KBIS 2026 VFTI Sessions Now On Demand
A select number of NKBA’s Voices from the Industry Conference sessions are available as on-demand. Each session is worth 0.1 CEU credits.
NKBA’s 2026 VFTI Sessions On Demand
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If you did not purchase VFTI at KBIS 2026 you can purchase access below. *Please Note: It may take up to 24 hours for your access to be approved and granted.
Member Price:$50Non-Member Price:$75Member Price: $502026 VFTI Sessions
Nurturing Collaboration: How Designers and Builders Can Meet Each Other’s Expectations 0.1 CEUsJennifer Hutton, Principal Designer and Creative Director, Grau Design Studio
In an effort to bridge the gap between design and construction, this session will dive into the specifics of how designers and builders/contractors can work together to create a collaborative environment. This session illustrates how to overcome the disconnect between designers and builders, illustrated with real-life examples, tips, tricks, and firsthand experience.
This session will focus on effective communication among all parties involved in a project, helping attendees better articulate and market their own value while understanding the value of others. It will also explore the building process to illustrate key construction timeline needs, offering practical ways to set expectations and prepare for common questions.
In an effort to bridge the gap between design and construction, this session will dive into the specifics of how designers and builders/contractors can work together to create a collaborative environment. This session illustrates how to overcome the disconnect between designers and builders, illustrated with real-life examples, tips, tricks, and firsthand experience.
This session will focus on effective communication among all parties involved in a project, helping attendees better articulate and market their own value while understanding the value of others. It will also explore the building process to illustrate key construction timeline needs, offering practical ways to set expectations and prepare for common questions.
Explore the potential profit of expanding your kitchen and bath business to include closet design and installation. This comprehensive presentation will guide you through the basics of closet design, highlighting how incorporating closets can meet evolving consumer demands and enhance your service offerings. We’ll discuss the importance of lighting in closet design, demonstrating that it’s not just for luxury clients, but can be a valuable feature for all. The session will also cover the latest trends and standards in the closet industry, providing you with practical insights on how to seamlessly integrate closet projects into your existing workflow.
Beyond the Bottom Line: Interpreting Contractor Estimates to Empower Your Clients 0.1 CEUsJen Fiorenza, AKBD, Director of Preconstruction, The English Contractor
Craig Russell, Owner and Founder, The English Contractor
As kitchen and bath designers, you are often your clients’ most trusted advisor throughout the renovation process. Yet when it comes to reviewing contractor estimates, many homeowners feel overwhelmed by technical jargon, unclear scopes, and inconsistent formats. This session equips designers with the tools and terminology to confidently guide clients through the evaluation of bids for kitchen and bath projects.
This presentation breaks down typical cost structures, identifying red flags, and clarifying key inclusions and exclusions. Attendees will learn how to spot discrepancies between bids, recognize the difference between allowances and fixed pricing, and ask the right questions.
Whether you’re reviewing a comprehensive proposal or a one-page quote, you’ll leave this session with the insight to advocate for your clients’ budget, timeline, and expectations, while fostering better communication between designers and builders.
Craig Russell, Owner and Founder, The English Contractor
As kitchen and bath designers, you are often your clients’ most trusted advisor throughout the renovation process. Yet when it comes to reviewing contractor estimates, many homeowners feel overwhelmed by technical jargon, unclear scopes, and inconsistent formats. This session equips designers with the tools and terminology to confidently guide clients through the evaluation of bids for kitchen and bath projects.
This presentation breaks down typical cost structures, identifying red flags, and clarifying key inclusions and exclusions. Attendees will learn how to spot discrepancies between bids, recognize the difference between allowances and fixed pricing, and ask the right questions.
Whether you’re reviewing a comprehensive proposal or a one-page quote, you’ll leave this session with the insight to advocate for your clients’ budget, timeline, and expectations, while fostering better communication between designers and builders.
Tackling a 21st century kitchen remodel in a century old home can be a daunting task, but being prepared for the typical obstacles can make it less stressful. Being prepared to manage hazardous material mitigation, historic architectural review boards, and unrealistic client expectations can minimize issues and pave the road for positive reviews. Attendees will learn how to develop a project scope that meets the needs of the client while paying homage to the historic fabric of the site.
Home Sweet Home: Tailoring Spaces for Autism and Aging in Comfort0.1 CEUsCatherine Deutschlander, CKBD, Owner | Founder | Designer, CW Design PLLC
Design, Aging in Place (Comfort), and Autism. What do they have in common?
The answer lies in their emphasis on perspective and the unique needs of individuals. This presentation aims to highlight the critical importance of thoughtful design that accommodates those who are aging and wish to remain in their homes, as well as individuals with autism.
We will specifically delve into the design of essential areas in a home, including the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom—the spaces where daily life unfolds. You will learn how to create environments that are not only functional but also enhance comfort, safety, and accessibility for these populations.
Design, Aging in Place (Comfort), and Autism. What do they have in common?
The answer lies in their emphasis on perspective and the unique needs of individuals. This presentation aims to highlight the critical importance of thoughtful design that accommodates those who are aging and wish to remain in their homes, as well as individuals with autism.
We will specifically delve into the design of essential areas in a home, including the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom—the spaces where daily life unfolds. You will learn how to create environments that are not only functional but also enhance comfort, safety, and accessibility for these populations.
Join Carol Chiang for an inspiring presentation on transforming bathrooms into spaces that blend stunning design with comfort and safety for aging individuals. An occupational therapist, Carol will share how to overcome the misconception that accessible bathrooms are institutional and sterile. Audience members will discover how strategic planning and thoughtful design can not only enhance home value but also reduce stress during unexpected transitions.
Learn firsthand how Carol collaborates with clients to create personalized, stylish, and functional bathrooms that cater to individual lifestyles. From innovative design solutions to practical tips, you’ll gain actionable insights to implement in your next bathroom remodel. Whether you’re a homeowner, interior designer, or architect, this session promises to redefine accessibility by demonstrating how luxurious and accessible design can seamlessly coexist.
Learn firsthand how Carol collaborates with clients to create personalized, stylish, and functional bathrooms that cater to individual lifestyles. From innovative design solutions to practical tips, you’ll gain actionable insights to implement in your next bathroom remodel. Whether you’re a homeowner, interior designer, or architect, this session promises to redefine accessibility by demonstrating how luxurious and accessible design can seamlessly coexist.
Slab Savvy: How to Hire the Right Team for Porcelain Slab Projects 0.1 CEUsNathan Parsons, CEO, The Porcelain Slab Co.
Porcelain slabs are transforming the way we design kitchens, offering unmatched durability, sleek aesthetics, and expansive surfaces. But unlike traditional materials, fabricators are often scared to work with the material. 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 for kitchen and bath designers, we’ll dive into the core knowledge you need to make smart decisions when selecting fabricators and installers for porcelain slab work. You’ll learn why designer education is critical, how to spot red flags, and what questions to ask before trusting your design to a team.
Porcelain slabs are transforming the way we design kitchens, offering unmatched durability, sleek aesthetics, and expansive surfaces. But unlike traditional materials, fabricators are often scared to work with the material. 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 for kitchen and bath designers, we’ll dive into the core knowledge you need to make smart decisions when selecting fabricators and installers for porcelain slab work. You’ll learn why designer education is critical, how to spot red flags, and what questions to ask before trusting your design to a team.
Do you struggle talking to clients about expectations of finishes? Do you struggle understanding the difference in wood species or how to help a client navigate through those decisions?
Wood species conversations tend to be one of the most common issues between designers and clients, or designers and designers. Expectations are high and sometimes unrealistic, especially when it comes to exotics or ‘livelier’ wood characteristics. Understanding different wood species options and their characteristics is the first step to having successful conversations with clients.
Join Sarah to learn about the characteristics of common wood species and gain tips on effectively explaining expectations for select finishes.
Wood species conversations tend to be one of the most common issues between designers and clients, or designers and designers. Expectations are high and sometimes unrealistic, especially when it comes to exotics or ‘livelier’ wood characteristics. Understanding different wood species options and their characteristics is the first step to having successful conversations with clients.
Join Sarah to learn about the characteristics of common wood species and gain tips on effectively explaining expectations for select finishes.
12 Ways AI Can Make More Money, Save Time, and Reduce Rework and Stress0.1 CEUsJeff Wilson, Profit Improvement Specialist, LoomView Enterprises LLC
The kitchen and bath industry is experiencing a revolutionary transformation through AI-powered agentic systems that are dramatically improving profitability, efficiency, and client satisfaction. This intensive session shows 12 critical AI business functions specifically designed for remodelers and designers to deliver immediate, measurable ROI.
This session goes beyond theory to provide actionable implementation strategies, checklists, and insider tips. You’ll learn how AI re-engagement systems can reactivate dormant leads, how AI contract managers can add 2-4 points to your profit margins, and how AI project managers predict and prevent costly delays before they happen.
Whether you’re struggling with lead follow-up, design revisions, project management, or financial tracking, this session provides specific AI solutions with proven results.
The kitchen and bath industry is experiencing a revolutionary transformation through AI-powered agentic systems that are dramatically improving profitability, efficiency, and client satisfaction. This intensive session shows 12 critical AI business functions specifically designed for remodelers and designers to deliver immediate, measurable ROI.
This session goes beyond theory to provide actionable implementation strategies, checklists, and insider tips. You’ll learn how AI re-engagement systems can reactivate dormant leads, how AI contract managers can add 2-4 points to your profit margins, and how AI project managers predict and prevent costly delays before they happen.
Whether you’re struggling with lead follow-up, design revisions, project management, or financial tracking, this session provides specific AI solutions with proven results.
This session will educate members of the kitchen and bath industry on the importance of intellectual property (IP), including trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, and patents. It will provide practical advice on managing IP and determining when to engage legal counsel.
The Power of the In-Between: Why the Middle Matters More Than Ever 0.1 CEUsTressa Samdal, Senior Director of Marketing and Product Management, Panaria Group USA & Florida Tile
Stuck between minimalism and maximalism, today’s consumers are carving out a new space that feels expressive, curated, and emotionally grounded. Enter Medium-ism, a fresh design direction that embraces contrast, layers with intention, and celebrates the middle path.
In this upbeat and eye-opening session, we’ll explore emerging style movements that resonate with the mainstream, including Tailored Prep, Vogue Crafted, Nordic Noir, Colorful Cottage, and Mid-Century Academia. These styles reflect the evolving needs for individuality, comfort, and stability. Discover how each style tells a deeper story and how to use them to create homes that are as meaningful as they are modern. You’ll leave with a new framework for design that’s practical, personal, and anything but boring.
Stuck between minimalism and maximalism, today’s consumers are carving out a new space that feels expressive, curated, and emotionally grounded. Enter Medium-ism, a fresh design direction that embraces contrast, layers with intention, and celebrates the middle path.
In this upbeat and eye-opening session, we’ll explore emerging style movements that resonate with the mainstream, including Tailored Prep, Vogue Crafted, Nordic Noir, Colorful Cottage, and Mid-Century Academia. These styles reflect the evolving needs for individuality, comfort, and stability. Discover how each style tells a deeper story and how to use them to create homes that are as meaningful as they are modern. You’ll leave with a new framework for design that’s practical, personal, and anything but boring.
Julee regularly attends design shows in Europe, where she gathers insights into emerging trends that often appear in the U.S. about 18 months later. She’ll share the latest kitchen and bath trends observed in Europe in 2024. The audience will explore how to adapt these trends for North American designs, covering everything from color schemes and tiling, to appliances and lighting.
Skill Building for Success: Life-Long Professional Growth0.1 CEUsSarah Cravy, Assistant Professor, Cañada College
Anjana Joshi, Assistant Professor, Cañada College
Continuous professional learning and development have become key in our fast-paced society. Join Professors Sarah Cravy and Anjana Joshi from Cañada College, winners of this year’s NKBA Excellence in Education Award, to craft a continuing education plan that will keep your design firm or showroom team at the peak of their abilities.
Discover which foundational skills your staff should learn in a formal educational setting, and how to help them build on those skills in the workplace. Apply the principles of adult learning to craft a thoughtful plan for talent development instead of an ad-hoc approach. Be inspired by real-life case studies showcasing successful career-long learning programs in design firms and showrooms. Attendees will leave with a fresh outlook on professional learning and actionable plans for keeping up with today’s market skills.
Anjana Joshi, Assistant Professor, Cañada College
Continuous professional learning and development have become key in our fast-paced society. Join Professors Sarah Cravy and Anjana Joshi from Cañada College, winners of this year’s NKBA Excellence in Education Award, to craft a continuing education plan that will keep your design firm or showroom team at the peak of their abilities.
Discover which foundational skills your staff should learn in a formal educational setting, and how to help them build on those skills in the workplace. Apply the principles of adult learning to craft a thoughtful plan for talent development instead of an ad-hoc approach. Be inspired by real-life case studies showcasing successful career-long learning programs in design firms and showrooms. Attendees will leave with a fresh outlook on professional learning and actionable plans for keeping up with today’s market skills.
Join David Shove-Brown as he unveils the secrets to fostering a vibrant company culture that drives brand identity and fuels competitive advantage in today’s dynamic marketplace. Through his rich leadership experience and infectious energy, David shares actionable insights on empowering employees to shape their careers, fostering genuine office interactions, and creating a culture that attracts top talent and loyal clients alike. Discover how to leverage your company’s culture not just as a tool for internal engagement and retention, but as a powerful magnet for external marketing and growth.
Perfect Partners: Building the Best Team to Deliver Remarkable Results 0.1 CEUsAndrew Risinger, CMKBD – Co-Owner, Sales and Design, Kitchen, Bath & Home
Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned professional, success in the kitchen and bath industry depends on the strength of your team. In this session, “Perfect Partners” explores how to build a trusted team of co-workers, designers, material specialists, project managers, and labor providers—both within your company and through outside partnerships—to consistently deliver outstanding results. This session is designed for any professional in the kitchen and bath industry.
We’ll explore how Sales, Production, and Administrative teams can work with a “for each other” mindset, fostering collaboration rather than internal conflict. You’ll also learn how to identify external partners who align with your vision through clear communication, shared expectations, and a commitment to exceptional service.
By building the right partnerships, you’ll discover how people—not just products or processes—are the key to delivering exceptional results for your clients.
Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned professional, success in the kitchen and bath industry depends on the strength of your team. In this session, “Perfect Partners” explores how to build a trusted team of co-workers, designers, material specialists, project managers, and labor providers—both within your company and through outside partnerships—to consistently deliver outstanding results. This session is designed for any professional in the kitchen and bath industry.
We’ll explore how Sales, Production, and Administrative teams can work with a “for each other” mindset, fostering collaboration rather than internal conflict. You’ll also learn how to identify external partners who align with your vision through clear communication, shared expectations, and a commitment to exceptional service.
By building the right partnerships, you’ll discover how people—not just products or processes—are the key to delivering exceptional results for your clients.
Join Rebecca West, founder of Seriously Happy Homes, for an insightful workshop tailored for residential interior designers. In this session, you will learn her proven “D.E.C.I.D.E.” method, honed over 17 years of helping thousands of clients navigate the complexities of design decision-making.
Discover the six essential components of this proprietary method, understand common pitfalls that hinder client decisions, and acquire practical tools to empower your clients in making informed choices. Enhance your ability to facilitate quick decisions, strengthen client trust, and elevate your role as a designer.
Discover the six essential components of this proprietary method, understand common pitfalls that hinder client decisions, and acquire practical tools to empower your clients in making informed choices. Enhance your ability to facilitate quick decisions, strengthen client trust, and elevate your role as a designer.
Get Your Remodeling Website Cited by Google’s AI.1 CEUsMike Goldstein, Founder, Kitchen Remodeling SEO
Remodelers have spent years learning how to show up in Google search results—optimizing websites, getting reviews, and targeting the right local keywords. But with the rollout of Google’s AI Overviews (SGE), everything is shifting. Traditional SEO isn’t enough. If your website isn’t structured for AI search, it may get skipped entirely. In this session, we’ll unpack six recently filed Google patents that reveal exactly how AI-powered search decides what content to cite. You’ll learn what types of pages Google’s systems scan, how it selects sources, and how remodelers can adjust their content strategy to stay visible.
Remodelers have spent years learning how to show up in Google search results—optimizing websites, getting reviews, and targeting the right local keywords. But with the rollout of Google’s AI Overviews (SGE), everything is shifting. Traditional SEO isn’t enough. If your website isn’t structured for AI search, it may get skipped entirely. In this session, we’ll unpack six recently filed Google patents that reveal exactly how AI-powered search decides what content to cite. You’ll learn what types of pages Google’s systems scan, how it selects sources, and how remodelers can adjust their content strategy to stay visible.
Learn about creating a strategic approach to enhancing influence among Generation Z through a tailored interior design marketing strategy. As both an interior designer and marketing strategist, Nicholas Lindsey understands the importance of merging creativity with digital fluency to captivate today’s audience. Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, values authenticity, visual appeal, and sustainability, making them a prime demographic for our efforts on Instagram and YouTube.
Create Scroll-Stopping Images with Architectural Photography0.1 CEUsAdam Gibson, CMKBD, Architectural Photographer, Adam Gibson Design
Kara Kavensky, Photographic Assistant, Adam Gibson Design
You invest immense thought, skill, and creativity into creating exceptional designs, but are your photographs capturing the full impact of your work? Do your images stand out in a feed full of flawless design content? Gain valuable insights on how to try it yourself, and discover the essential questions to ask when hiring!
We explore the critical distinction between hiring a general photographer and engaging a specialized Architectural Photographer—a professional trained to translate architectural vision into compelling visual narratives.
Architectural photography is more than documentation. It’s a deliberate, detail-oriented process that guides the viewer’s eye to form, materiality, scale, and spatial relationships—the very elements that define your design intent. From exteriors to interiors, you’ll uncover how images can either elevate or dilute your work—and how to ensure your portfolio communicates the depth of your design.
Led by a Certified Professional Photographer with a dual background in architectural design, this session offers designers practical insights into creating scroll-stopping imagery that does justice to the built environment.
Kara Kavensky, Photographic Assistant, Adam Gibson Design
You invest immense thought, skill, and creativity into creating exceptional designs, but are your photographs capturing the full impact of your work? Do your images stand out in a feed full of flawless design content? Gain valuable insights on how to try it yourself, and discover the essential questions to ask when hiring!
We explore the critical distinction between hiring a general photographer and engaging a specialized Architectural Photographer—a professional trained to translate architectural vision into compelling visual narratives.
Architectural photography is more than documentation. It’s a deliberate, detail-oriented process that guides the viewer’s eye to form, materiality, scale, and spatial relationships—the very elements that define your design intent. From exteriors to interiors, you’ll uncover how images can either elevate or dilute your work—and how to ensure your portfolio communicates the depth of your design.
Led by a Certified Professional Photographer with a dual background in architectural design, this session offers designers practical insights into creating scroll-stopping imagery that does justice to the built environment.
You put tons of effort into creating great projects, but do you employ photography that best represents your exquisite designs? Do your images compare to those in international design magazines? This program will explain the difference between hiring a photographer and hiring an architectural photographer.
Translating your vision into imagery is a detailed process that directs the viewer’s eye to what you want them to see. Whether exteriors or interiors, you’ll learn how some get it wrong and how to avoid those mistakes. Learn from a Certified Professional Photographer with a dual career as an architectural designer.
Translating your vision into imagery is a detailed process that directs the viewer’s eye to what you want them to see. Whether exteriors or interiors, you’ll learn how some get it wrong and how to avoid those mistakes. Learn from a Certified Professional Photographer with a dual career as an architectural designer.
