September 2026
Message from the Chapters Team
Dear Chapter Officers,
It’s countdown to KBIS week! On Tuesday, September 1, NKBA members will receive an invitation to register for KBIS 2027 at no cost. This offer is for general members only. Chapter Officers will be pre-registered as VIPs, so please do not register using the complimentary link unless you are rotating off council this year.
We have so much in store for our return to Las Vegas in February, and Voices from the Industry (VFTI) will have the most exciting update of all! For the first time ever, VFTI will feature a keynote speaker. We’re thrilled to announce that Laura Kohler will take the stage on Tuesday, February 2. Please encourage your members to register for VFTI in September, when show passes are complimentary and VFTI registration is at its lowest rate.
Also on September 1, self-nominations open for NKBA’s national committees, including the Chapter Leadership Committee (CLC). There are two openings on the CLC. Five current or former Chapter Officers serve on the committee, each for a three-year term. To be eligible, candidates must have completed at least one full two-year Chapter Officer term within the past two years. Please click here for more information.
The highly anticipated NKBA | KBIS Design Competition is now live! Submit your projects by October 4, 2026, for your chance to showcase your work among the best in the industry and win cash prizes.
Summer may be winding down, but our 70 Chapters are keeping the heat turned up! September brings an epic mix of high-energy networking, cutting-edge learning, and straight-up fun with members.
In Southwest Florida, cool surface style meets warm community vibes with a lively afternoon at Cosentino City with a CEU Event. Alaska is rolling out the big wheels for their legendary 4th annual Parade of Homes. Central Ohio is diving deep into the science of steam cooking before taking inspiration on the road with an eye-opening Home- A- Rama. Ottawa is looking ahead to the future of design with an AI Event, and Minnesota State is educating members on natural stone with a rapid-fire CEU Sprints virtual event designed to educate and connect members state-wide and beyond.
Join us in the last week of September for our Third Annual Education Appreciation Week. We’ll cap the week on Friday, September 25 with a virtual NKBA Student Design Symposium. Register here today.
Have a great month filled with inspired design, meaningful connection, and lots of NKBA energy!
Warmest wishes,
Kelly
Kelly Buchsbaum
Director, Chapters & Professional Development
