Three days in New Orleans to last a lifetime
Over 100 women in the NKBA community gathered at the Four Seasons New Orleans September 8-10 for this year’s Women to Women Leadership Conference.
The annual event is by application only for NKBA members and was made possible by four generous brand sponsors: CAFÉ Appliances, Ferguson Home, Lutron, and Maxim.
Day 1: Design meets history in rare home tour
To kick off the experience, attendees were treated to a historic home tour in partnership with Flower Magazine. Private charters winded their way through the colorful neighborhoods of New Orleans.
This was a rare opportunity to explore three very different residences from four notable designers: Tara Shaw, Sydney Murphy, Patrick Dunne, and Nathan Drewes.
Following the tour, guests mingled well past closing time over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (including Louisiana gator bites for the brave!)
Participants praised the selection of the Four Seasons as the event venue, noting the aesthetic details of the hotel and hospitality touches which made them feel special and sparked conversation.
Day 2: Business wisdom, shared tears, and even a parade
After a hearty southern breakfast at the Four Seasons’ Miss River Restaurant, guests took their seats inside the Plimsoll Ballroom. NKBA Chief Marketing & Digital Officer Ivana Molzen addressed the women.
“What an incredible room. Take a moment to look around.”
Molzen noted the remarkable diversity of the group. “Some of you have spent decades shaping this field, while others are just starting your journey. You represent not just one company, one region, or one corner of the industry–but every link in the kitchen and bath chain–cabinetry, plumbing, countertops, appliances, and design services. For the next few days, those labels fade, and we are colleagues in the truest sense.”
The program of speakers began with Cheryl Fennelle-Dixon of Perfectly Clear Communications.
What do you want to be known for? If everyone is using the same marketing buzz phrases, how do you stand out? If you’re not in the room, how would your brand be explained? Fennelle-Dixon answered those questions and more in her presentation, “Brand Clarity: Specific is the New Premium.”
Next, Cosentino’s Patty Dominguez moderated an inspiring and emotional panel featuring five Women to Women Advisors: Gina D’Amore Bauerle of D’Amore Interiors, Edyta Drutis of BLANCO North America, Christine Gee of G Interiors Studio &
Design Center, Stacy McCarthy of Stacy McCarthy Design, and Susan Wadden of the Sherwin-Williams Company. (Kate Kelley Smith of Sandow Design Group is also an advisor this year and delivered her keynote the following morning.)
After a break, Christi Barbour of Barbour Spangle Design (who has reimagined NKBA’s showhouse in Broad Hall at High Point Market), took to the stage with “Building Teams People Want to Be Part Of.” Barbour discussed “the architecture of belonging,” where people naturally feel motivated to deliver their best work.
“If your team doesn’t feel they belong, you’re building on sand,” said Barbour. “Connection is the foundation that everything else stands on.”
After a lunch featuring local delicacies such as gumbo and banana pudding, Kellye Kamp of SourceKamp Labs dove into “Not Technical, Just Powerful: Busting the Myths About Using AI in the Kitchen and Bath Industry.” Kamp presented strategies for using generative AI to automate processes before leading participants through a practical workshop.
Finally, it was time for breakout sessions, where our dedicated advisors fostered varied and thoughtful discussions.
With a full and fruitful day behind them, everyone took part in a celebratory second-line parade from Jackson Square to the legendary Arnaud’s Restaurant for a champagne reception and dinner.
Day 3: Achieving balance, staying connected
Buttery biscuits, cornbread, and grits graced the abundant breakfast spread inside Miss River, a perfect follow-up to the previous night’s festivities.
Smiling and satiated, our women made their way back to the ballroom for Kate Kelley Smith’s candid keynote “All About You.” Kelley Smith shared insights from her decades-long career in leadership, media, and design–including the importance of self care.
NKBA Director of Brand Development Jennifer Chick-Gray moderated a panel discussion with sponsors Natalie Benoit of CAFÉ Appliances, Caroline Danielson of Ferguson Home, Naomi Sperling of Maxim, and Cecila Ramos of Lutron.
The morning concluded with remarks from Kelly Buchsbaum (Director of Chapters & Professional Development), Tricia Zach (Director of Research), and Deb Webb (Executive Vice President, Events & KBIS).
“As you head out today, carry with you the connections you’ve made, the ideas you’ve gathered, and the inspiration you’ve found,” said Webb. “This experience doesn’t end when you leave New Orleans. NKBA remains committed to being your indispensable partner and collaborator as you continue building what comes next – fostering the meaningful relationships that will propel your business long after this week.”
