K/BIS 2003 Returns to Sunny Orlando

K/BIS 2003 Returns to Sunny Orlando

The 22nd annual K/BIS still the industry's top showcase for exciting and innovative kitchen and bath products and services is expected to draw more than 50,000 kitchen and bath industry professionals from the U.S. and Canada, as well as exhibitors and visitors from Europe, Asia and South America.

This year's event will once again feature a plethora of product displays and demonstrations, educational seminars, interactive roundtable discussions, networking opportunities, social activities and special events geared specifically for the kitchen and bath industry.

K/BIS 2003 is scheduled to run from April 11 to 13, while the concurrent NK&BC will take place April 10 to 13.

PRODUCTS OF NOTE
A vast array of kitchen and bath products will once again be on display at this year's K/BIS, with more than 700 regional and national suppliers on tap to showcase their wares across more than 400,000 square feet of exhibit space, according to show co-sponsor the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA).

An bountiful selection of wares will be exhibited in 80 different kitchen and bath categories and services, NKBA notes. Categories include kitchen and bath cabinetry; solid surfacing, laminate, ceramic tile and related countertop materials; whirlpools, tubs and other plumbing fixtures; appliances; kitchen and bath sinks and faucets; decorative and functional hardware; flooring; kitchen and bath accessories; CAD-CAM software; storage products and interior fittings; lighting products; related building products, and more (see show product coverage, Pages 36J-36P).

K/BIS exhibit hours are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and for Sunday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
To highlight NKBA's 40th anniversary, this year's NK&BC program has been expanded. It will feature more than 55 seminars, professional development courses and roundtables on subjects including business development, design, and sales and marketing strategies. A principal highlight for 2003 is the conference's new remodeling track a series of sessions presented by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).

Meanwhile, lunchtime roundtable discussions will once again make an appearance to provide a platform for networking on a smaller scale, while allowing for discussions about timely issues relating to the kitchen and bath industry.

On Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m., NKBA will host 25 luncheon roundtables designed to provide an open forum of discussion about some of the industry's hottest topics, ranging from outdoor kitchens to gender-perspective design. Each roundtable discussion will be hosted by a key industry leader, notes the NKBA. Specialized educational and networking opportunities will also be facilitated by NARI.

PRE-SHOW SESSIONS, EVENTS
The following is just a small sampling of some of the pre-show programs and special events scheduled for this year's show:
n On Thursday, April 10, there will be several all-day sessions (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), mainly dedicated to professional development.
Michael DeLuca, CKD, NKBA University Instructor, will teach a one-day professional development program entitled "Kitchen & Bath Lighting Made Easy," which will help intermediate- to advanced-level designers discover how to increase the value of every space they design, simply by incorporating an effective lighting plan.

Another course, called "KitchenStarter," is for individuals seeking to jump-start their kitchen design career or for those desiring a glimpse at the kitchen design profession. In this crash course, Wayne Ash, CKD, CBD, NKBA University Instructor, will discuss basic product knowledge, kitchen planning skills and hand-drawn layout.