1963: American Institute of Kitchen Dealers (AIKD)
The NKBA began in 1963 when 14 kitchen dealers contributed $463 and formed the American Institute of Kitchen Dealers (AIKD). To serve all aspects of the industry, the group soon expanded to encompass 11 industry segments.
The year after its founding, the fledgling organization held the first AIKD Kitchen Show in Philadelphia and introduced the first AIKD Design Contest.
The organization quickly recognized the need to promote and improve industry education, and to that end, developed a certification program. In 1968, Robert Weiland was the first to become a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD). After that, a Certified Bathroom Designer (CBD) program was also added.
1981: Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS)
In 1981, the AIKD Kitchen Show changed its name to the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS). That show, initially a very small gathering, has grown to be the largest professional kitchen and bath industry show in the world. From its beginnings in small convention centers, it now travels to only a select few venues in the United States that can accommodate its impressive size.
1983: National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA)
In 1983, the American Institute of Kitchen Dealers changed its name to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) to address the interests of the growing bathroom industry. That same year, the NKBA created the Ambassadors’ Club to recognize members who have added to the growth of the association by recruiting new members.
Today, the NKBA is the premier association for kitchen and bath professionals, with more than 50,000 members.