The National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) 47th annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) drew more than 37,000 attendees including some of the most recognized brands in the kitchen and bath industry at Chicago’s McCormick Place on April 16-18. Nearly 700 exhibitors showcased their most innovative and latest products in more than 300,000 square feet of expo space.
The three-day event brought together the industry’s top dealers, designers, builders, remodelers, retailers and other professionals directly involved in the design and remodel of residential kitchens and bathrooms. In addition to the flurry of activity on the tradeshow floor, which was the common experience observed by most exhibitors this year, KBIS was also complemented by a full conference program led by top industry leaders including Sergio Zyman, former chief marketing officer of Coca-Cola who led the Opening
Ceremony, and David Kohler, president and chief operating officer of Kohler Co. who provided the State of the Industry Address.
“It was an excellent show and you could really sense the extraordinary energy at KBIS this year,” said Nicolas Grohe, director of marketing and product development for Hansgrohe. “Perhaps it’s a sign that the economy is picking up, which is good news for all kitchen and bath manufacturers.”
The winners of the 2010 Best of KBIS Competition were selected for their functionality, quality, flexibility, aesthetics, style and innovation; were introduced to the market in the past 12 months; and, for the first time, eligible to win in two new categories Universal Design and Green/Sustainable Products.
The panel of judges included Kimball Derrick, CKD, of Kimball Derrick, LLC; Jamie Gibbs, of Jamie Gibbs Associates; Jennifer Gilmer, CKD, of Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen and Bath, Ltd.; Kristin Okeley, CKD, ASID, of Kitchens by Design; Susan Serra, CKD, of Susan Serra Associates; David Stimmel, of Stimmel Consulting Group; and Richard Walters, of Visualize Inc King Slide and TOTO USA highlighted the competition by winning Best of Kitchen and Best of Bath, respectively.
On April 16, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) announced the winners of the 2010 NKBA Design Competition following the review of hundreds of entries. More than $100,000 in cash prizes was awarded to designers across the country including James Howard, Tim Scott, Ada Pagona, Ines Hanl, Brian Johnson and John Sylvestre.
“The National Kitchen and Bath Association is pleased to showcase the best kitchens and bathrooms created by NKBA designers over the past year,” said Mark Karas, 2010 president of the NKBA. “These spaces are the epitome of expert form and function.”
KBIS will return next year to the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas on April 26-28. For all updates leading up to the show, visit www.kbis.com.
