KBIS 2019 Voices from the Industry Conference | 5 Sessions to Watch

KBIS 2019 is coming to Las Vegas from February 19-21, 2019 – in other words, it’s time to start getting prepared for the biggest North American kitchen and bath industry trade show of the year!

In terms of information, nothing tops the Voices from the Industry Conference, which emanates from the KBIS convention on an annual basis. The KBIS 2019 Voices from the Industry conference will feature 80+ world-class speakers and topics including business growth, design, management, customer service, and kitchen/bath specialty training.

KBIS 2019 will be held February 19-21, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

From the KBIS 2019 website:

Also new for 2019, NKBA is proud to present four Professional Development courses as part of its Voices from the Industry Conference at KBIS 2019. The seminars are two hours each and offer 0.2 CEU credits and 2 Education Hours toward earning or maintaining AKBD, CKBD or CMKBD certification. The price for a one-day VFTI pass (up to four sessions) is $250 for NKBA members and $325 for non-members for advance registration; prices increase for onsite purchase of a one-day pass. Multi-day passes are also available.

With over 80 speakers representing virtually every facet of the kitchen and bath industry, KBIS 2019 attendees can’t possibly check out every presentation in the 2019 Voices from the Industry conference. So which presentations should you choose?

You should tailor your KBIS 2019 Voices from the Industry schedule to your own needs, experiences and plans for the 2019 design year. But there are a few sessions that we at “Design Your Lifestyle” found particularly interesting – either in terms of the topic, the speaker, or a mixture of both.

From the can’t-miss to the intriguing, here are the 5 sessions we’ll be watching at the KBIS 2019 Voices from the Industry conference.

Personalized luxury is a key theme of the KBIS 2019 Voices from the Industry Conference. [photo: Peter Salerno Inc.]

KBIS 2019 Voices from the Industry Conference: 5 Sessions to Watch

1. Color and the Senses: Exploring Synesthesia + Current Color Trends

Who? Kathryn Grube – Owner, Functional Color Solutions, LLC
Where? Room N230
When? Tuesday, February 19, 2019; 8:00 am – 10:00 am

Synesthesia is the production of a sense impression relating to one sense or part of the body by stimulation of another sense or part of the body. In this context, it’s the experience of sensing color in ways other than sight. People who experience synesthesia may “smell lemons” when seeing the color yellow or hear a certain tone when seeing the color pink. Kathryn Grube will explore this phenomenon, and how it interacts with 2019’s color design trends.

Kathryn will also dive into the 2019 color palette, including Pantone’s seasonal 2019 color selections.

2. Applying Sustainability and Biophilia to Residential Design: What and Why?

Who? Jeannifer Ellington – Cabinetry Designer, H2 Builders
Where? Room N225
When? Tuesday, February 19, 2019; 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Biophilia is the assertion that “humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life” (Wikipedia). With the trend towards sustainable materials, natural color palettes and the ‘greening’ of residential spaces, Jeannifer Ellington looks for practical applications of sustainable finishes, designs, and materials in the home.

Jeannifer will also discuss WELL Building Standards, and ways to enhance your living space to promote well-being and health.

3. Designer Health: Meeting the Demands of Luxury and Lifestyle

Who? Lauren Levant – Principal, Lauren Levant Interior
Where? Room N227
When? Wednesday, February 20, 2019; 9:00 am – 10:00 am

From the KBIS 2019 description:

Health is the ultimate luxury. The discerning client of the present and the future is redefining the luxury lifestyle. No longer about mere beauty, the most successful and sought after projects are now designed with health and wellbeing at the center. Premium materials with healthy finishes, responsibly sourced are becoming in greater demand, and clients are willing to pay a premium for them. Like their organic, non-GMO groceries, the homes of today’s luxury clientele need to take care of them from the inside out.

4. Modern Luxury: More Than Just a High Price Tag

Who? Christopher Grubb – President/Founder, Arch-Interiors Design Group
Where? Room N226
When? Wednesday, February 20, 2019; 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Keeping with our Wednesday theme of “the new definition of luxury”, Christopher Grubb’s presentation on modern luxury appears to be a highlight of the Voices from the Industry schedule. Christopher brings 25+ years of experience with luxury clients to this session, discussing how the term “luxury” has gone from a financial definition to an emotional one. Attendees to this seminar will learn which elements of a design project speak to this new definition of luxury, including which materials, finishes, fixtures, and other architectural and decorative details help to create a personalized sense of luxury, even for today’s most budget conscious homeowners, architects, and builders.

5. Home Hot Spots–How to Convert Emotions Into Sales

Who? David Brown – Partner, Hoffman York, Inc.
Where? Room N224
When? Thursday, February 21, 2019; 10:30 am – 11:30 am

From the KBIS 2019 description:

This presentation reveals the findings of an extensive $100,000 research study of over 900 consumers who were interested in either major remodeling or purchasing a home. The research identified how dealers, architects, designers, builders and remodelers and dealers can increase the salability of their projects, and elevate their reputations. The research is comprised of a number of firsts: –1st comprehensive examination of the emotional connections made with various areas of the home. –1st use of advanced research to identify how a room’s overlap between relaxation, socialization and functionality shapes attitudes. –1st in-depth understanding of how space design and corresponding amenities can increase home appeal. Better yet, the research is accompanied by turn-key design concepts developed by Visbeen architects, winners of over 40 Best In American Living Awards.