For more than 50 years, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has showcased the latest industry products, trends and technologies at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS). This winter, hundreds of manufacturers will head to Orlando for the show that will combine warm weather, new products and endless learning opportunities.

“The NKBA is the leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry,” says Brian Pagel, senior vice president, Emerald Expositions. “KBIS, as a platform, is an extension of the association’s ongoing efforts to provide tools, research, certification, trends, networking and highly engaging content for all industry professionals.”

The event, which works alongside the International Builders' Show (IBS), Jan. 9-11, serves kitchen and bath designers, dealers, architects and remodelers.

A new speaker will kick off KBIS this year. Editor of Interior Design magazine, Cindy Allen, will share her knowledge on trends in the remodeling industry.

“We’re very excited to have Cindy Allen as our keynote speaker this year,” Pagel says. “Our designers are excited for the opportunity to hear her speak, and for the chance to talk with her during the meet-n-greet afterwards. Like only Cindy can, she’ll be bringing an electric energy to the show. In her address headlined ‘Pop Goes the Future: Top Trends Bursting onto the K&B Scene,’ she’ll cover topics critical to the future of the kitchen and bath remodeling industry, including key design and business directions likely to impact the industry in the year.”

Attendees will also have their first chance to see the all-new, year-long initiative from NKBA, the Global Launch Pad. The new global pavilion will feature kitchen and bath brands from the United Kingdom and Continental Europe.

“Our kitchen and bath design community is global. I’m proud of our organization for driving the collaboration between the U.S. market and the UK and European markets. After attending Design Week in the UK last year, it is obvious that there is sincere interest in the U.S. market for both exhibitors and attendees wanting to be a part of KBIS,” says Suzie Williford, vice president of industry relations for the NKBA.

Plenty of events will make a return to KBIS after last year’s show as well.

For the second year, NKBA will co-host a fundraiser with the TV show, “This Old House.” Attendees will have the chance to experience live cooking demonstrations and can enter for a chance to win a trip for two to the set of “This Old House.” Even if they don’t win the experience, attendees can visit the show’s crew, who will hang around the KBIS Backyard, a showcase for outdoor living.

But that’s not the only thing that will take place in the KBIS Backyard.

The Backyard will feature two Fireside Chats that focus on outdoor kitchens and how to think about designing outdoor residential spaces.

Though KBIS’s outdoor events are sure to inspire, there will be many more indoor opportunities for attendees to take part in. The showroom floor alone will showcase more than 600 brands. Each day, the floor will open for eight hours, allowing plenty of time for attendees to speak with exhibitors one-on-one and see the products up close.

For example, both the Impact of Design Pavilion Powered by ASID and Design Milk X Modenus Talks Lounge, will host programming and small events throughout the show.

The Impact Design Pavilion, stretching across 2,500 square feet, will allow attendees to learn about products that will impact human health, wellness and environmental stability.

The Design Milk C Modenus Talks Lounge will feature three full days of programs that will teach attendees about connecting on social media, design trends, and more.

KBIS offers timely learning for everyone — at any professional stage.

“All of our KBISNeXT stage programs, as well as the conversations taking place in the Design Milk X Modenus Talks stage, cover hot topics in the industry now, each with the purpose of helping kitchen and bath professionals think strategically about their business and/or career path,” Pagel says. “The business of design is one of the most asked about topics from our audience. Our goal is for all design and construction professionals — whether veterans of the industry or young members jumping head first — leave KBIS with insights, knowledge and connections they can immediately put into place and leverage after the show.”

With a numerous amount of programs and products over a short, three-day period, attendees may have trouble seeing everything they want. KBIS recognized this issue and has offered a few solutions to make sure kitchen and bath industry members get the most out of the event.

“KBIS is the major industry event for the kitchen and bath industry, which means attendees need to plan ahead to get the most out of their experience. We have in-depth content up on KBIS.com to help attendees plan their route. With detailed a stage program and pavilion listing, attendees can be sure to experience the topics that are most critical to their business success in 2018.  And, we’re always told how vital the KBIS 2018 app is for attendees trying to see and experience it all,” Pagel says.

If attendees still have questions going into the conference, KBIS has posted updated information on its website. Pagel also points out that organizers are “here to answer questions and make sure all attendees have an incredible KBIS experience.”

This year’s show, which has grown from the last, is destined to impress.

“KBIS has seen tremendous growth in recent years, and this year’s show looks to continue on that track,” Pagel says. “We’re looking forward to a successful KBIS 2018.”

To learn more about KBIS, visit www.kbis.com.