Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JANUARY 2026 30 A S S O C I AT I O N [ N E W S ] E ach year, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show reinforces its role as the premier destination for the products, ideas, and insights shaping the future of residential design. In 2026, NKBA | KBIS is raising the bar once again – delivering expanded programming, immersive experiences, and an elevated focus on professional education through the Voices From the Industry Conference, sponsored by Fabuwood. Together, these initiatives are creating the most comprehensive and future-focused KBIS to date. This year, NKBA | KBIS is expanding its footprint throughout the Orange County Convention Center, activating key experiences in both South Hall and West Hall. These spaces place attendees at the center of emerging partnerships, global brands entering the U.S. market through NKBA's Global Connect program, and cutting-edge designers and manufacturers redefining the kitchen and bath space. For those serving luxury clients, the third annual LUXURY Lounge – sponsored by Ferguson Home – returns as an essential destination, showcasing the brands, materials, and insights shaping the next era of high-end kitchen and bath design. Across all three days, NEXTStage continues to anchor the show's thought leadership. With more than 20 programs led by energetic daily hosts, NEXTStage explores the conversations that matter most: whole-home design, business strategy, technology and AI, wellness, sustainability, and the cultural forces reshaping how people live. These sessions blend research, data, and expert commentary to help attendees prepare for the opportunities and challenges in the year ahead. Attendees will also find inspiration at the Discovery District, located in the Rosen Centre Hotel and connected to West Hall via skybridge. Now one of the most talked-about features of KBIS, this interactive hub blends product innovation, experiential showcases, lounge areas, and culinary moments – all designed to spark creativity and connection. VFTI 2026: WHERE THE INDUSTRY LEVELS UP Just beyond the show floor, the NKBA's Voices From the Industry Conference remains one of the most influential components of KBIS. Now in its 15th year, VFTI represents the kitchen and bath industry's most extensive professional education program, offering more than 50 on-site and on-demand sessions that support designers, retailers, builders, and business leaders at every stage of their careers. Curated through a highly competitive selection process, VFTI programming is developed by the industry, for the industry – ensuring sessions deliver timely, relevant, and actionable insights. Organized into seven learning tracks – Building & Remodeling, Leadership & Management, Design, K&B Trends, Marketing, Technology, and Sustainability – the conference provides professionals with the tools to sharpen their expertise and strengthen their business strategies. New for 2026 is Wine & Design, a daily afternoon networking series for pre-registered VFTI attendees. These sessions pair educational conversations with a relaxed social atmosphere. This year's topics include: • From Ruin to Renewal: The Role of Design After Disaster (Tuesday, February 17) • Inclusive by Design: Creating Spaces for Diverse Needs and Life Stages (Wednesday, February 18) • The Wellness Blueprint: Spaces That Nurture Body, Mind, and Spirit (Thursday, February 19) Each session reflects the broader goals of VFTI: insight, connection, and community. With all one-hour presentations qualifying for .1 CEU and 90-minute workshops earning .15 CEUs, attendees can accumulate up to 10 hours of continuing education through additional on-demand sessions available through December 31, 2026. As NKBA | KBIS KBIS 2026: INNOVATION, EDUCATION, AND INDUSTRY CONNECTION TAKE CENTER STAGE

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