Collaborate. Innovate. Inspire. That was the theme for the 2011 edition of the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas from April 26-28.
Attendees found a broad array of offerings, including the latest in trends and technology, opportunities to collaborate with peers and exhibitors with the introduction of mobile applications, interactive and hands-on displays and an expanded array of conferences and events.
“In response to the challenges of today’s economy, our members and exhibitors have changed the way they do business to be more productive,” said Dave Alderman, president-elect of the National Kitchen & Bath Association. “Our goal at KBIS was to provide the most up-to-date tools and trends to help them stay successful.”
Keynote speaker Pat Croce kicked off KBIS 2011. Best known for leading the Philadelphia 76ers through their dramatic "worst to first" turnaround as team president, he inspired attendees and exhibitors alike.
In addition to elaborate and functional exhibits of the latest in kitchen and bath products and design trends, prominent themes at conferences and floor discussions were "moving to digital," sustainability and universal design.
A panel of media representatives judged more than 50 new product entries for the Best of KBIS competition. Eight winning products were selected for their functionality, quality/durability, flexibility, aesthetics/ style and innovation.
The winner of the Best Green Product award, Hafele’s Loox LED Lighting System, deserves a mention here because it has broad applications in cabinetry and furniture design. At press time official attendance data was not available but reports from exhibitors indicated that KBIS was a successful show for them.
