February 2026
Message from the Chapters Team
Dear Chapter Officers,
It’s February – and we love our Chapter Officers and NBKA | KBIS!
Countdown is on for Orlando. Kicking off our KBIS week will be Leader2Leader on Monday, February 16, 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the Orange County Convention Center. We have planned an inspirational and informative day for all of you. For your planning, please note shuttles will depart Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa at 7:00 AM for Leader2Leader and return to the hotel at 2:30 PM. Transportation is on your own for Monday night’s NKBA | KBIS Design Industry Awards at Rosen Centre. Throughout KBIS February 17-19, shuttles will be running to/from our hotel to the convention center.
Kudos to our Chapter Officers for driving KBIS registration! Leading the overall registration attendee numbers is Central Florida Chapter in first place with the most registrants, followed by Georgia and Mid Atlantic Chapters. There’s no better place to grow and network with the K&B industry than KBIS – and there’s still time, so spread the word to your members to register now for KBIS 2026.
New for KBIS 2026: VFTI Wine & Design Events. Each day will wrap with an engaging and educational Wine & Design event, an opportunity to connect in a relaxed social setting centered around learning. VFTI attendees need to register in advance for these exclusive experiences.
We’re excited about another new-to-KBIS event from the Chapters & Professional Development team: join us for NKBA’s NextUp Skilled Trades Student Engagement Session on Tuesday, February 17, 3:30 PM in Room S210A. This free session offers 1.5 CEUs and includes the presentation From Concept through Construction: How Skilled Trades Bring Design to Life, featuring SO/KY Chapter’s Jennifer Fiorenza of The English Contractor, plus open forum discussion and a hands-on electrical “test the trade” experience. Open to students and NKBA members interested in learning more about skilled trades initiatives and workforce engagement.
Apply here today for a Skilled Labor grant. Managed by the National Housing Endowment, the Skilled Labor Fund Career Connections VII grant application is open now through March 15. NKBA Chapters are encouraged to apply for funding up to $4,500 to support local skilled trade events. Any 2026 activity intended to introduce high school, middle school, or elementary school students to careers in residential trades will be considered.
Be sure to tune in to our February Webinars featuring Software and Systems. Lots of great information and CEUs coming your way this month!
February is full of love for our Chapters and members with engagement prior, during, and after KBIS! Please check out just a few of the many fabulous February events our Chapters have planned this month: Central Coast and Valleys February 3, 5th Annual Mini Trade Show; Nebraska/Kansas February 3, New Year, New Hue an uplifting event focused on style, confidence and giving back to benefit the Rose Brooks Center; California Capital February 11, Valentine Social and KBIS Networking; South Florida February 12, “Love at First Fixture”; Minnesota State February 26, Super Orgs Social, a collaborative Industry event bringing together leaders and professionals from across the construction, remodeling, and interior design industries.
While at KBIS, Central Florida Chapter invites you to join them in West Hall on Wednesday, February 18 at 9:00 AM at their “KBIS Rise and Design” program featuring a luxury panel on 2026 trends.
Thanks for sharing the love, Central Florida – and heartfelt thanks to all our Chapters for the wonderful work that you do!
Warmest wishes,
Kelly
Kelly Buchsbaum
Director, Chapters & Professional Development
