NKBA Global Connect at KBIS 2024: Global Connect Lounge Programming

The NKBA Global Connect Lounge SL7015 and Global Connect Kiosk Pavilion SL8027 in the South Hall are the pillars of NKBA Global Connect at KBIS. Attendees will discover new-to-the-market international brands and engage with exciting rapid-fire spotlight presentations highlighting the newest International brands.  Events related to “Understanding the North American Kitchen and Bath Market” will connect international exhibitors with KBIS attendees and industry experts. Attendees can find the full line up of International pavilions and exhibitors in the West, North, and South Halls HERE.

Global Connect Lounge – Booth #SL7015

The NKBA Global Connect Lounge is the spot where international brands connect with KBIS attendees.  The NKBA invites Design professionals, showrooms, dealers, distributors, and sales representatives to attend.  Programs include introducing KBIS attendees to the newest, most innovative kitchen and bath finds from around the globe.  Beginning each morning, new-to-North America brands will present quick “spotlight” takes on their products and brand stories.  Additionally, the Global Connect Lounge offers roundtables and panel discussions, exploring the role of the designer and go-to-market strategies for international brands to better understand this unique marketplace.  Cocktail and breakfast events including audience engagement opportunities will also take place.  Many of these require pre-registration.

Programming

Tuesday, February 27

9:30 am – 10:45 am
NKBA Global Connect Brand Spotlights  

4-5 Rapid-fire presentations by new-to-KBIS international brands including Dekker and several brands from Ukraine, that seek to present their most innovative products to North American buyers. Each presentation is 10 minutes plus brief QA time.
To reserve your seat, register here.

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
NKBA Global Connect Panel Discussion: The Role of the Design Professional in North America 

NKBA Global Connect Lead consultant Veronika Miller will host a discussion with NKBA Global Connect Advisor Jeanne Chung, principal of Pasadena based showroom and design firm Cozy.Stylish.Chic and with author, speaker and Podcast host at A Welll Designed Business, LuAnn Nigara to explore how North American designers work and what is important to them when sourcing internationally.
To reserve your seat, register here.

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
BORA Happy Hour: The Thoughtful Kitchen – Healthy Spaces and Happy Places 

Join the BORA team for light bites, drinks and an interactive discussion led by NKBA Global Connect Lead Consultant Veronika Miller about the kitchen as the soul of the home, cooking as a way to cultivate relationships, and healthy living through thoughtful design.
To reserve your seat, register here.

Wednesday, Feb. 28 

9:00 am – 10:00 am
Meet Ukraine! Manufacturers and Artisans present a selection of the best products and designs from Ukraine

Please join a selection of Ukrainian manufacturers and artisans from Ukraine for product presentations and light bites in the Global Connect Lounge.
To reserve your seat, register here.

10:30 am – 11:30 am
NKBA Global Connect Brand Spotlights  

4-5 Rapid-fire presentations by new-to-KBIS international brands including Concelo, SCHOTT CERAN, and SICAM, that seek to present their most innovative products to North American buyers. Each presentation is 10 minutes plus brief QA time.
To reserve your seat, register here.

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
NKBA Global Connect Panel Discussion: Distributor/Sales Go-to-Market 

Leading North American showrooms, dealers, and distributors in conversation with NKBA Global Connect marketing consultant Sherry Qualls to discuss distribution and go-to-market strategies for the North American kitchen and bath sector.
To reserve your seat, register here.

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Richelieu Happy Hour: “See the Light” – European Lighting Trends  

Join North American distributor of specialty hardware Richelieu in a discussion with German lighting brands Elektra and Domus who will show the hottest lighting concepts from Europe.
To reserve your seat, register here.