NKBA: Moving Ahead for Orlando 2021 Show
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) still plans a physical Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando next February – along with an online event.
Promoting a “new omni-experience format,” the standard trade show on Febr. 9-11, 2021, at the Orange County Convention Center will also include of a live virtual program over the three-day event to provide attendees year-round access to exclusive show content.
“These are extraordinary times,” said Suzie Williford, NKBA executive vice president, industry relations and chief strategy officer, in a statement today. “KBIS 2021 is going to have a unique look and feel.
“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 online component will be used in connection with educational content, exhibitor product launches, and a variety of networking opportunities. Details are in the final planning stages with NKBA and show producer Emerald, and the new programming is scheduled to be announced shortly.
“The Emerald and NKBA teams are talking with our exhibitors and attendees every day and I can confidently say, our industry is ready to rebound,” says Amy Hornby, KBIS show director. “Many of our legacy brands including Miele and Cosentino, as well as newer exhibitors like nobilia are confirmed to exhibit and are looking forward to connecting with their clients. We have also signed several new partners which we are excited to share with you in a few weeks.”
KBIS 2021 features hundreds of returning and new exhibitors across two halls, along with a full complement of educational offerings including the NKBA Voices from the Industry series.
Health and safety are a critical component for KBIS 2021, as the NKBA and Emerald work with convention-center executives, vendors and state and local authorities to design the in-person experience. A corporate-wide preparedness plan with comprehensive health and safety guidelines and protocols have been established to provide attendees with the safest experience possible.
“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 Hornby. “Masks will be available at registration upon request.”
Additional safety measures include:
• Increased hand sanitizer stations positioned through-out the convention center;
• Daily, heightened cleaning of all public spaces, exhibit halls, meeting rooms and registration areas;
• Contactless registration process with remote badge printing;
• All show floor aisles will be single directional to help manage traffic flow and encourage social distancing;
• Exhibitors are encouraged to design open booths to allow for open entry and exit points.
These plans may adapt and change in order to effectively limit potential spread.
“We know it is crucial that we provide regular updates about KBIS 2021 to help all of our attendees make plans. As we’ve seen over the last six months, situations can change overnight,” says Williford. “As show organizers, we are working to apply what we learn in this new environment to produce a safe and successful experience for everyone.”
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