Students and educators are invited to participate in an engaging event to learn about the true impact of design and the value of networking in a relaxed, social setting at KBIS.
All students and educators registered for KBIS 2026 are invited to join the NKBA at the annual Student & Educator Coffee Break at KBIS on Wednesday, Feb.18, from 2:30 to 4:00 pm at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
This year’s featured speaker is Stacy McCarthy, CMKBD, who will explore important, yet often overlooked, human dimensions of design in “Spaces That Care: The Real-Life Impact of Kitchen and Bath Design.”
In addition to her kitchen, bath, and interior design services, construction and installation expertise, McCarthy is known as an “emergency designer.” She is an expert guide for clients whose homes were damaged or destroyed by fire, water, or other catastrophic natural disasters or overwhelming life-changing events, helping them reclaim their space — and their sanity — and rebuild.
Her discussion is sure to enlighten aspiring designers, remodelers, builders, and educators about how astute design, thoughtful planning, and expert execution affect the way we live in our spaces, as well as how it impacts our overall lives and mental health. This programming will inspire students to think beyond the fundamentals of the classroom and understand the true impacts of design. Learn more about Stacy here.
Additionally, NKBA offers significant member discounts to students and educators to attend KBIS and access the Voices From the Industry Conference, including all live-on-site and on-demand educational sessions. NKBA Student Members can register for a complimentary pass to attend the expo only. If they wish to attend VFTI sessions, the cost is $50 and includes entrance to KBIS as well as access to on-demand sessions throughout 2026.
Students who are not members of NKBA pay $75 for the expo only and $125 for the expo plus VFTI.
NKBA Educator Members may attend the expo and VFTI for $50. Non-member educators/faculty pay $100 for an expo-only pass, or $175 for the expo plus VFTI.NKBA Student Membership is free, thanks to the generous support of Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove. Chapter officers who regularly engage with students or schools in their regions may request an invitation to the Student & Educator Coffee Break by contacting Kelly Ann Ryan, Senior Manager of Professional Development for NKBA, at kryan@nkba.org.
