The association’s international business membership team traveled to Milan to meet with current members and prospects
The 2026 edition of Salone del Mobile offered fertile ground for NKBA Global Connect to showcase the benefits of joining NKBA’s international business membership program.
Founded in 1961, Salone is a leading international event for the design industry, boasting a wide range of whole-home furnishing products–including exhibit halls dedicated to kitchen and bathrooms. Over the years, Salone has grown more international, which presents an important opportunity for the NKBA to stay connected with industry partners abroad and keep the North American market abreast of design trends and global products.
Steven Campeau, Senior Manager, Global & Government Relations, at NKBA | KBIS spearheaded the Global Connect activities at Salone and met with current members Quooker, Infinity, and Häcker. These three members from the Netherlands, Italy, and Germany respectively, showcase Global Connect’s reach in various international markets.
“Meeting with current Global Connect members at Salone was an amazing opportunity to dive deeper into their brand stories and journeys to better understand how this ties into their entry and expansion into the North American market,” Campeau said. “Through marketing opportunities, connections to advisors, and introductions to NKBA’s vast chapter network, Global Connect offers members a foot in the door to the complex $228 billion kitchen and bathroom industry in North America.”
During Salone, the Global Connect team also met with over twenty prospects who are interested in entering the North American market. Ranging from outdoor kitchens, decorative hardware, cabinets, faucets, and vanities, these companies offer unique products that NKBA members would benefit from learning about and sourcing for projects. Furthering the Global Connect mission of connecting the kitchen and bath industry globally, these prospects represent six countries: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Sweden, and Romania.
Wrapping up the visit to Salone, NKBA sponsored the global design event North America Night. Located at the historic Palazzo Litta, the space was transformed into a night of music, connection, and cultural exchange. This year’s theme, “En Masse”—meaning “all together” or “as a whole”—celebrated the power of collective action and the shared experiences that connect creative communities across disciplines and geographies.
About NKBA Global Connect The NKBA Global Connect mission is to connect and grow the kitchen and bath industry around the world through an international membership program. The initiative equips international companies with the support and professional community access they need to thrive in North America by providing market intelligence, brand-positioning guidance, and connections to key North American audiences. By combining NKBA’s expert marketing execution with access to a diverse and influential member network, we help businesses improve visibility, build meaningful relationships, and generate strong market demand, ultimately accelerating their success in the lucrative and competitive $228 billion North American market. Learn more here.
