Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM APRIL 2024 10 "We experienced strong registration growth compared to previous years and we are up 40 percent in seeing new exhibitors for 2024," said Jason McGraw, group vice president, Emerald Expositions. This year, we had over 260 new exhibitors at KBIS, a 40 percent increase compared to last year, and over 117,000 registered visitors showed up to Design & Construction Week to see the best the industry has to offer." Exhibitors felt the show's growth through steady booth visitors and energized crowds. "We have been coming to KBIS for 40 years, and we're really excited about the attendees this year," said Jeff O'Sullivan, senior marketing strategist of Häfele America Co. "A lot of energy around the space, and the volume of people coming out and the excitement around the show are really perhaps at a peak," added Bill Strang, president of Corporate Strategy, E-commerce, and Retail Business for TOTO. "KBIS this year has been very exciting. The activity and level of engagement that we had from so many people provided a great opportunity. We're very happy to be at KBIS and continue to support the NKBA." Attendees didn't just turn out in numbers, but in quality. Karen Olle, director of marketing for SMEG commented, "Everybody's very engaged and interested. A big takeaway from this year's show has been the quality of the attendees." Noteworthy industry trends emerged or were affirmed, including wellness, sustainability, smart technology, and personalization. For standouts at the show, see KBIS 2024 Highlights below. KBIS 2024 HIGHLIGHTS NEXTSTAGE KBIS 2024 welcomed industry giants, design legends, and rising stars for audiences on the NEXTStage hosted by Michel Smith Boyd, Julee Ireland, and Alena Capra, CMKBD. Attendees listened to leaders such as Mick De Giulio, Christopher Peacock, and Richard T Anuszkiewicz, on Day One to discuss the business side of design. Over three days, more than 50 experts, including Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Suzanne Kasler, Matthew Quinn, Lew Oliver, Shelly Rosenberg, and LuAnn Nigara took part in 15 panels, Disruptor Presentations, and Visionaries, Innovators & Icon Talks in four key tracks – Wellness, Sustainability sponsored by Moen, Business & Trends sponsored by Monogram, and Technology sponsored by Emtek – discussing the latest industry research and trends, overcoming business challenges, and the hottest topics in design. The stage saw a large spike in attendance with standing- room-only crowds and robust Q&A sessions with the audience, showing a heightened interest in learning and engagement at KBIS 2024. To close out the NEXTStage, Bill Darcy, global president & CEO of NKBA | KBIS and Suzie Williford, Chief Global Relations Officer of NKBA | KBIS raised a glass to celebrate six decades of KBIS. Brian Pagel, executive vice president, residential and commercial connections, Emerald, joined the pair on stage and all relived memories from KBIS past. Ferguson generously donated gifts as onlookers got in on the action with live trivia. LUXURY LOUNGE KBIS debuted the LUXURY Lounge at the 2024 show sponsored by HomeThreads, creating a space to explore the definition of luxury, especially as it relates to kitchen and bath. The inaugural program presented eight panels (each sponsored by a different brand; HomeThreads, Bertazzoni, Forte, Danver, Lutron, NKBA, and Kohler) – several of which were standing-room-only – and a book signing, offering compelling insights from designers, journalists, and thought leaders. NKBA GLOBAL CONNECT AT KBIS "The international draw at KBIS continues to grow," said Bill Darcy, global president & CEO of NKBA | KBIS. "We had a 35 percent increase in international exhibitors compared to last year, a number we're thrilled to see as our Global Connect program helps bring innovative international brands to the North American market." Meanwhile, the International Pavilions – Germany, the United Kingdom, and Brazil – maintained a strong connection between designers and the vast world of products that they specify, while the Delegation Program and Global Connect Lounge Programming and Kiosks expanded the breadth of international representation to New Zealand, Ukraine, Spain, and beyond. KBIS UNCORKED Signature Kitchen Suite (SKS) once again hosted Uncorked, the hallmark influencer event at KBIS, where guests enjoyed a curated tasting experience. Helen Cho, senior director of marketing, Signature Kitchen Suite & LG Pro Builders commented, "What I'm so excited about is to see all the new faces at KBIS. Whether you're a designer, builder or architect, I don't think I've ever seen so many KBIS 2024 MARKS 60 TH ANNIVERSARY

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