Fotile’s presentation at last January’s DesignBites competition
Plans two major events to elevate exhibitors
By Alan Wolf, YSN
The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the appliance industry’s top venue for new product launches, is offering a pair of opportunities for exhibitors to further spotlight their introductions at next February’s trade event.
The first is the Hard Hat Media Tour, during which a curated selection of exhibitors will showcase their newest products to a group of influential, invitation-only media. Each brand will have 10 minutes to present their product story and showcase their unique booths.
According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), the show’s owner, exhibitors can self-nominate for the tour’s seven available spots and will be vetted by a team of high-profile media. Leading fixture manufacturer Toto is the title sponsor supporting the event and Signature Kitchen Suite is the breakfast sponsor. The application for brands to self-nominate is available here and is due by Nov. 17, 2023. Selected exhibitors will be announced in early December, and the tour itself will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The second opportunity is DesignBites, a dynamic, head-to-head brand competition that the NKBA describes as “the fastest way for brands to get the word out on their newest items.” In this event, each of 10 chosen exhibitors get three minutes to pitch their products in a high-energy presentation that includes a short, graphic slideshow and a brief Q&A follow-up. Last year’s appliance participants included Beko, Fotile, Fulgor, LG and Robam.
The products will be judged by both attendees and a panel comprised of media and Designhounds, a close-knit network of interior, kitchen and bath design professionals. The most innovative product selected by the panel will receive a “Brand with the Biggest Bite Award,” while attendees will cast their votes in real time for the winner of the “People’s Pick Award.” The entry form is available here and is due by Jan. 10, 2024. The DesignBites competition will be held on Feb. 27, from noon to 1:30 p.m., on the KBIS NEXTStage, located in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The NKBA describes both show events as “incredible opportunities for brands to connect with visitors and the industry community, as well as to spotlight their innovations.” Participation in the Hard Hat Media Tour is complimentary but brands selected to compete in DesignBites will charged a $8,500 participation fee.
KBIS 2024 will be held Feb. 27-Feb. 29 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and at multiple hotels, and will run concurrently with the International Builders’ Show (IBS). For more information or to register visit KBIS.com.
