The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has announced updated plans for the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in February. The trade show—dedicated to the kitchen and bath market—is currently scheduled for Feb. 9–11, 2021, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., and will move forward to include “a new omni-experience format.”
In addition to the on-site show in Orlando, KBIS 2021 will expand its presence with the integration of a new live virtual program over the three-day event.
“These are extraordinary times. KBIS 2021 is going to have a unique look and feel,” says Suzie Williford, executive vice president, industry relations, and chief strategy officer at the NKBA. “We are fully intending to host an in-person event. As long as we are able to safely bring our industry together for this extraordinary event, we will. For those who are unable to be there in person, we will bring KBIS to you.”
Health and Safety
Leaders from the NKBA and show producer, Emerald, are working with convention center executives, vendors, and state and local authorities to design the in-person experience. A corporate-wide preparedness plan with comprehensive health and safety guidelines and protocols have been established to provide attendees with the safest experience possible.
“At this time, all attendees, exhibitors, speakers, sponsors, and partners are required to wear face masks inside the convention center and maintain appropriate social distance,” says Amy Hornby, KBIS show director. “Masks will be available at registration upon request.”
Additional safety measures include:
- Increased hand sanitizer stations positioned throughout the convention center
- Daily, heightened cleaning of all public spaces, exhibit halls, meeting rooms, and registration areas
- Contactless registration process with remote badge printing
- All show floor aisles will be single directional to help manage traffic flow and encourage social distancing
- Exhibitors are encouraged to design open booths to allow for open entry and exit points
The organization notes that these plans may adapt and change in order to effectively limit potential spread.
Virtual Programming
As for the virtual component, the online experience will be available to all show attendees and exhibitors who register for the event. Those who choose to participate virtually will have access to educational content, exhibitor product launches, and a variety of networking opportunities. The details are in the final planning stages, with the new programming scheduled to be announced shortly.
“The Emerald and NKBA teams are talking with our exhibitors and attendees every day, and I can confidently say, our industry is ready to rebound,” says Hornby. “Many of our legacy brands including Miele and Cosentino, as well as newer exhibitors like Nobilia, are confirmed to exhibit and are looking forward to connecting with their clients.”
Registration for KBIS 2021 opens on Sept. 1, 2020, on KBIS.com, with free registration offered to all NKBA members for the month of September. Additional information regarding the show, as well as travel and accommodations, is available on the show's website.
"We know it is crucial that we provide regular updates about KBIS 2021 to help all of our attendees make plans. As we've seen over the last six months, situations can change overnight," says Williford. "As show organizers, we are working to apply what we learn in this new environment to produce a safe and successful experience for everyone."
