Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2025 - 47

A Whole New World
KBIS is home to the NKBA Global Connect Lounge and kiosks,
international pavilions and international exhibitors
By Dianne M. Pogoda, NKBA Contributor
The NKBA Global Connect International Hub in the Las Vegas Convention Center's
South Hall at KBIS is anchored by the Global Connect Lounge (SL1113) and kiosks
and is surrounded by many international pavilions and Global Connect member
companies exhibiting at the show.
Not only is the Lounge a great place for international brands to connect with
North American design, distribution and sales professionals, it also will feature
three days of informative programming, including International Brand Spotlight
presentations, cocktail and breakfast events and roundtable luncheons. Visitors
will meet brands from all over the world, many of which are new to KBIS or to North
America entirely. Fascinating presentations and panel discussions will explore
the dynamics of the North American marketplace, how to establish a business
presence in the market and how to engage with potential customers.
Here's a preview of the programming in the NKBA Global Connect Lounge:
TUESDAY, FEB. 25
10:00-11:00 a.m.: NKBA Global Connect Brand Spotlights
Global Connect Advisor LuAnn Nigara, principal of Window Works, host of the
podcast " A Well-Designed Business " and owner of LuAnn Nigara Inc. consultancy,
hosts this series of rapid-fire presentations by five new-to-KBIS international
brands, followed by a brief Q&A session.
12:00-1:00 p.m.: NKBA Global Connect Panel Discussion
" Building Your Brand in the North American Market " Global Connect marketing
advisors will discuss key approaches to establishing a brand presence efficiently
and effectively. Moderated by Veronika Miller, NKBA Global Connect lead consultant
and owner of M2 Consulting Group.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 26
10:00-11:00 a.m.: NKBA Global Connect Brand Spotlights
Hosted by Greg Rohl, Global Connect advisor and principal of The Rohl Model, this
session will feature five additional new-to-KBIS brands participating in a series
of rapid-fire presentations, followed by a brief Q&A session.
12:00-1:00 p.m.: NKBA Global Connect Panel Discussion
" Distribution and Sales Options: Go-to-Market Strategies in North America "
This discussion is designed for international brands that want to learn more about
The Global Connect Lounge in South Hall will offer an array of presentations and
discussions designed to help international brands explore the North American market.
Photo credit: Alexis Favis
sales, distribution and showroom partner strategies in North America. Participants
include leading North American kitchen and bath showrooms, dealers and
distributors in conversation with NKBA Global Connect consultant Sherry Qualls.
3:00-4:00 p.m.: NKBA Global Connect Wine Tasting
" The Power of Home by SCHOTT "
Enjoy a wine tasting and presentation on the beauty, functionality, strength and
diversity of SCHOTT glass. Celebrate with the wines of Mainz, Germany, and the
Rhine region, where SCHOTT is headquartered. One winner will attend the German
Haus Fair as a guest of SCHOTT.
THURSDAY, FEB. 27
10:00-11:30 a.m.: SICAM and CEDIA Breakfast " The Ingredients Inside "
Technology integration is driving the inside of kitchen and bath furnishings. Hear
and see the newest updates from Global Connect advisors Kenn Busch and Eric
Marshall and Strategic Alliance partners SICAM and CEDIA about the European
ingredients that are making kitchens, baths and storage/closets smarter. SICAM
is Italy's International Exhibition of Components, Accessories and Semi-finished
Products for the Furniture Industry.
The NKBA Global Connect business development program offers important benefits to international companies that want to explore ways to break into the
North American market. Members have access to NKBA|KBIS' extensive market research covering key topics from overall and category-specific design trends
to economic data, market outlooks, quarterly reports on the current state of the industry and much more, plus access to a team of expert Global Connect
advisors for detailed information about the nuances, regulations, compliance, distribution and other important aspects of doing business in North America.
More info on the program may be found at nkba.org/global-connect-landing/.
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