South Hall is home to the Global Connect Lounge and kiosks, international pavilions, and international exhibitors, many new to North America.
By Dianne M. Pogoda
The NKBA Global Connect International Hub in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s South Hall at KBIS is anchored by the Global Connect Lounge (SL1113) and Kiosks, and surrounded by many international pavilions and Global Connect member companies exhibiting at the show.
Not only is the Lounge a great place for international brands to connect with North American design, distribution, and sales professionals, it also will feature three days of informative programming, including International Brand Spotlight presentations, cocktail and breakfast events, and roundtable luncheons. Visitors will meet brands from all over the world, many of which are new to KBIS or to North America entirely. Fascinating presentations and panel discussions will explore the dynamics of the North American marketplace, how to establish a business presence in the market, and how to engage with potential customers.
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Here’s a preview of some of the exciting programming in the NKBA Global Connect Lounge.
Tuesday, February 25
10 to 11 am: NKBA Global Connect Brand Spotlights
Global Connect Advisor LuAnn Nigara, principal of the award-winning Window Works firm, host of the podcast “A Well-Designed Business,” and owner of LuAnn Nigara Inc. consultancy, hosts this series of rapid-fire presentations by new-to-KBIS international brands. These firms will tell their stories and present their innovative products to the North American market, followed by a brief Q&A session.
12 noon to 1 pm: NKBA Global Connect Panel Discussion
“Building Your Brand in the North American Market”
Join Heather Shannon, SVP NKBA Marketing and Communications as she explores the topic of brand building in North America with Erik Perez, principal of HelloPR Group, Sherry Qualls, consultant M2 Consulting Group and Veronika Miller, founder of Designhounds and M2 Consulting Group. Learn how to stand out, connect with the right audiences and make your mark.
Wednesday, Feb. 26
10 to 11 am: NKBA Global Connect Brand Spotlights
Hosted by Greg Rohl, Global Connect Advisor and principal of The Rohl Model. New-to-KBIS brands will participate in a series of rapid-fire presentations, presenting innovative products and telling their stories to North American buyers, designers, showroom and distribution executives, followed by a brief Q&A session.
12 noon to 1 pm: NKBA Global Connect Panel Discussion
“Distribution and Sales Options: Go-to-Market Strategies in North America”
This panel discussion is designed for international brands that want to learn more about sales, distribution, and showroom partner strategies in North America. Panel participants include leading North American kitchen and bath showrooms, dealers and distributors in conversation with NKBA Global Connect consultant Sherry Qualls.
1:30 to 2:30 pm: “The Bright Future of Design: Opportunities Beyond Business As Usual”
One of the most common business models for designers is to charge design fees and markups but in a world that is rife with e-commerce, online and even AI based design services and purchasing options, design pros may wonder if their opportunities are dwindling. Designhounds Founder and CEO of M2 Consulting Group in conversation with Robin Rigby Fisher CMKBD, CAPS, CLIPPS, Department Chair at Portland Community College, will host a designer and student roundtable discussion to explore the importance of diversified sourcing and disruptive business models to continue on a successful and inspiring career path.
3 to 4 pm: “Hit Me with Your Best Schott” , Bourbon Tasting with SCHOTT CERAN
Celebrate the craftsmanship and American home of Germany’s SCHOTT CERAN (and its home tech brands) with a shot of Kentucky Bourbon. Learn how German engineering and technology is combined with American ingenuity to create innovative glass used in a myriad of ways to make life better at home. Attendees will be registered to win premium Kentucky Bourbon along with special SCHOTT shot glasses.
Thursday, Feb. 27
10 to 11:30 am: SICAM Breakfast
“The Ingredients Inside”
Join Carolina Giobbi, co-founder of Expo SICAM, Kenn Busch, journalist and founder of Material Intelligence and Eric Marshall, principal of the Closet Training Institute for breakfast and a trends presentation on the technologies and materials coming out of Italy, Spain, Germany and other International manufacturing hubs. The ingredients inside make the finished products stronger, smarter and more sustainable.
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The NKBA Global Connect business development program offers important benefits to international companies that want to explore ways to break into the North American market. Members have access to NKBA | KBIS’ extensive market research covering key topics from overall and category-specific design trends to economic data, market outlooks, quarterly reports on the current state of the industry, and much more, plus access to a team of expert Global Connect Advisors for detailed information about the nuances, regulations, compliance, distribution, and other important aspects of doing business in North America. More info on the program may be found at nkba.org/global-connect-landing/.
