated collection of K&B planning recommendations and code compliance standards available in one comprehensive source. The association has also published the Professional Resource Library, a nine-volume set covering design, product specification, presentation, construction, mechanical systems, business practices, project management, and more. This resource is available both in book form in the NKBA store and in digital form on the NKBA Knowledge Base. The association also has a wide-reaching Affiliated Schools Program, including more than 140 post-secondary institutions with a focus on design education. Enrolled students are encouraged to join NKBA Student Chapters at no cost (membership is underwritten by sponsors) as a gateway to professional membership. Affiliated Schools help their students prepare for careers in kitchen, bath and interior design, compliant with NKBA standards. • KBIS The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2024. KBIS, formally known as the AIKD Kitchen Show, started as a small gathering of manufacturers and kitchen dealers in Philadelphia in 1964, and today it is the industry's largest trade show in North America. In 2023, over 200,000 housing and design professionals attended DCW, the co-location of KBIS and the International Builders' Show (IBS), owned by NAHB, along with the three co-dated industry shows: the National Hardware Show (NHS), The International Surfaces Event (TISE), and the Las Vegas Winter Market. In 2024, the NHS will not be co-locating. KBIS attracts industry professionals to see the most overarching showcase of new products, services, advancements, and more. NKBA members enjoy discounts to exhibit and to attend the expo, the Voices From The Industry educational conference, and KBIS parties and events. Among the highlights is the Kitchen & Bath Design + Industry Awards, where winners of the annual professional design competition are honored, along with the Kitchen & Bath Hall of Fame inductee and other industry luminaries. It's the event of the year for K&B professionals to network, exchange ideas, and discover the industry's latest offerings. As part of its mission to strengthen the kitchen and bath industry around the world, NKBA also brings international brands to KBIS through its Global Connect Program, exposing them to the North American market and facilitating connections with buyers, distributors, designers, and business advisors in the U.S. and Canada. Registration for KBIS 2024, held in Las Vegas Feb. 27-29, opens in September, when registration is free for NKBA members. Visit NKBA. org to join the association and learn more about member-only events, discounts, and advantages. RO