Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM DECEMBER 2017 60 A S S O C I A T I O N N E W S K BIS is the premier showcase for new products and technologies from some 600 exhibitors in the kitchen and bath space, but that's just part of what makes this the must-attend industry trade show of the year. Running January 9 to 11 in Orlando, with pre-show events on January 8, it's all part of Design & Construction Week, which includes the National Association of Home Builders' International Builders Show. Networking and learning opportunities, including 80 Voices from the Industry sessions, NKBA professional development and exam prep courses, and the buzz around the KBISNeXT stage, are a fountain of new ideas and business strategies, while great events, engaging speakers and an array of entertainment will keep things lively. • Pre-show festivities, January 8: NKBA will reveal the winners of its prestigious 2018 Professional Design Competition and will honor winners of its Student Design Competition and other industry awards, all at the Rosen Centre. Afterward, the elegant opening party — Gatsby style — is a semi-formal event great for networking, connecting with colleagues and friends and revving up for a terrific show. Tickets to the awards and party are $125. • Opening Day, January 9: The show floor opens at 9 a.m., and the popular Champagne and Cupcakes fete, hosted by Modenus, kicks off at 9:30 a.m. NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw's spirited keynote address opens DCW and is included in the KBIS expo pass. Bradshaw, quarterback of the four-time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, will speak at 8 a.m. in the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center. Also on Tuesday, the Thirty Under 30 honorees will be recognized on the KBISNeXT Stage in the South Hall, at 11 a.m. • State of the Association and State of the Industry, January 10, 9 a.m.: NKBA CEO Bill Darcy offers a comprehensive overview of where the association stands, its goals and 2018 projections, and its drive to enhance service to its membership. Immediately following, NKBA presents the state of the industry. Moderator Melissa Francis, Fox News anchor, will lead an insightful discussion with top thought leaders from key sectors of the business: David Kohler, Kohler Co.; Scott Culbreth, American Woodmark Corp., and Rick Hasselbeck, GE Appliances. Together, they'll tackle important topics like new technologies, digital and social media marketing, a severe shortage in the skilled labor market, job-creation initiatives, fluctuating economic markets, and more. It's sure to be an astute assessment of the current state of the business — and provide keen observations about what could be ahead. Cindy Allen, editor in chief of Interior Design, will deliver a compelling keynote for KBIS at 1:30 p.m. at the OCCC. Allen, who has helmed the magazine since 2001 and served as chief design officer of parent company Sandow Media since 2015, is regarded as one of the interior design industry's key influencers. In an address headlined Pop Goes the Future: Top Trends Bursting onto the K&B Scene, she'll cover key design and business directions likely to have an impact in 2018. At 4:15 p.m., the Best of KBIS awards, honoring the best new products at the show, will take place at the KBISNeXT stage. On Wednesday night, say "cheers" at The Bash at legendary Orlando Nightclub Mango's Tropical Café. Enjoy drinks, dancing, and world-class entertainment at the party, which is open to all DCW attendees. Tickets are $35. • Shark! Breakfast, Thursday, January 11, 8-10 a.m.: The ultimate matchmaking session, the Shark! Breakfast connects manufacturers and sales representatives. Featured speaker John Morgan, owner of consulting agency Morgan Pinnacle, will share his insights about the critical role a rep plays, best practices for improving the customer experience and fine-tuning the business, and the top five smart tech ideas for reps to deliver to dealers. Morgan, a 20-year kitchen and bath industry veteran, served as NKBA president in 2013. Tickets are $70. • Spike Concert, January 11: DCW closes on Thursday night with the Spike Concert, featuring Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame band Chicago. Doors open at 5 p.m., and Chicago comes on at 6. Tickets are $40. For more details on all the events and to register for the show, visit www.kbis.com or www.nkba.org. KBIS BECKONS

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