The association’s international business membership program explored the industry in Spain
After an engaging trip to Salone del Mobile in April, NKBA Global Connect returned to Europe to attend Spain’s leading design trade fair, València Inspira Diseño. This year the fair offered an integrated showcase bringing together four major trade shows in one seamless experience:
- Feria Hábitat València: international showcase for furniture, lighting, and interior design
- Espacio Cocina SICI: furniture, accessories, and equipment for the kitchen
- Textilhogar: home textile and decoration trends
- 360º by Cevisama: bathrooms, surfaces, and ceramics
Hábitat Valencia is well-established as the leading international showcase for the Spanish habitat industry, featuring a wide range of furniture, lighting, décor, upholstery, and bedding. This collaborative fair for all home design including the kitchen and bath, offered NKBA Global Connect a prime opportunity to learn more about the Spanish market and discuss how companies can benefit from NKBA’s international business membership program.
Of particular interest for NKBA was the chance to connect in person with two strategic alliance partners– AMC and ASEBAN–in support of their shows, Espacio Cocina SICI and 360º by Cevisama, respectively.
AMC, the Spanish Association of Kitchen Furniture, and ASEBAN, the Association of Manufacturers of Bathroom and Sanitary Equipment, have been Global Connect strategic partners since 2024, and the fair offered a perfect opportunity to experience how these associations assist their members.
Reflecting on the fair, Sergio Gonzalez, Director of ASEBAN stated, “Spanish Bathroom Industry is quality, design and innovation being present in many architectural and interior design projects worldwide. Helping our members to trade with the US is challenging, but joining forces with NKBA brings us knowledge and experience as a key partner.”
In addition to meeting with these partners, Steven Campeau, Senior Manager, Global & Government Relations at NKBA, visited nearly a dozen current NKBA members–both domestic and Global Connect–including Miele, Cosentino, Neolith, Kessebohoemer, Schuller, Quooker, Bora, and Coverlam to learn more about their new products as well as inquire about their KBIS 2027 exhibits. He also met with 65 prospective Global Connect members across all four shows to present how the program can help them break into or expand in the North American market.
“Seeing these brands exhibit first hand on their home turf is truly a humbling experience,” Campeau said. “Global Connect is all about helping companies such as these feel intertwined with their North American counterparts as we strive to find ways to work together and grow our industry. It’s an honor to represent NKBA and North America at the show to not only deepen current relationships, but forge new ones as well in our lucrative $228 billion industry.”
NKBA Global Connect will be attending BDNY next month to visit international exhibitors and is working with our partners abroad to continue to represent NKBA at additional tradeshows later this year such as SICAM in Italy, Unicera in Türkiye, Acetech Mumbai & Delhi in India, and ESPRITMEUBLE in France.
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.
