The association has a full slate of activations set for its KBIS Booth (#S25058), including NKBA Global Connect and general sessions.
By NKBA Staff
NKBA’s booth at KBIS 2026 will feature a full lineup of informative and engaging sessions. From general information to custom events and detailed advice from the NKBA Global Connect team, the association’s South Hall home (booth #S25058) will be a hub of activity.
KBIS runs Feb. 17 to 19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
Visitors will learn about the valuable benefits of NKBA membership, exclusive events throughout the year, opportunities for professional and career growth, and NKBA’s proprietary research included in the membership fee. Highlights include events with NKBA Global Connect and the association’s highly successful collaboration with High Point Market. There will also be a complimentary headshot booth sponsored by Ferguson Home.
The NKBA Global Connect international business membership program offers programming, brand spotlights, custom events, access to market research and expert advisors, and opportunities designed to build awareness of the North American market and help international companies gain a deeper understanding of how to do business across the region. The program also brings international business journalists to KBIS to learn about the innovations, technologies, and new products emerging in the U.S. and Canada.
Here’s a preview of the exciting programming on tap.
TUESDAY, FEB. 17
9:00 am – 5:00 pm: Free Professional Headshots
Visit the NKBA | KBIS Booth (#S25850) for a free professional headshot, sponsored by Ferguson Home.
11:30 am – 12 noon: NKBA Global Connect Welcome Reception
Join the Global Connect team at the NKBA Booth to kick off your KBIS experience and learn about the exciting Global Connect programming occurring throughout the show.”
12 noon – 1:30 pm: NKBA Global Connect Custom Event: Ballerina-Küchen
The Sweetness of Form, the Taste of Color features a design experience with Ballerina Küchen® premium German cabinetry and The COLORNETWORK®. Guests will explore how Ballerina’s future-forward craftsmanship, defined by clean geometry, tactile materials, and individualized design solutions, harmonizes with The COLORNETWORK’s bold, expressive palettes.
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm: High Point Market x Design Edge Reception
Join NKBA strategic partners High Point Market Authority and Design Edge for a mix-and-mingle reception in the NKBA booth. Connect with leadership, learn more about how these groups can benefit your business, and engage with fellow designers and industry members who are also connected to or curious about these shows. Light bites will be served.
WEDNESDAY FEB. 18
9:00 am – 5:00 pm: Free Professional Headshots
Visit the NKBA | KBIS Booth (#S25850) for a free professional headshot, sponsored by Ferguson Home.
10:30 am – 11:15 am: The Kitchen & Bath Pro Hub Reception
The Kitchen & Bath Pro Hub is NKBA’s innovative online research community. Founded last year, this powerful platform connects pros across the industry, and delivers cutting-edge insights and the the knowledge needed for success in this ever-evolving sector. Carrie Kennedy, NKBA Research Manager, will take a deep dive into the progress, insights, and standout moments that defined the Hub over the past year. She’ll highlight the resources that drove the most engagement, and explore the trends and conversations that helped elevate the K&B community. Attendees will get a clear view of how the Hub is evolving and what professionals find most valuable in this collaborative space. After the overview, enjoy a relaxed mix-and-mingle, spark new connections, share ideas, and celebrate another year of growth and innovation across the industry. And if you haven’t joined the K&B Pro Hub yet, this is the perfect chance to stop in, learn what the Hub offers, and get signed up on the spot. It’s free to join for NKBA members!
11:30 am – 12:30 pm: NKBA Global Connect Brand Spotlight: SCHOTT & IAPMO
Noëlle C. Lavery, Director of NKBA Global Connect, hosts Brand Spotlights — rapid-fire presentations with Q&A by new-to-KBIS international brands and global partners — highlighting innovative products for the North American market.
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm: NKBA Global Connect Custom Event: L&S Lighting – We Make Your Project Shine!
L&S Lighting’s event celebrates Italian light, design, inspiration, and the art of illumination, where refined aesthetics meet advanced LED technology. Discover how L&S creates functional, bespoke, architectural lighting that’s easy to install. Its latest residential solutions blend elegance, innovation, and user-centric design, transforming everyday spaces into comfortable and stylish experiences. Enjoy Italian bites and a glass of wine while learning how “we make your projects shine!”
2:15 pm – 3:15 pm: Secrets from Consumer Reports’ 90 Years of Product Testing – and What They Mean for Your Home
Ever wonder what goes on in the Consumer Reports labs? For 90 years, CR’s engineers and scientists have tested kitchen and bath appliances — among many other home products — to determine how they perform in real-life conditions and help people make regret-free buying decisions. Every year, CR’s testing and member surveys reveal which products perform best over time, along with the features worth paying for and the brands that consistently deliver. In this lively panel discussion, CR’s testing, data, and content insiders share lesser-known truths gleaned from decades of evaluations. Attendees will gain evidence-based insights on what truly matters when choosing products for a well-designed, better-performing home—and have the chance to get their questions answered by CR’s pros.
Host: Elliot Weiler, Director, Video. Panelists: Breann Chai, Kitchen Test Project Leader; Daniel Wroclawski, Sr. Kitchen Content Creator; Jacob George, Account Executive, Data Intelligence
3:30 – 5:00 pm: NKBA Global Connect Custom Event: SCHOTT
The Hidden Ingredient Experience
Great kitchens, homes, and futures are built on hidden ingredients. Like seasoning in a delicious dish, SCHOTT® glass is rarely noticed, but it’s essential to what modern kitchens can do. Discover how SCHOTT glass-ceramic and specialty glass draws on 130+ years of experience to enable performance under extreme heat and stress, unlock sleek design freedom, and support more durable, innovative, energy-smart solutions for the home.
THURSDAY, FEB. 19
9:00 am – 5:00 pm: Free Professional Headshots
Visit the NKBA | KBIS Booth (#S25850) for a free professional headshot, sponsored by Ferguson Home.
10:00 am – 10:45 am: North American Trends Talk
France to Florida: European Design Trends for 2026
From Paris ateliers to Palm Beach homes, design ideas travel far before they reach the American luxury market. Paris-trained designer and U.S.-based principal Laetitia Laurent explores how French and European design movements emerge, evolve, and ultimately influence selections, finishes, and American consumer expectations. With studios in Paris and Boca Raton, Laetitia offers a clear and unique perspective on how global aesthetics translate into American lifestyles. She will highlight current European trends, why they matter for NKBA members, and what is coming next.
10:00 am – 1:00 pm: NKBA Global Connect Sendoff
Join the Global Connect team to review your KBIS experience and chart what’s next for your brand. Discover how the Global Connect program can help boost your presence, expand your business, and learn about upcoming Global Connect events for 2026.
