KBIS 2022: Everything You Need to Know

FairKBIS 2022: Everything You Need to KnowAD PRO’s must-see and -do guide for the kitchen and bath industry’s most important event, now back in person

By Danine Alati

February 1, 2022

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The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) returns to in-person programming from February 8–10 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida, after a virtual presentation last year. Known for showcasing the latest trends and technologies in kitchen and bath design, KBIS (in conjunction with the National Kitchen & Bath Association, or NKBA) attracts hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of kitchen and bath designers, architects, interior designers, dealers, and builders. KBIS 2022 occurs concurrently with the NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS) to comprise Design & Construction Week (DCW). Given the emphasis on the home that’s been sparked by the pandemic, the show should offer an interesting insight into where kitchen and bath manufacturers see those spaces evolving in the future—whether leaning into cutting-edge tech, revised home layouts, or other features.

“It’s been two years since our last in-person show at KBIS 2020 prior to the pandemic,” notes show director Jason McGraw, group vice president  and show director for KBIS and CEDIA Expo, both run by Emerald, a leading producer of trade events. “Now that we’re moving forward and getting back to business with in-person events happening all across the country, we can safely host KBIS again live.” McGraw emphasized the industry’s enthusiasm for experiencing festivities IRL, stating: “There is a pent-up demand from the industry to see new products, learn about new trends, and network in-person.”

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While show organizers admit some exhibitors chose not to participate in KBIS 2022, registration is trending at about 800 registrants daily, on pace to reach the projected 60,000 registrants total for KBIS and IBS by showtime. Attendees can expect to see new offerings from top brands ​​including Cambria, Cosentino, Electrolux, House of Rohl, Miele, Monogram, Nobilia, and Signature Kitchen Suite, among others. Industry celebrities including Darren Keefe and Breegan Jane of HGTV; ASID CEO Gary Wheeler; podcast host, speaker, and AD PRO columnist LuAnn Nigara; and chef and television host Damaris Philips all will make appearances throughout the week, along with Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designers like Patricia Brown, Elizabeth Marcocci, and Maria Stapperfenne. Also making her KBIS debut? None other than Gwyneth Paltrow, who will be taking the main stage alongside Monogram creative director Richard Anuszkiewicz and AD100 designer Brigette Romanek.

DCW kicks off on Monday, February 7, with NKBA’s opening party. This ticketed dinner event honors the winners of the 2022 NKBA Design Competition, Chairman’s Award, and sales awards. The next morning, the legendary Ervin “Magic” Johnson hosts DCW’s opening session, which is available to all KBIS registrants on a first-come, first-serve basis.

On Wednesday, February 9, KBIS attendees can drop into NKBA CEO Bill Darcy’s State of the Association keynote address, followed by a session featuring Ginny Clarke, holistic leadership strategist and former director of executive recruiting at Google. Two lively social events include Wednesday evening’s The Bash, a ticketed party at Mango’s Orlando, and a private concert for DCW attendees by country performer Trace Adkins on Thursday, February 10.

McGraw, the show director, details other highlights during KBIS, including industry trends and design ideas at the KBIS Next Stage, the Best of KBIS Awards, and an assortment of special pavilions.

Besides connecting with industry colleagues and discovering product introductions from hundreds of exhibitors, designers will find unique sessions and CEU opportunities. NKBA’s annual Voices from the Industry (VFTI) conference features 80-plus programs consisting of keynotes, workshops, and professional development courses, in-person and on-demand. According to McGraw, “The VFTI program features a wealth of topics on design best practices, future trends, sustainability and wellness, marketing your business, creating new business opportunities, and incorporating technology solutions.”

McGraw urges that attending this year’s show will be extremely valuable to “see and touch new products hands-on, speak directly with the manufacturers, learn from leading industry experts, and network with old and new friends and colleagues.”

Given the ongoing pandemic, he stresses that the safety of attendees and exhibitors is of the utmost importance. “With strong vaccination adoption nationwide and internationally, availability of testing, and mask wearing, we believe we can stage a safe event,” he says.

As well as working with the CDC and local Orange County health officials, KBIS organizers followed recommendations issued by health data analytics firm Epistemix, in order to establish a set of stringent health and safety protocols for this year’s show, including:

- Requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of the show
- Mask wearing mandate, regardless of vaccination status
- On-site rapid COVID testing (for a fee)
- Implementation of CLEAR’s HealthPass app to help attendees share their test or vaccination documentation
- Hand sanitizer and hand washing facilities available throughout the convention center

Attendees should prepare accordingly. In addition to CLEAR, downloading the KBIS mobile app is essential for this year’s show: It facilitates attendees planning their schedules, mapping the show floor, bookmarking exhibitors to visit, and staying abreast of show news. Another tech advancement this year is the addition of KBIS Match, a new AI-powered matchmaking platform that will allow attendees and exhibitors to connect and make appointments to meet up at KBIS 2022.

Over the course of the events next week, be sure to stay tuned to AD PRO’s website and Instagram feed as we keep you in the loop about what editors are seeing and hearing on the ground.