The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) will be moving forward to include a new omni-experience format as part of their tradeshow, reports the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) – owners of the event.
The show is scheduled for Feb. 9-11, 2021 at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida. In addition to the on-site festivities, the event will be expanding with the integration of a new live virtual program over the three-day event to provide attendees access to show content all-year long.
“These are extraordinary times. KBIS 2021 is going to have a unique look and feel,” says Suzie Williford, executive VP of industry relations and chief strategy officer for NKBA. “We are fully intending to host an in-person event. As long as we are able to safely bring our industry together for this extraordinary event, we will. For those who are unable to be there in person, we will bring KBIS to you.”
The virtual component will be used for educational content, exhibitor product launches, and a variety of networking opportunities. Details for the show are in the final planning stages, with the new programming expected to be announced soon.
In response to the pandemic, NKBA and show producer, Emerald, are working with convention center executives, vendors, and state and local authorities to design the in-person experience. “At this time, all attendees, exhibitors, speakers, sponsors and partners are required to wear face masks inside the convention center and maintain appropriate social distance,” says Amy Hornby, KBIS show director. “Masks will be available at registration upon request.”
Attendees and exhibitors can expect increased hand sanitizer stations throughout the center, heightened cleaning of all public spaces, contactless registration, directional signage to manage traffic on the show floor, and encouraging exhibitors to design open booths to allow for open entry and exit points.
Registration for KBIS 2021 open Sept. 1, 2020, and will be free for the month to all NKBA members. For more information, please visit www.kbis.com.