Three days in New Orleans to last a lifetime

Over 100 women in the NKBA community gathered at the Four Seasons New Orleans September 8-10 for this year’s Women to Women Leadership Conference.

The annual event is by application only for NKBA members and was made possible by four generous brand sponsors: CAFÉ Appliances, Ferguson Home, Lutron, and Maxim.

Day 1: Design meets history in rare home tour 

To kick off the experience, attendees were treated to a historic home tour in partnership with Flower Magazine. Private charters winded their way through the colorful neighborhoods of New Orleans.

This was a rare opportunity to explore three very different residences from four notable designers: Tara Shaw, Ware Porter, Patrick Dunne, and Nathan Drewes.

Following the tour, guests mingled well past closing time over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (including Louisiana gator bites for the brave!)

Participants praised the selection of the Four Seasons as the event venue, noting the aesthetic details of the hotel and hospitality touches which made them feel special and sparked conversation.

Day 2: Business wisdom, shared tears, and even a parade 

After a hearty southern breakfast at the Four Seasons’ Miss River Restaurant, guests took their seats inside the Plimsoll Ballroom. NKBA Chief Marketing & Digital Officer Ivana Molzen addressed the women.

“What an incredible room. Take a moment to look around.”

Molzen noted the remarkable diversity of the group. “Some of you have spent decades shaping this field, while others are just starting your journey. You represent not just one company, one region, or one corner of the industry–but every link in the kitchen and bath chain–cabinetry, plumbing, countertops, appliances, and design services. For the next few days, those labels fade, and we are colleagues in the truest sense.”

The program of speakers began with Cheryl Fenelle Dixon of Perfectly Clear Communications. 

What do you want to be known for? If everyone is using the same marketing buzz phrases, how do you stand out? If you’re not in the room, how would your brand be explained? Fenelle Dixon answered those questions and more in her presentation, “Brand Clarity: Specific is the New Premium.”

Next, Cosentino’s Patty Dominguez moderated an inspiring and emotional panel featuring five Women to Women Advisors: Gina D’Amore Bauerle of D’Amore Interiors, Edyta Drutis of BLANCO North America, Christine Gee of G Interiors Studio & Design Center, Stacy McCarthy of Stacy McCarthy Design, and Susan Wadden of the Sherwin-Williams Company. (Kate Kelly Smith of Sandow Design Group is also an advisor this year and delivered her keynote the following morning.)

After a break, Christi Barbour of Barbour Spangle Design (who has reimagined NKBA’s showhouse in Broad Hall at High Point Market), took to the stage with “Building Teams People Want to Be Part Of.” Barbour discussed “the architecture of belonging,” where people naturally feel motivated to deliver their best work.

“If your team doesn’t feel they belong, you’re building on sand,” said Barbour. “Connection is the foundation that everything else stands on.”

After a lunch featuring local delicacies such as gumbo and banana pudding, Kellye Kamp of SourceKamp Labs dove into “Not Technical, Just Powerful: Busting the Myths About Using AI in the Kitchen and Bath Industry.” Kamp presented strategies for using generative AI to automate processes before leading participants through a practical workshop.

Finally, it was time for breakout sessions, where our dedicated advisors fostered varied and thoughtful discussions.

With a full and fruitful day behind them, everyone took part in a celebratory second-line parade from Jackson Square to the legendary Arnaud’s Restaurant for a champagne reception and dinner.

Day 3: Achieving balance, staying connected

Buttery biscuits, cornbread, and grits graced the abundant breakfast spread inside Miss River, a perfect follow-up to the previous night’s festivities.

Smiling and satiated, our women made their way back to the ballroom for Kate Kelly Smith’s candid keynote “All About You.” Kelly Smith shared insights from her decades-long career in leadership, media, and design–including the importance of self care.

NKBA Director of Brand Development Jennifer Chick-Gray moderated a panel discussion with sponsors Natalie Benoit of CAFÉ Appliances, Caroline Danielson of Ferguson Home, Naomi Sperling of Maxim, and Cecila Ramos of Lutron.

The morning concluded with remarks from Kelly Buchsbaum (Director of Chapters & Professional Development), Tricia Zach (Director of Research), and Deb Webb (Executive Vice President, Events & KBIS). 

“As you head out today, carry with you the connections you’ve made, the ideas you’ve gathered, and the inspiration you’ve found,” said Webb. “This experience doesn’t end when you leave New Orleans. NKBA remains committed to being your indispensable partner and collaborator as you continue building what comes next – fostering the meaningful relationships that will propel your business long after this week.”

On Sept. 1, NKBA starts accepting self-nominations for its national elections. This is an opportunity to take volunteerism from the local to the national level by serving on the association’s Board of Directors (BOD) or one of its key standing committees. Open positions include:

• Board of Directors (BOD) – Three positions
• Chapter Leadership Committee (CLC) – Two positions
• Leadership Recruitment Committee (LRC) – Two position
• KBIS Exhibitor Committee (KEC) – Three positions

To be considered for the Board of Directors, Chapter Leadership Committee or Leadership Recruitment Committee, candidates must be NKBA members in good standing. 

To learn more about open national volunteer roles, go here.

Please note that Chapter Leadership Committee (CLC) applicants must be a current chapter officer or have previously served at least one full term as a chapter officer within the last two years. The applicant does not need to maintain officer status, however, to remain in the CLC position.

Additionally, to be eligible for election to the KBIS Exhibitor Committee, applicants must have been an exhibitor at KBIS 2026 and must commit to exhibit at KBIS 2027.

The application process is very important, as this is what is used to select the applicants.  It’s your time to shine and really share the work you’ve done as a volunteer, and what your goals and aspirations include.  Make sure to take the time to fill out the submission completely and thoroughly.  

Nominations will be open from Sept. 1 to Sept. 30, so be sure to apply!

Applicants will be notified of their status in mid-November. 

An Evening of Milanese Culture and Global Design 

Not everyone can visit Design Week in Milan, so our Columbia River Chapter decided to bring it home to Portland.

57 people showed up for “One Week in Milan” hosted at the Z Collection luxury tile showroom founded by NKBA member Zee Coleman.

Located in Portland’s NW district where tile showrooms abound, Z Collection stands out because of its large, wide-open space. “It’s such a perfect event venue,” said Chapter Communications Chair Bethany Broussard.

Guests mingled while sipping aperitivos and enjoying caprese sandwiches before sitting down to a presentation by freelance design journalist and creative director, Damon Johnstun. 

Damon, who has been reporting on Milan Design Week for two decades, spent over an hour diving into his “best in show” from Milan–including the Rosa Levanto red marble that is currently sweeping Italy.

“Damon’s taste was everything from 70’s Scandinavian to Japanese minimalist,” said Bethany. “My favorite part was seeing the reactions to his picks. Sometimes he’d be talking about a piece of furniture, and you could see some designers agree with him, and others turning to each other and shaking their heads ‘no way’!”

The event doubled as a membership drive. NKBA members who brought non-members received a Milan-inspired tote bag with Italian wine, a wine cork, pasta, pesto, cocktail napkins, and a chocolate sampler. 

Networking, education, and shell-cracking good times

If anyone knows how to do a good lobster bake, it’s our friends at the NKBA Maine Chapter.

The invitation for the 3rd annual bake encouraged members to “come out of their shell and taste the ocean with NKBA Maine”… and that they did–50 people showed up at Bangor Wholesale Laminates. This year’s event drew 50 attendees who also feasted on clam steamers, brisket, and pulled pork–all provided by Jeff’s Catering.

The first hour included a cash bar and the chance to mingle with fellow guests, then Jason Blais of Reve-a-shelf gave his presentation, Reorganizing the Way You Think About Kitchen Design, which included practical tips on lighting, shelving inserts, and budgeting considerations. 

The lobster bake is a “North tier designers” event for the Maine Chapter. 

“We have a big state,” said Programs Chair Dave Lamb. “People are often unable to drive two hours and back for an event or have to stay overnight, so we rotate North and South locations as much as we can.”