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The 2011 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show Reinvents Itself
Contacts:
Keri Tomsic
Managing Supervisor, Fleishman-Hillard
404-739-0111
keri.tomsic@fleishman.com
Erin Collins
Asst. Account Executive, Fleishman-Hillard
404-739-0160
erin.collins@fleishman.com
The National Kitchen & Bath Association, Nielsen Unveil New Look, New Exhibitors, New Tools
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (November 30, 2010) – Attendees at the 2011 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), in Las Vegas from April 26-28, will find a broader array of offerings, the latest in trends and technology, and more opportunities to collaborate with peers and exhibitors. The NKBA and partner Nielsen Exhibitions have enhanced KBIS with the introduction of mobile applications, interactive and hands-on displays, and an expanded array of conferences and events.
“In response to the challenges of today’s economy, our members and exhibitors have changed the way they do business to be more productive,” said Dave Alderman, President-Elect of the National Kitchen & Bath Association. “Our goal at KBIS is to make sure we provide the most up-to-date tools and trends to help them stay successful.”
Beginning in 2010, an extensive research project was initiated to help re-define the strategic direction of the show for the future. Focus groups were conducted with hundreds of past and present exhibitors, attendees and NKBA members, which resulted not only in new exhibits, speakers and education, but in a re-branded strategic position as well. The new logo and tagline, “Collaborate. Innovate. Inspire.” developed by show organizer Freeman, will debut with the attendee outreach campaign in November. The branding campaign will be seen in advertising and collateral materials, as well as on the re-launched KBIS.com.
“Attendees and exhibitors provided invaluable insights into what they wanted from KBIS, and they will see those changes reflected on the trade show floor, in the conferences and speakers, and even in the way they can navigate the show and collaborate with each other,” stated Brian Pagel, Vice President of the Kitchen and Bath Group for Nielsen Expositions. “We felt it was important to rebrand KBIS to mirror the significant changes in the show.”
The new changes will be apparent to attendees long before they arrive at the show. KBIS Connect, an online scheduling and mapping tool, will allow attendees and exhibitors to plan and update meetings and classes, as well as research and review exhibits and products. And for the first time, a KBIS smartphone app will be available, beginning in January. Attendees will also be able to download a KBIS QR (quick response) code to access show guides and materials throughout the venue.
KBIS 2011 will be kicked off by keynote speaker Pat Croce, best-known for leading the Philadelphia 76ers through their dramatic “worst to first” turnaround as the team president. The comprehensive conference and education schedule has been built around the topics most requested by member and attendees, prominently including, “Moving Your Business Digital,” by kitchen and bath technology specialist John Morgan, and “Gen-Now” by nationally-recognized columnist and designer Sarah Reep. The NextGen Home Experience will feature two fully-functioning homes: the Eco-home, featuring the latest products and trends in sustainability, and another featuring universal design.
According to Alderman, “Recent attendees have told us that one of the principal advantages of attending KBIS is the opportunity to collaborate with peers, manufacturers, designers and opinion leaders. While KBIS Connect leverages the latest technology to deliver that interactivity, the face-to-face component is still crucial, which is why we are adding a number of new events.”
Also new this year will be the Industry Segment Connection, a networking and educational event targeted to professionals in all segments of the kitchen and bath industry. The conference and education slate has been greatly expanded, with a number of conferences available to view online, another first for KBIS 2011.
KBIS 2011 will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the Encore at the Wynn will be the NKBA headquarters hotel. Other NKBA-preferred hotels will include the Las Vegas Hilton, The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino and Paris Las Vegas. For more information about KBIS 2011 or the NKBA, please visit KBIS.com or NKBA.org.
About the National Kitchen & Bath Association
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade association with nearly 40,000 members that has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry for more than 45 years. NKBA.org provides consumers with an inspiration gallery of award-winning kitchen and bath designs, as well as articles, tips, and an extensive glossary of remodeling terms. At NKBA.org, consumers can also find certified kitchen and bath professionals in their areas, submit questions to NKBA experts, order complimentary kitchen and bath planners, and sign up for a free quarterly homeowner newsletter. To learn more, visit the NKBA Press Room at NKBA.org/Press or call 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522).
About The Nielsen Company
The Nielsen Company is a global information and media company with leading market positions in marketing and consumer information, television and other media measurement, online intelligence, mobile measurement, trade shows and business publications. The privately held company is active in approximately 100 countries, with headquarters in New York, USA. For more information, please visit www.nielsen.com.