NKBA’s VFTI Conference at KBIS 2026 in Orlando will present a slate of sessions in seven learning tracks designed to help enhance business, design, technical, and marketing skills.
By NKBA Staff
NKBA’s highly regarded Voices From the Industry Conference at KBIS is among the can’t-miss events during the annual three-day expo, Feb. 17 to 19 in Orlando, FL. This professional development series offers compelling sessions that will build awareness and skills in seven learning tracks.
The VFTI Conference is generously sponsored by Fabuwood.
Subject Matter Experts will share their expertise in categories including Technology, Building & Remodeling, Leadership & Management, Design, Kitchen & Bath Trends, Marketing, and Sustainability. 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 2026. Topics range from learning about the daunting new world of AI and social media marketing to integrating technology, universal design, and sustainability into projects, client management to hiring strategies, and design tips to trending products. All sessions are CEU-qualified, earning 0.1 CEU credit for each hour of instruction, either on-site or on-demand.
New for KBIS 2026, there will be Wine & Design panel discussions from 3 to 4 pm each day, featuring SMEs delving into three topics:
• From Ruin to Renewal: The Role of Design After Disaster (Tuesday).
• Inclusive by Design: Creating Spaces for Diverse Needs and Life Stages (Wednesday).
• The Wellness Blueprint: Spaces that Nurture Body, Mind, and Spirit (Thursday).
Light bites and drinks will be served. These events are free and open to VFTI attendees, but advance registration is required as space is limited.
Here’s a closer look at the six sessions in the Technology learning track.
Tuesday, Feb. 17
Smarter Kitchens & Baths: Elevating Design with Technology
Session: 0.1 CEU
Time: 9 – 10 am
Instructor: Tyler Nary, Managing Director, Clive Daniel Home Automation, Powered by Daisy
Ability Level: Intermediate
Learn how intelligent lighting, AI-enabled appliances, and seamless AV integration transform kitchens and baths into wellness-focused, emotionally engaging spaces. Explore shifting client expectations and strategies for incorporating smart tech without compromising aesthetics. Attendees will gain inspiration and practical tools to confidently enhance the beauty and function of their projects. This session blends case studies, informational insights, client video interviews, and live audience polling to showcase the intersection of interior design and smart-home technology. Throughout, participants will engage in live Q&A checkpoints designed to address their project hurdles and client concerns.
Designing with Tech: Elevate Your Aesthetic Through Smart Innovation
Workshop: 0.15 CEUs
Time: 10:30 am – 12 noon
Instructors: Imogen Dent, Design Build Program Specialist, CEDIA; Jamie Briesemeister, CEO, Integration Controls
Ability Level: Beginner
Step into the future of interior design with this engaging 90-minute interactive workshop tailored for interior designers eager to integrate smart technology into their designs. Discover how to elevate functionality, aesthetics, and client satisfaction by incorporating cutting-edge innovations like smart lighting, climate control, entertainment systems, and more. Through real-world case studies and hands-on activities, attendees will learn practical strategies to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary, tech-enhanced environments and gain the knowledge and confidence to deliver high-value, future-ready designs.
12 Ways AI Can Make More Money, Save Time, and Reduce Rework and Stress
Session: 0.1 CEU
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Instructor: Jeff Wilson, Profit Improvement Specialist, LoomView Enterprises
Ability Level: Advanced
The kitchen and bath industry is experiencing a revolutionary transformation through AI-powered agentic systems that are dramatically improving profitability, efficiency, and client satisfaction. This intensive session shows how AI tools specifically designed for remodelers and designers can deliver immediate, measurable ROI for 12 critical business functions. Jeff Wilson goes beyond theory to provide actionable implementation strategies, checklists, and insider tips. Attendees will learn how AI re-engagement systems can reactivate dormant leads, how AI contract managers can add 2 to 4 points to profit margins, and how AI project managers predict and prevent costly delays before they happen.
From Friction to Flow: AI-Powered Customer Journey Transformation
Workshop: 0.15 CEUs
Time: 10:30 am – 12 noon
Instructor: Rathna Ramakrishnan, CEO, Remodeler Digital
Ability Level: Intermediate
Your marketing funnel is leaking prospects at every stage: visitors abandon landing pages, leads go cold in nurture sequences, and qualified prospects slip through the cracks before they ever reach sales. Meanwhile, your competitors are using AI to turn anonymous visitors into engaged leads with surgical precision. This workshop shows attendees how to eliminate lead-generation friction by leveraging AI automation that runs behind the scenes to create effortless prospect experiences. Learn to build lead-generation systems that capture attention, nurture interest, and deliver qualified leads while your prospects feel like you’re reading their minds.
Wednesday, Feb. 18
AI in Action: Smarter Workflows, Smarter Designs
Session: 1 CEU
Time: 2 – 3 pm
Instructor: Vanessa DeKoekkoek, Product Manager, Design, Cyncly
Ability Level: Beginner
Ready to move beyond simply using AI as a tool and instead leverage it as a strategic partner? Join this session for a practical, step-by-step guide to addressing the most pressing AI-related challenges and opportunities in K&B design. Using a “walk-through” format with real project examples, participants will learn how to deconstruct AI-generated inspiration, manage client expectations, assess the feasibility of AI concepts, and transform an idealized image into a functional, budget-friendly design. Learn to use AI to supercharge the design process, generate hyper-realistic renderings and virtual walkthroughs, and automate tedious tasks like material sourcing and creating detailed project timelines.
Thursday, Feb. 19
Demystifying AI for the Design and Construction Industry
Workshop: 0.15 CEUs
Time: 10:30 am – 12 noon
Instructor: Stephanie Lindsey, Co-Founder and Principal Designer, AI for Interiors and Etch Design Group
Ability Level: Beginner
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept. It’s here, and it’s transforming the design and remodeling industries. This engaging and practical session breaks down what AI really means for K&B designers, remodelers, and industry innovators. Explore tools like ChatGPT, image generators, and AI visualization platforms and see how they can streamline workflows, enhance creativity, and improve communication with clients and vendors. Attendees will hear real-world examples of how AI is used in firms and will compare top AI tools, learning how to choose the right one for their workflow. The presentation will also cover ethical considerations and data safety tips when using AI in design.
