Hackettstown, New Jersey—It’s time to celebrate the kitchen and bath industry, again. Presented annually at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), entries for the 2021 Best of KBIS Virtual Awards are now being accepted. Winners will be chosen by a panel of experts based on innovation, style and function. The deadline to enter is Dec. 18 and the virtual awards ceremony will be streamed live on Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. (eastern time).
“The Best of KBIS Awards recognizes those brands and product design teams that are going above and beyond to design new innovations that have a profound impact on our industry,” said Jason McGraw, group vice president for Emerald where he is responsible for KBIS and CEDIA Expo. “These products push the boundaries of design, technology, wellness and innovation. It’s a true measure of excellence.”
All KBIS virtual exhibitors are eligible to submit a product for consideration. Products must have been introduced after Feb. 19, 2020. To enter, exhibiting manufacturers must complete a “Best of KBIS” entry form, submit a minimum of two high-resolution (300 dpi) images and pay an entry fee.
This year’s awards will be streamlined into two categories with seven awards—kitchen or bath, with the potential of gold or silver. There will also be an “impact” award with the potential of gold or silver. A best in show award is the final potential award.
“We have faced new, unprecedented challenges this year that have furthered the demand for products that drive convenience, efficiency and enhanced cleanliness in the home, particularly in the kitchen and bath,” added Suzie Williford, executive vice president of industry relations and chief strategy officer for National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). “I have no doubt the calibre of this year’s entries will transform how we live in our homes. We look forward to recognizing these outstanding achievements.”
Registration for KBIS Virtual 2021 opens on Dec. 7. Registration is free to all NKBA members. Attendees can make booth appointments and register for panel discussions starting in January 2021.
NKBA board news
In additional NKBA news, the 2021 board of directors has been announced. There will be seven returning directors and two new members.
Michael Mahan, vice president of Schneider Electric, is the newly elected chair. He previously served as vice-chair in 2020 and has served on the board since 2018. “I’m honoured to take on the role of board chair for 2021,” said Mahan. “The last year has been challenging on a number of levels. Working together with my fellow board members and the association, we kept NKBA strong and the membership engaged under difficult circumstances. I look forward to continuing this work, and I’m confident we will maintain our leadership position, as we strive to add value for our members and advocate for the industry at large.”
Board officers for the association will be as followed: vice-chair—Basil Larkin, vice president of sales for Hestan Commercial Corp; and secretary/treasurer—Randy Warner, vice president of sales, the luxury division for Samsung-Dacor.
Outgoing board chair, Allison Lowrie, will remain on the board as a director. Other returning board members include Kristen Elder, showroom and builder vice president for Ferguson Enterprises; Jan Heck, president and CEO for Miele USA; and Jan Neiges, certified kitchen designer and principal for Jan Neiges LLC.
New directors joining the board include Louis Rohl, founder of House of Rohl; and Mikael Akerberg, CEO of nobilia North America.
Board members Lorenzo Marquez, founder and president of Marqet Group, and Steve Joseph, founder and CEO of Smart Home Products have completed their terms.
The new board will assume their roles on Jan. 1, 2021.