NKBA’s VFTI Conference at KBIS 2025 offers a compelling slate of CEU-qualified learning sessions on a range of subjects.
By Dianne M. Pogoda
The Voices from the Industry Conference, NKBA’s highly anticipated professional development program at KBIS 2025 in Las Vegas, gives attendees more than 70 seminars and webinars full of valuable information covering the latest trends and business strategies shaping the future of the industry. Attendees can earn CEU credits, with options for on-site training or on-demand viewing after the show.
The VFTI series is generously sponsored by Floor & Decor.
Subject Matter Experts will share their deep knowledge during the upcoming edition, Feb. 25 to 27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Seminars and workshops are organized into six tracks: Building & Remodeling, Design, Hot Topics, K&B Trends, Leadership & Management, and Marketing. KBIS attendees may purchase a package including the Expo pass plus a conference pass for all on-site VFTI presentations and unlimited access to on-demand sessions throughout 2025. All sessions are CEU-qualified.
Here’s a closer look at the 14 sessions in the Hot Topics track.
Tuesday, February 25
Protect your Intellectual Property, Protect your Brand
9 – 10 am
Instructor: Muzamil Huq, Legal Counsel, Presenter, Morrison & Forester LLP
Ability Level: Beginner
This session will educate attendees on the importance of intellectual property (IP), including trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, and patents. It will provide practical advice on managing IP and determining when to engage legal counsel.
A License to Thrill
10:45 – 11:45 am
Instructor: Christopher Grubb, President, Presenter, Arch-Interiors Design Group Inc.
Ability Level: Beginner
Celebrity designers have long been involved in licensing deals, but recently there has been a shift in how the industry approaches collaborations. Manufacturers now prioritize talented interior designers who not only reach customers but also drive repeat business. Beverly Hills designer Christopher Grubb, with seven licensing partnerships, will discuss how he initiated and pursued these collaborations, establishing himself as a brand in product design. Topics include the development process, time and energy required, financial considerations, and potential returns. Grubb offers insights about understanding the dual roles of designer and licensed product designer, the intricacies of licensing, or exploring new opportunities.
Smart Technology for Aging in Place: Sustainability & Universal Design
2:45 – 3:45
Instructor: Janet Engel, Owner, Presenter, Home Designs for Life, Ltd, Co.
Ability Level: Beginner
This insightful session explores how smart technology and sustainable practices intersect with aging in place. Occupational therapist and aging in place specialist Janet Engel shares innovative solutions that empower older adults to live independently in safety and comfort while promoting environmental responsibility. Discover the latest in smart home technology, from voice-controlled appliances to energy-efficient systems, learn practical applications that simplify daily routines, reduce fall risks and reduce energy consumption. Explore the principles of universal design and sustainable materials, creating inclusive spaces adaptable to evolving needs over time.
Wednesday, February 26
Clients: The Good, The Bad, and How to Handle Them
12:30 – 1:30 pm
Instructors: Susan Cracraft, CMKBD, Vice President + Senior Technical Designer, Interiology Design Co.; Mark Haddad, CMKBD, Founder and President, Principal Interior Designer, Interiology
Ability Level: Advanced
All designers have had their share of clients they love and those who challenge them. This course reviews common issues designers may encounter on projects with clients and discusses strategies for optimal results. Learn tips and tricks through stories and photos from real-life experiences, and come away with a thorough understanding of practical ways to successfully handle clients, resulting in overall better business practices.
Embracing the Future: Integrating AI Into Interior Design Business Strategy
12:30 – 1:30 pm
Instructor: Darilyn Coles, Director, Presenter, Toronto International Design Centre
Ability Level: Beginner
Explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of interior design. This workshop is tailored for forward-thinking companies seeking to harness AI to boost sales and streamline operations. Gain invaluable insights on integrating AI into your business model to maintain competitiveness and drive innovation in today’s rapidly evolving market. Join us for a dynamic seminar that equips you with practical strategies to thrive in the digital era.
Thursday, February 26
Understanding European Kitchen Furniture
9 – 10 am
Instructor: Jeremy Parcels, CKBD, Owner & Principal Designer, Presenter, Ballerina-Küchen H.-E. Ellersiek GMBH
Ability Level: Intermediate
Explore the demand for cleaner, more efficient kitchen designs in the American market and how European influences can meet these needs. Discover practical insights on storage solutions and sleek design concepts inspired by European kitchens, renowned for maximizing space and functionality. Whether you’re a designer, showroom manager, installer, or dealer, uncover the distinct advantages of German, Italian, Scandinavian, and other European cabinetry. Elevate your offerings with lessons in cabinetry construction, design versatility, and product diversity to cater to modern American clients seeking streamlined living solutions.
The Stone Whisperer: Deciphering the Language of Maintenance for Designers
10:45 – 11:45 am
Instructor: Kelly Wolf, Global Sales Leader, Presenter, MORE Surface Care
Ability Level: Intermediate
Tailored for architects and designers seeking to deepen their expertise in natural stone care, this session delves into the intricate world of stone maintenance, sealers, cleaners, and industry best practices, while gaining insights into the chemical compositions of different stones and their impact on maintenance requirements. Through engaging discussions and practical insights, attendees gain the knowledge to elevate their designs with enduring stone installations and the tools to make informed decisions about natural stone care and maintenance, ultimately elevating the quality and longevity of their projects.
Expanding your Design Thinking: Re-Imagining the Kitchen Layout for a Modern Lifestyle
10:45 – 11:45 am
Instructor: Jen Stockwell, Owner + Principal Designer, Presenter, Stockwell Homes, LLC
Ability Level: Advanced
The one-size-fits-all kitchen has no place in modern homebuilding and design. This session explores the lifestyle trends and evolution of household life for Millennials and younger clients. For this rising demographic of luxury homebuilders, balancing a busy lifestyle with a rich home life is a top priority. And as designers, architects, and builders, it is only those willing to innovate who will be well-equipped to deliver the type of finished space this demographic seeks.
ChatGPT Basics for Teams
11 am – 12 noon
Instructor: Joseph Burak, Founder and Chief Strategist, VFTI, TRANSiT Strategy & Analytics
Ability Level: Beginner
In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, understanding how to leverage AI tools like ChatGPT is crucial for driving efficiency and innovation in business operations. This dynamic and interactive 90-minute session will demystify ChatGPT and showcase its practical applications in an office environment, highlighting its potential to revolutionize back-office operations and work among team members. Participants will gain a high-level overview of AI and large language models (LLMs), exploring the evolution and impact of these technologies. We’ll delve into real-world use cases demonstrating how ChatGPT can be deployed to enhance customer support, streamline content generation, automate data analysis and much more.
AI in Kitchen & Bath Design Business Management: Harnessing Innovation
12:45 – 1:45 pm
Instructor: Brandy Lawson, CEO, Presenter, FieryFX
Ability Level: Intermediate
Discover how to unlock your productivity potential with straightforward software and apps tailored to your needs. Learn quick methods to select the right tools and systems effortlessly and the crucial distinctions between productivity-draining and game-changing technology. Essential yet often overlooked tweaks can enhance efficiency immediately and yield significant results. Gain actionable insights and shortcuts to leverage technology effectively, achieve more with less effort, and transform how you work.
Smart-Home Trends for Kitchen and Bath
2:15 – 3:15 pm
Instructors: Rex Aguirre, President, Premiere Systems Design; Ashley Bancroft, Operations Manager and System Designer, Premiere Systems Design
Ability Level: Beginner
Smart-home technology is a growing trend within the world of luxury living. This session will inspire and inform you about ways to integrate technology into kitchens and bathrooms, in a manner that complements the home’s aesthetic. Explore the benefits of smart lighting, automated shades, voice control, and more. In addition to audience Q&A, we will include a hands-on demo where audience members can interact with smart-home technology.
Five Reasons Why Human Intuition & Connection Surpass AI in the Kitchen and Bath Industry
5 pm – On-demand only
Instructor: Wendy Sterling, Intuitive Leadership Mentor Coach, VFTI, WBD Consulting LLC
Ability Level: Intermediate
In an industry where personal touch and understanding client desires are paramount, the rise of AI can seem both exciting and daunting. While AI offers incredible efficiencies and capabilities in K&B, there’s an irreplaceable value in human intuition and connection that technology cannot replicate. This session delves into five compelling reasons why the human factor is essential in creating beautiful, functional, and personalized spaces that resonate deeply with clients, and offers tools to harness your intuitive skills alongside AI to enhance your professional practice and client interactions.
The Social Kitchen: Getting the Party Started with Intelligent Entertaining Essentials
5 pm – On-demand only
Instructor: Jessica Petrino Ball, Director of Trade Engagement and Education, Presenter, AJ Madison
Ability Level: Beginner
Engaging prospective clients by discussing holidays, entertaining, and hosting is a powerful way to spark conversation and earn their business. To transform homes into luxurious retreats, remodelers integrate amenities akin to those found in high-end resorts. Central to this transformation is the kitchen, where cutting-edge appliances and innovative designs cater to the culinary preferences and storage needs of the family chef, making cooking and entertaining a thrilling experience. Discussions should also encompass amenities throughout the home, including overnight accommodations and outdoor recreational spaces, to create memorable experiences.
Upsell to Living in Place How Designers and Manufacturers May Collaborate for Healthy Outcomes
5 pm – On-demand only
Instructors: Wendy Glaister, Principal, Wendy Glaister Interiors; Jarrett Oakley, Head of Marketing, TOTO USA
Ability Level: Intermediate
This informative discussion will bring valuable insights into the growing desire for older adults to remain in their homes and maintain their independence. Discover how to have productive conversations that shift the mindset from woes of “Aging in Place” to the more positive “Living in Place.” Learn useful tips, practical applications, and ways to collaborate with contractors and installers through real-world strategies that improve projects’ functionality, and see how Living in Place plays a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of clients, enabling them to thrive in their homes well into their golden years.
Early-bird pricing is available through Jan. 10, 2025. NKBA members pay $575, and non-members are $775. From Jan. 11 to Feb. 22, members are $675, non-members are $875, and for on-site registration, Feb. 23 to 27, members are $775, and non-members are $875. (Student and faculty rates are also available, click for more detail.)
For more detail and a full schedule of sessions, click here.
