November 1, 2021

DesignBites, hosted by Darren Keefe, is the high-energy KBIS NeXT Stage program that showcases unique product innovations and designs at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), North America’s most comprehensive expo devoted to kitchen and bath design and remodeling, owned by the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Design Bites 2022 is now open for submissions.

KBIS 2022 proudly welcomes one of the newest faces of HGTV’s relaunch of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and “Fix My Fail” programs, Keefe as host of the perennially popular DesignBites.

Born in Northern Ireland to a long line of Irish craftsmen and farmers, Keefe developed his love for woodworking after building a Pinewood Derby Racer with his dad. Carpentry and craftsmanship have been his “means of survival” while building his acting career in L.A. Keefe’s company Dumcree Designs was born after working with a local contractor specializing in kitchen and bath remodels. Now Keefe pursues his passion for design and custom fabrication creating one-of-a-kind, handcrafted furniture pieces for a range of high-profile clients.

Keefe will host this show favorite — often referred to as “speed dating for brands” — on Feb. 8, 2022, on the KBIS NeXT Stage in the South Hall of the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), Orlando, Fla. Here, 10 exhibitors, large and small, get the opportunity to share their message in a refreshing, entertaining way. The brands each have three minutes to present an innovative product, and each presentation is followed by a two-minute Q&A.

DesignBites Application

To participate in DesignBites, brands must be a KBIS exhibitor and apply for consideration. Brands will be chosen based on product innovation and uniqueness, quality of application, suitability for the three-minute format, and design interest. Exhibiting brands can apply now through Nov. 17, 2021, by completing the DesignBites Application here.

Selected DesignBites participants will be promoted pre-show via KBIS social platforms, a press release and brand announcements. During the show, there will be live social coverage, including Facebook Live and Instagram Stories. After KBIS, all participating brands receive an edited video of their stage presentations, in-depth social coverage and promoted videos on the KBIS YouTube channel.

DesignBites participants also receive access to the media attendee list (names only) and distribution of press kit/information to attending media immediately following the stage session.