From record-setting shows to milestone celebrations, these moments defined a transformative year for the Association.
As the global kitchen and bath industry continued to evolve, NKBA marked 2025 with a series of standout events that showcased innovation, strengthened international partnerships, and brought the community together in meaningful new ways.
KBIS 2025: A Breakthrough Year of Innovation and Connection
Las Vegas, NV
KBIS 2025 delivered one of its most dynamic editions yet, drawing industry leaders, designers, manufacturers, and global partners for three days of discovery, networking, and product innovation. New exhibitors, immersive activations, and expanded programming across the KBIS Next Stage and the newly enhanced Halls elevated the show’s impact. This year’s event underscored KBIS’s continued leadership as the world’s largest dedicated kitchen and bath industry platform and set the tone for what’s ahead in 2026.
NKBA at High Point Market: A Strategic Presence at the Center of Design
High Point, NC
NKBA’s expanding role at High Point Market marked a significant milestone for 2025. Through its presence at Broad Hall and partnership with the High Point Market Authority, the Association deepened cross-category collaboration among lighting, furnishings, outdoor products, appliances, and bath brands. The experience supported a long-term strategy to connect the broader interior design and home furnishings communities. The result: new relationships, new visibility, and new pathways for members to explore the intersections of whole-home design.
Global Connect Expands Worldwide: Key International Engagements
NKBA Global Connect significantly broadened its international footprint in 2025, connecting with manufacturers, associations, and industry leaders across multiple continents. The program strengthened North American–global collaboration through a series of major visits and presentations.
InstallerSHOW, Birmingham, England
NKBA | KBIS continued its strong engagement in the U.K. by attending InstallerSHOW, which brought together more than 800 exhibitors and tens of thousands of installers, specifiers, and decision-makers. The team met with NKBA members, conducted micro-interviews, explored emerging technologies, and hosted the North American Kitchen & Bath Design Business Breakfast, where they shared the latest economic and design data along with a preview of KBIS 2026. This visit further deepened connections with British associations and manufacturers and underscored Global Connect’s mission to facilitate international industry growth.
Brazil Industry Tour: São Paulo & Vitória
NKBA’s visit to Brazil showcased the vibrancy of the country’s kitchen, bath, furniture, and stone industries. From high-design showrooms in São Paulo to natural stone production facilities in Vitória, the trip strengthened relationships with Brazilian brands and associations—including CentroRochas, Abimóvel, and leading manufacturers across cabinetry, appliances, furniture, and surfacing. The journey highlighted Brazil’s bold design culture, deep craftsmanship, and material innovation, while introducing new opportunities for collaboration with the North American market.
NKBA | KBIS continued to build strong ties in Europe with another successful presence at Küchenmeile. NKBA leaders met with strategic partners VDM, AMK, and Trendfairs to align on future initiatives and global market integration. Global President & CEO Bill Darcy delivered a keynote on North American market perspectives, sharing proprietary research and guidance to help German and European brands navigate the U.S. kitchen and bath landscape. The visit reinforced Global Connect’s long-term commitment to an integrated global industry.
Interzum provided a significant platform for NKBA to present the latest North American market data to international manufacturers and innovators. As one of the world’s leading fairs for furniture production and interior design, interzum offered a prime stage for NKBA to share economic insights, channel structures, remodeling trends, and factors influencing growth in the residential kitchen and bath sector. NKBA’s participation helped global brands better understand the North American market and how to prepare for entry or expansion.
Women2Women (W2W): Expanding Leadership, Mentorship, and Community
NKBA’s Women2Women initiative continued to flourish in 2025, bringing together women from across the industry for leadership development, candid conversations, and peer-driven mentorship. W2W delivered compelling programming that addressed professional growth, work-life balance, confidence-building, and entrepreneurship. Its events and digital engagements provided safe, energizing spaces for women to connect, learn, and champion one another—strengthening W2W’s role as a pillar of NKBA community culture.
Northern California Chapter’s 50th Anniversary: Celebrating Five Decades of Community
The NKBA Northern California Chapter marked its 50th anniversary with a series of meaningful celebrations honoring its legacy of volunteerism, leadership, and community impact. Members gathered for a lively 1970s-themed celebration, launched a digital storytelling series, and created a time capsule that will be opened at the chapter’s 75th anniversary in 2050. The milestone reflected not only the chapter’s decorated history—including multiple NKBA Star Awards—but also its commitment to inclusivity, student engagement, community support, and the next generation of industry leadership.
