The association’s international business membership program will have five special activations as part of its programming at NKBA’s booth in South Hall.
By Dianne M. Pogoda
NKBA Global Connect members Ballerina Küchen, SCHOTT, and L&S Lighting, along with global partner IAPMO and advisor Laetitia Laurent, will present exciting special events as part of the array of programming during KBIS 2026. These events will share the brands’ stories and innovative new products that they are bringing to KBIS and the North American market as well as educational resources and design trends for 2026.
NKBA’s international business membership program is designed to build awareness of the North American market for global brands and help them gain a deeper understanding of doing business across the region. At KBIS, the program will also showcase products and international brands, and offer key trends and thoughtful solutions for the year ahead. The Global Connect hub and programming will be anchored in the NKBA booth (#S25058) at the Orange County Convention Center.
Global Connect offers valuable benefits to foreign companies seeking to enter or increase their market presence in North America. The Global Connect international media program also brings business journalists from the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Brazil to KBIS to learn about the innovations, technologies, and new products emerging in the U.S. and Canada.
Here’s a preview of the exciting Global Connect custom events on tap.
Tuesday, Feb. 17
12 noon – 1:30 pm: NKBA Global Connect Custom Event: Ballerina-Küchen
“The Sweetness of Form, the Taste of Color”
Step into a world where form becomes flavor and color comes alive. Ballerina: The Sweetness of Form, the Taste of Color, is a design experience featuring Ballerina Küchen® premium German cabinetry, in sweet harmony with The COLORNETWORK®. Guests will explore how Ballerina’s future-forward craftsmanship, defined by clean geometry,
tactile materials, and individualized design solutions, harmonizes with The COLORNETWORK’s bold, expressive palettes. This vibrant, design-driven gathering blends German precision with imaginative color storytelling, proving that great design isn’t just seen, it’s felt, savored, and shared.
Wednesday, Feb. 18
11:30 – 12:30 pm: NKBA Global Connect Brand Spotlights: SCHOTT & IAPMO
Noëlle C. Lavery, Director of Global Connect at NKBA, will host Brand Spotlights — rapid-fire presentations with Q&A by new-to-KBIS international brands and global partners — highlighting innovative products and their brand stories for the North American market. Presentations include Global Connect member SCHOTT and Global Connect Strategic Alliance Partner IAPMO.
12:30 – 2 pm: NKBA Global Connect Custom Event: L&S Lighting
“We make your project shine!”
L&S Lighting hosts a special event celebrating Italian light, design, and inspiration, and the art of illumination, where refined aesthetics meet advanced LED technology to enhance any interior. Discover how L&S creates functional, bespoke, architectural lighting that’s designed for straightforward installation. 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 and relax while learning about how “we make your projects shine!”
3:30 – 5 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 enable performance under extreme heat and stress, unlock sleek design freedom, and support more durable, energy-smart solutions for the home. With 130+ years of expertise and a foundation-owned commitment to responsible innovation, SCHOTT is the hidden ingredient you might not see but can always trust.
Thursday, Feb. 19
10:00 – 10:45 am: NKBA Global Connect Presentation
“France to Florida: European Design Trends for 2026”
Join Global Connect Advisor Laetitia Laurent for a Trends Talk: “France to Florida: European Design Trends for 2026.” From Paris ateliers to Palm Beach homes, design ideas travel far before they reach the American luxury market. Paris-trained designer and U.S.-based principal Laetitia Laurent explores how French and European design movements emerge, evolve, and ultimately influence selections, finishes, and American consumer expectations. With studios in Paris and Boca Raton, Laetitia offers a clear and unique perspective on how global aesthetics translate into American lifestyles. She will highlight current European trends, why they matter for NKBA members, and what is coming next.
About NKBA Global Connect
The NKBA Global Connect mission is to connect and grow the kitchen and bath industry around the world through an international membership program. The initiative equips international companies with the support and professional community access they need to thrive in North America by providing market intelligence, brand-positioning guidance, and connections to key North American audiences. By combining NKBA’s expert marketing execution with access to a diverse and influential member network, we help businesses increase visibility, build meaningful relationships, and generate strong market demand, ultimately accelerating their success in the lucrative and competitive $228 billion North American market. Learn more about Global Connect here.
