Day 2 of KBIS 2026 is officially here, and the NKBA | KBIS Booth (#S25850) is the place to be. Whether you’re looking to refresh your professional image with a free headshot, dive into the latest industry research at the K&B Pro Hub Reception, or explore global innovations from Italy and beyond, today’s lineup is packed with value. Join us for a full day of “rapid-fire” brand spotlights, insider testing secrets, and networking events designed to help your business shine.

Here is a look at today’s programming:

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.

Winners were honored at the Design & Industry Awards, Feb. 16, at KBIS in Orlando.

By NKBA Staff

Winners of the NKBA’s 2024-2025 Student Design Competition demonstrated thoughtful planning, technical acumen, and creative design as they showcased their aesthetic expertise in the most recent contest.

The competition is generously sponsored by Fisher & Paykel, and winners were recognized at KBIS 2026 during the Design + Industry Awards. 

Aspiring designers could submit entries for kitchens and/or bathrooms. There is no fee to enter the competition (or to become a student member), and participants must be NKBA student members enrolled in an educational institution at the time of entry.

In the bath category, first place went to Emma Bunz, 20, of Lakeland College, while Allison Hedrick, 33, of Portland Community College, took home the top prize for her kitchen design.

Judges included Rebecca Sutton, CMKBD, CKBR, senior designer at Kitchen Design Concepts in Dallas; Jenni Russell, CMKBD, of Design in Perspective in Colorado Springs, CO; and Paula Kennedy, CMKBD, owner of Timeless Kitchen Design in Seattle and an educator at the Heritage School of Interior Design.

The winners are:

Kitchen

First Place: Allison Hedrick, Portland Community College, Portland, OR

Second Place: Rachel Mendoza, Georgian College, Barrie, Ontario

Third Place: Kateryna Ponomarova, Montgomery College, Rockville, MD

Bath

First Place: Emma Bunz, Lakeland College, Vermilion, Alberta

Second Place: Catherine Wright, Century College, White Bear Lake, MN

Third Place: Kateryna Ponomarova, Montgomery College, Rockville, MD

Entries were judged on visual appeal, creativity, the elements and principles of design, the NKBA’s 4th Edition Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines, NKBA Graphics & Presentation Standards, and how well the designers met their client’s needs. More than 200 students entered, competing for scholarships of $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second place, and $1,000 for third place. Winners also received complimentary KBIS registration, an expo pass, a ticket to the awards and opening night party, airfare, and lodging. The 2025-2026 Student Design Competition is open and accepting entries through June 5, 2026.

Learn more about the NKBA Student Design Competition here.

Sponsored by:

More than 300 NKBA chapter officers from across the United States and Canada gathered in Orlando, FL, this week for NKBA | KBIS Leader2Leader (L2L), the annual leadership summit designed exclusively for the association’s volunteer chapter leaders.

Held each year the day before KBIS officially opens, Leader2Leader brings together representatives from NKBA’s 70 chapters for a full day of inspiration, education, and collaboration. The exchange of ideas, energy, and best practices makes L2L one of the most anticipated events of the year.

This year’s program was made possible through the generous support of Platinum Sponsors Cosentino, Fabuwood, Kohler, and Miele, along with Gold Sponsor Kichler Lighting.

Leadership Welcome and Industry Commitment

NKBA | KBIS Board Chair Kerrie Kelly, CEO and Creative Director of Kerrie Kelly Studio, opened the event at the Orange County Convention Center, welcoming attendees “from across the continent” and thanking them for the “time, energy, and heart” they dedicate to their chapters throughout the year.

Kelly introduced the NKBA | KBIS Board of Directors, including Vice Chair Scott Edmunds of Kohler; Secretary/Treasurer Michael Gross of Whirlpool; and board members Eduardo Cosentino of Cosentino Group, Nicola Bertazzoni of Bertazzoni Group; Jill Ehnes of Delta Faucet Company; and Peri Friedman of Fabuwood. She also recognized two new board members: Alena Capra, CMKBD, of Alena Capra Studio, and Vijay Shankar of Coleto Group.

Kelly acknowledged NKBA Global President and CEO Bill Darcy before introducing Deb Webb, NKBA Executive Vice President, Operations and KBIS. Webb expressed gratitude to chapter officers for their ongoing leadership.

“You’re the ones building community and showing up month after month,” she said. “You are the driving force in our industry and an inspiring example to your members.”

Webb also thanked the event sponsors, whose support enabled more 330 chapter officers to attend L2L and KBIS.

Investing in the Future Workforce

Special guest Mark Pursell, President and CEO of the National Housing Endowment (NHE), addressed the group on the critical need for skilled labor initiatives and workforce education in the homebuilding industry.

Bill Darcy joined him onstage to present a $50,000 check to NHE’s Skilled Labor Fund, reinforcing NKBA’s longstanding commitment to addressing workforce challenges.

In a surprise announcement, Pursell introduced a new Chapter Star Award for Best Skilled Labor Event, presenting the inaugural honor to NKBA’s San Diego Chapter. The award will become a permanent category within the Chapter Star Awards program.

Expanding Industry Partnerships

Leader2Leader also welcomed representatives from the High Point Market Authority, reflecting NKBA’s strategic partnership formed last year. Through this collaboration, NKBA established a dynamic hub in Broad Hall at High Point Market, integrating kitchen, bath, design, and luxury lifestyle into the broader whole-home conversation.

Inspired by Patty Dominguez of Cosentino and designed by Kerrie Kelly, the NKBA space became a vibrant gathering point during the Fall Market. High Point Market Authority President and CEO Tammy Covington highlighted the value of attending both spring and fall markets and shared updates on continued collaboration between the two organizations.

Keynote: Building Momentum Through Excitement

Keynote speaker Chip Wade energized attendees with his presentation, Built to Be Excited: Turning Work into Momentum. Drawing from a recent large-scale, design-forward build, Wade illustrated how intentionally building excitement into a project creates the momentum needed to move teams from concept to completion.

Through compelling visual storytelling, Wade explored how to spark anticipation early, maintain focus through the inevitable “messy middle,” and finish strong with pride and purpose. He emphasized that clarity, thoughtful planning, visible progress, and disciplined execution naturally elevate engagement and results.

New Programs and Milestone Celebrations

Kelly Buchsbaum, NKBA Director, Chapters & Professional Development, thanked the hundreds of chapter officers for their dedication and commitment and introduced the NKBA team, including Kristin Shechter, Melissa Flynn, Elizabeth Mace, Kelly Ann Ryan, and Robert Novellino. 

Kelly Ann Ryan, Sr. Manager, Professional Development, unveiled new initiatives to launch in 2026, including a Student Mentor Program and a new-to-KBIS VFTI Wine & Design program featuring spotlight panel discussions.

In another first, NKBA invited the University of Alabama Student Chapter to attend Leader2Leader, with chapter officers and advisors participating in both L2L and KBIS programming.

NKBA Chapters Engagement Manager Kristin Shechter recognized the five chapter officers who were inducted into the class of 2026 Thirty Under 30 program. She also congratulated three chapters on milestone anniversaries this year. Texas Gulf Coast, Texas Hill Country, and Texas North Plains each marked 25 years of service and were honored with Silver Anniversary awards.

Melissa Flynn, NKBA Chapters & Skilled Trades Manager, encouraged all 70 chapters to develop skilled trades events this year and to apply for the NHE Skilled Labor Fund grant. Earlier in the L2L program, Flynn introduced keynote speaker Chip Wade, who also has a focus on building up the trades. 

Recognizing Excellence: Chapter Star Awards

A highlight of Leader2Leader each year is the NKBA Chapter Star Awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding leadership and innovative programming across chapters.

This year’s Best Chapter Events winners included:

• Best Collaboration: Prairie Provinces and British Columbia
• Best Community Initiatives: Alaska and Metro New York
• Best Design Competition: Georgia
• Best Membership Campaign: Manhattan
• Best NKBA Spirit: Northern California
• Best Student Event: Indiana State
• Best Overall Event: Metro New York

Individual Chapter Star Awards honored:

• Gloria Clark, California Capital (President)
• Jason Miller, Arizona (President)
• Emma Winn, Columbia River (Programs Chair)
• Brittany Loeffler, Susquehanna Valley (Communications Chair)
• Joel Villasenor, California Capital (Membership Chair)
• Christal Gress, CKBD, California Capital (Secretary/Treasurer)
• Rose Ott, Manhattan (Committee Member)

Joel Villasenor of California Capital was named Chapter Officer of the Year.

Collaboration and Connection

Following the awards ceremony and a surprise trip giveaway from High Point Market Authority, attendees participated in breakout sessions tailored to the five chapter officer roles. The sessions featured peer-led best practice discussions facilitated by NKBA staff and members of the NKBA 2026 Chapter Leadership Committee, including Sadie Anderson (Nebraska/Kansas), Kimberly Kerl (Piedmont Blue Ridge Carolina), Jason Miller (Arizona), Rima Nasr (Texas Gulf Coast), and Brianna Weiler (Mid Atlantic).

As Leader2Leader concluded, chapter officers left energized and equipped with new ideas, strengthened connections, and renewed momentum to lead their chapters into the year ahead.

Sponsored by:

Coggins, who died in 2023, was a pillar of NKBA, particularly in the Arizona Chapter.

By NKBA Staff

Induction into the Kitchen & Bath Hall of Fame is one of the highest honors the NKBA bestows on industry luminaries. Since 1989, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Hall of Fame has honored nearly 100 individuals who have contributed to the growth and professionalism of the Association and the overall kitchen and bath industry. This year, one person has earned that distinction.

Ric Coggins, a true gentleman and a pillar in the NKBA community, specifically in the Arizona Chapter, is the 2026 K&B Hall of Fame inductee.

Sadly, Coggins died in January 2023 — at KBIS, just before the show opened — while he was setting up for an event, even though technically, he was retired. He was a selfless volunteer, a remarkable professional, and an even better man. His kitchen and bath résumé spanned five decades and reflected his dedication to the Association, his business, and the people he worked with.

Ric was a Chapter volunteer and officer, and a National Leader who held multiple posts, actively serving NKBA since 2004. He is still considered one of the greatest contributors to the Arizona Chapter, where he served as President in 2009 and 2010, among other roles.

At the National level, he served on the Manufacturers Council and, in 2014, was elected to NKBA’s Executive Committee as National Vice President. These roles require significant time and dedication, and that’s on top of the demands of running a thriving business.

Throughout the course of his nearly 50-year career, he was involved in multiple aspects of the kitchen, bath, and home industry, including design, sales, and marketing. He owned a high-end kitchen appliance center in Irvine, California, and, for the last two decades of his career, worked in sales for international appliance manufacturer BSH on regional, national, and international assignments.  His dedication to Bosch, especially, was evident throughout his career, and he helped build the brand’s reputation in the U.S.

After retiring, Ric remained very active in the Arizona Chapter, where he served as a consultant and continued to strengthen the members of the Chapter by sharing his wisdom and knowledge.

One of his nominators captured the essence of Ric with this wonderful story of a moment that came when he was on the NKBA Executive Committee. It speaks to his character, leadership, and giving nature.

After a long day of strategic meetings, a group of younger chapter leaders lingered with questions about how to engage members and build stronger programs. Rather than heading off to dinner with his peers, Ric pulled chairs into a circle and spent hours coaching these emerging leaders one-on-one. He asked about their goals, offered practical advice from his decades of experience, and followed up with each of them weeks later to check on their progress.

That was Ric’s hallmark: He treated everyone, from new chapter volunteers to national board members, with the same respect and generosity of time. His peers recall that he never sought recognition — he simply wanted others to succeed. This mentoring moment was repeated countless times, whether in hallways at KBIS, on calls with Arizona Chapter leaders, or in his own community. Ric’s legacy is not only in his professional achievements, but also in the many professionals whose careers and confidence were shaped because he paused to listen, guide, and encourage.

HoF inductees are selected by a standing program committee through member nominations. Visit the Kitchen & Bath Hall of Fame to see all the honorees and watch for nominations to open later this year.

NKBA’s VFTI Conference at KBIS 2026 in Orlando will present a slate of sessions in seven learning tracks designed to help enhance business, design, technical, and marketing skills.

By NKBA Staff

NKBA’s highly regarded Voices From the Industry Conference at KBIS is among the can’t-miss events during the annual three-day expo, Feb. 17 to 19 in Orlando, FL. This professional development series offers compelling sessions that will build awareness and skills in seven learning tracks.

The VFTI Conference is generously sponsored by Fabuwood.

Register for VFTI 2026 Today >

Subject Matter Experts will share their expertise in categories including Design, Building & Remodeling, Leadership & Management, Kitchen & Bath Trends, Marketing, Sustainability, and Technology. KBIS attendees may purchase a package including an Expo pass plus a conference pass for all on-site VFTI presentations, and unlimited access to on-demand sessions throughout 2026. Topics range from learning about the daunting new world of AI and social media marketing to integrating technology, universal design, and sustainability into projects, client management to hiring strategies, and design tips to trending products. All sessions are CEU-qualified, earning 0.1 CEU credit for each hour of instruction, either on-site or on-demand.

New for KBIS 2026, there will be Wine & Design panel discussions from 3 to 4 pm each day, featuring SMEs delving into three topics:

• From Ruin to Renewal: The Role of Design After Disaster (Tuesday).

• Inclusive by Design: Creating Spaces for Diverse Needs and Life Stages (Wednesday).

• The Wellness Blueprint: Spaces that Nurture Body, Mind, and Spirit (Thursday).

Light bites and drinks will be served. These events are free and open to VFTI attendees, but advance registration is required as space is limited.

Here’s a closer look at the 10 sessions in the Design learning track.

Tuesday, Feb. 17

The Art of Incorporating Global Trends in Regional Markets
Session: 0.1 CEU
Time: 2 – 3 pm

Instructor: Nicole Mackey, National Kitchen & Bath Channel Manager, Cosentino

Ability Level: Beginner

Stay ahead of your competition amid changing trends and markets that may be slower to adapt. Drawing on the recent Global Trend Report by Cosentino, this session explores how to embrace the individuality of regional markets while tapping into global trends that will strongly influence home design in 2026 and beyond. Gain actionable insights into what to do now to empower clients to integrate different trending materials, colors, and textures to fit their design vision, along with leveraging tools and resources in your market to ensure your designs stay innovative. 

Wednesday, Feb. 18

Mastering Design Storytelling to Build Trust and Client Loyalty
Session: 0.1 CEU
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 am

Instructor: Mariana De La Garza, Creative Director, Interior Designer, Coton House

Ability Level: Beginner

In today’s competitive design market, telling a compelling story can be the difference between winning clients or losing them to competitors. This session explores how designers can harness the power of storytelling to communicate their vision in a way that resonates emotionally and practically with clients. Mariana De La Garza shares her approach to crafting engaging design narratives across presentations, mood boards, and social media. Attendees will learn to develop stories that reflect their clients’ values, clarify design intent, and strengthen client relationships through relatable, memorable communication, using strategies to transform technical details into inspirational stories.

Home Sweet Home: Tailoring Spaces for Autism and Aging in Comfort
Session: 0.1 CEU
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 pm

Instructor: Catherine Deutschlander, CKBD, Owner/Founder/Designer, CW Design

Ability Level: Beginner

What do design, aging in place (comfort), and autism have in common?  Their emphasis on perspective and the unique needs of individuals. This presentation highlights the critical importance of thoughtful design that accommodates seniors who wish to remain in their homes, as well as autistic individuals. Delve into specific design elements in essential spaces, including the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, where daily life unfolds. Attendees will learn how to create environments that are not only functional but also enhance comfort, safety, and accessibility for these populations.

Avoid the Hashtags: Designing Functional Spaces That Go Beyond the Latest Trends
Session: 0.1 CEU
Time: 2-3 pm

Instructor: David Shove-Brown, Co-Founder & Partner, //3877

Ability Level: Intermediate

This session provides advice for reviewing goals with clients and turning them into stunning designs while resisting fleeting social media trends. With a focus on research, intention, and thoughtful material selection, this session helps design professionals deliver kitchens and baths that are as purposeful as they are visually compelling, embracing the unique character of the end users. This includes conducting meaningful client interviews that prioritize real-life needs and goals, understanding how to integrate color, texture, and pattern without sacrificing practicality, and gaining the confidence to push back on short-lived trends in favor of timeless, user-focused design.

Luxury Meets Function: Elevating Wellness Beyond the Buzz
Session: 0.1 CEU
Time: 2-3 pm

Instructor: Elle H-Millard, Creative Director/Designer, Xperience LLC Designs

Ability Level: Advanced

Wellness has evolved from a crunchy buzzword into a luxurious, sensory-driven lifestyle — demanded by clients, embraced by designers, and elevated by manufacturers. In this immersive session, Elle H-Millard explores how to blend function and flair to create indulgent spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Designed for pros who already know the difference between a thermostatic valve and a touchless faucet, this presentation goes beyond product specs to examine the psychology of desire, the art of storytelling through materials, and the future of integrated wellness. Learn how wellness has become a symbol of status, style, and self-care, anchored in science, powered by design, and ripe with revenue potential.

Thursday, Feb. 19

30 Design and Business Tips for Implementation in 30 Days
Session: 0.1 CEU
Time: 9 – 10 am

Instructor: Christopher Grubb, President, Arch Interiors Design Group

Ability Level: Beginner

Award-winning interior and product designer Christopher Grubb shares 30 tips to incorporate in 30 days, drawn from his three decades leading Beverly Hills-based Arch-Interiors Design Group and directing two product design studios. Tested and perfected, these tips can be incorporated in business practice, project and client management, design psychology, media participation, and in the language of luxury to make projects run smoother and help manage clients and expectations.

Cracking the Code on Wellness Design in Kitchens & Baths: Increase Your Bottom Line
Workshop: 0.15 CEUs
Time: 10:30 am – 12 noon

Instructor: Jillian Pritchard Cooke, Founder/CEO, Wellness Within Your Walls

Ability Level: Intermediate

Cracking the code of wellness design in kitchens and baths relies upon a foundational understanding of the impact our homes have on us and our health, which is elemental to building a wellness-oriented design practice that adds to the bottom line. This presentation explains the concept of body burdens and their connection to environmental exposures in the home. Learn about the impact on neurotransmitters in our bodies and resultant health issues. Through an interactive wellness methodology, attendees will discover how to delineate best practices in kitchen and bath design that lead to optimal well-being.

Slab Savvy: How to Hire the Right Team for Porcelain Slab Projects
Session: 0.1 CEU
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 pm

Instructor: Nathan Parsons, CEO, The Porcelain Slab Co.

Ability Level: Intermediate

Porcelain slabs are transforming kitchen design, offering unmatched durability, sleek aesthetics, and expansive surfaces. But unlike traditional materials, fabricators are often reluctant to work with it. Add the investment of some specialized equipment and labor to get fabricated and installed correctly, and not every trade pro is up to the task. In this essential session, Nathan Parsons dives into the core knowledge needed to make smart decisions when selecting fabricators and installers for porcelain slab work. Attendees will learn why designer education is critical, how to spot red flags, and what questions to ask before entrusting their design to a team.

Creating Functionality And Storage Without Expanding The Footprint of the Home
Session: 0.1 CEU
Time: 2 – 3 pm

Instructor: Ute Vandenberghe, AKBD, Owner/Principal, UV Designs

Ability Level: Beginner

In the 60s and 70s, homes were often utilitarian — compact, minimal, and purely functional — yet surprisingly inefficient in space use. This presentation explores innovative design solutions that address common challenges in these homes. Attendees will see real-world case studies and before-and-after plans shown in 3D.

What Clients Really Want: Designing for Lifestyle, Value, and Emotion
Session: 0.1 CEU
Time: 2 – 3 pm

Instructor: Laurie Coton, CEO, Principal Designer, Broker, Coton House

Ability Level: Beginner

Today’s luxury clients aren’t just buying style — they’re investing in how a space feels, functions, and holds long-term value. In this session, Laurie Coton shares how to design for the full spectrum of what clients really want: beauty, lifestyle alignment, emotional resonance, and smart market investment. Attendees will learn about approaches to high-end projects with an eye toward personalization and resale, and how to use real estate insight to guide smart selections and layout decisions. This session is ideal for designers who want to speak the client’s language, create more strategic proposals, and deliver work that lasts.

Learn more about VFTI and register here.