NKBA Global Connect Brand Spotlights continued on Wednesday with host Greg Rohl, Global Connect Advisor and principal of The Rohl Model. Five brands participated in rapid-fire presentations, showcasing innovative products and telling their stories to North American buyers, designers, showroom and distribution executives. They included: Germany’s SCHOTT CERAN premium glass and ceramics manufacturer; Häcker Kitchens; W. Kirchhoff, parent of Wasserwerk Faucets; Blanco Sinks and Faucets, and from the U.S., CEDIA, the Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association for smart-home professionals.
NKBA Global Connect hosted a panel discussion, “Distribution and Sales Options: Go-to-Market Strategies in North America” for international brands that want to learn more about sales, distribution, and showroom partner strategies in North America. Moderated by NKBA Global Connect consultant Sherry Qualls of M-2, panel participants included Global Connect Advisors Kate Bailey, VP Category Management, Residential, for Ferguson Home; Bruce Case, president and CEO of Case Architects and Remodelers; Greg Rohl, founder and principal of The Rohl Model; Andrew Savant, president of Pinnacle Sales, and Craig Webb, owner of Webb Analytics. They talked about the importance of customer service and knowing who the target customer is, as well as making sure the product is adapted to the needs of the American market. They emphasized building brand partnerships, doing your homework, and most importantly, to be present — this is not the time to go remote.
Veronika Miller, lead consultant for M2, then hosted a discussion with Robin Rigby Fischer, CMKBD, CAPS, CLIPP, a professor of interior design at Portland Community College and principal of her own design firm. In “The Bright Future of Design: Opportunities Beyond Business as Usual,” the two discussed their respective journeys in the design world, and talked about the importance of community, bringing voices together to exchange ideas and lift each other up, and that what interior designers do is very important because it creates beauty in our lives.
Premier glass and ceramics manufacturer SCHOTT CERAN treated guests to a wine tasting and presentation at its kiosk. “The Power of Home by SCHOTT,” highlighted the beauty, functionality, strength, and diversity of SCHOTT glass.
Then, SCHOTT moved to the Global Connect Lounge for “Hit Me With Your Best Schott,” exhibiting the craftsmanship of its home tech brands and residential glass components designed to elevate life at home. SCHOTT celebrated with shots of Kentucky bourbon and shot glass and bourbon giveaways.
Thursday Preview:
The NKBA Global Connect Lounge, #SL113 in South Hall, hosts a breakfast seminar with Italy’s EXPO SICAM.
10 – 11:30 AM: “The Ingredients Inside — Trends and Technologies from Italy’s EXPO SICAM”
Join NKBA Global Connect Strategic Alliance Partner Expo SICAM, the International Exhibition of Components, Accessories and Semi-finished Products for the Furniture Industry, for “The Ingredients Inside — Trends and Technologies from Italy’s EXPO SICAM.” The breakfast and presentation will introduce the newest design, integrated technology and sustainability trends and new-to-market materials being driven by European ingredient, components and accessories manufacturers. Event hosts include Carolina Giobbi, co-founder of Expo SICAM, and NKBA Global Connect Advisors Kenn Busch and Eric Marshall.
