Two of the largest home and construction-related tradeshows are combining efforts to put on the nation’s greatest event focused on all aspects of home design and building during Design and Construction Week 2014 in Las Vegas.
© Oscar Einzig Photography
Officials for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) have agreed to co-locate the International Builders’ Show (IBS) and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) at the Las Vegas Convention Center beginning in February 2014.
“Co-locating the IBS and KBIS will enable kitchen and bath professionals to benefit through a greater understanding and familiarity with related products, such as windows, doors, flooring and mechanical systems, all of which are critical to overall consumer satisfaction with project outcomes,” said John Morgan, president NKBA 2013.
The pursuit of consumer satisfaction is the ultimate goal of the co-located events.
“Consumers are the common ground between the NAHB and NKBA,” said Barry Rutenberg, chairman, NAHB. “Co-locating our shows and educational conferences brings together every segment of the industry to advance our collective professionalism and expertise in serving home owners.”
The two events will remain separate and distinct tradeshows held simultaneously at the Las Vegas Convention Center through 2016, creating Design and Construction Week, one of the world’s largest gatherings focused on new ideas, products and technologies to design, build and remodel homes.
“This new format allows exhibitors to reach a full range of design and construction professionals who buy, specify and influence the products that go into American homes,” said Rutenberg. “For attendees, it means access to two expansive tradeshow floors and hundreds of additional suppliers to meet.”
The new mega-event is scheduled Feb. 4-6, 2014, in Las Vegas, with each show occupying a separate hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Kitchen and bath brands that have participated in both shows can choose to exhibit in the KBIS or the IBS hall. One pass will provide access to both exhibits. The NKBA and NAHB will continue to produce separate educational programs and special events.
© Oscar Einzig Photography
Based on recent trends for both shows, organizers expect Design and Construction Week 2014 to draw more than 75,000 specifiers, builders, dealers and suppliers and 2,000 exhibiting brands.
“Two shows, two associations and one place to see and connect with every aspect of residential construction and remodeling,” said Morgan. “We couldn’t be more excited to deliver this special event for the industry.”
The IBS is the largest annual light-construction show in the world with 50,000 attendees expected at the 2013 event. Builders, remodelers, developers, architects and other industry professionals from more than 100 countries attend to see the latest products and services from nearly 1,000 exhibitors in more than 200 construction categories, attend dozens of cutting-edge educational sessions, visit show homes featuring the latest trends and innovations and network with peers. Now in its 69th year, the IBS is organized, produced and managed exclusively by the NAHB.
Held annually for the last 49 years, the KBIS is the largest event in North America focused on the kitchen and bath segment, attracting more than 700 exhibitors. The 2013 show, to be held in New Orleans April 19-21, is expected to attract more than 20,000 buyers and specifiers from more than 50 countries as well as 300 members of the media. Attendees include dealers, designers, architects, remodelers, wholesalers and custom builders. The KBIS is owned by the NKBA, sponsored by K+BB magazine and produced by Nielsen Expositions.
In 2015, Design and Construction Week will expand with the addition of SURFACES and StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas scheduled Jan. 21-23 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. SURFACES is sponsored by the World Floor Covering Association and is the largest floor-covering industry event in North America for retailers, distributors, installers, designers and home builders.
StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas is the only tradeshow in North America solely focused on the natural stone industry and is sponsored by the Marble Institute of America and the Natural Stone Council. Both events are produced by Hanley Wood. Shuttle buses will run between the convention centers to allow approximately 25,000 additional attendees to tour all three exhibits.
The NAHB is a Washington D.C.-based trade association representing more than 140,000 members involved in remodeling, home building, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. The NAHB is affiliated with 800 state and local home builders associations around the country. NAHB members will construct about 80 percent of the new housing units projected for this year in the United States.
The NKBA is a nonprofit trade association that owns the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. With nearly 60,000 members, the NKBA has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry since its founding in 1963. The mission of the NKBA is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry worldwide.
