January 13, 2024

This article was originally published on January 13, 2024; it was updated on January 15, 2024.

KBIS 2024 Hard Hat Media Tour Itinerary Announced

The Hard Hat Media Tour, an invite-only tour that allows journalists and editors an intimate preview of top kitchen and bath products at KBIS, has finalized its tour roster for KBIS 2024. A tradition of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, owned by National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA|KBIS) and produced by partner Emerald Expositions, the tour takes place before the show floor officially opens on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 from 7:00am – 10:00am and takes a group of editors to 10 different booths for true “first looks.”

This year, 105 applicants competed for seven open spots, making it the most competitive Hard Hat Media Tour in KBIS history. The seven selected brands will join tour sponsor TOTO, breakfast sponsor Signature Kitchen Suite (SKS), and coffee sponsor Cosentino.

“The Hard Hat Media Tour allows home and design media to experience the best of the show firsthand and, what’s more, pass that inspiration along to their audiences,” said Suzie Wiliford, executive vice president and chief strategy officer, NKBA. “Its invite-only format welcomes both our most valued editorial relationships and some new faces and publications to expose an even larger group to what KBIS offers.”

After review by esteemed media judges Chelsie Butler, Executive Editor, Kitchen & Bath Business; Helene Oberman, Managing Director, Interior Design Magazine; and Dan DiClerico, Home Improvement and Outdoor Director, Good Housekeeping, the tour lineup is:

● TOTO, the world’s largest plumbing manufacturer and recognized global leader in producing modern, technologically advanced, and sustainably-focused products that promote personal and public wellness
● Signature Kitchen Suite, the fast-growing luxury brand (backed by global home appliance leader LG Electronics), known for driving innovation in the built-in kitchen appliance market
● Cosentino, a global, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for architecture and design
● Forza, the Italian-designed ultra-premium appliance manufacturer
● Cubic Outdoor Living, a German manufacturer of handmade, luxury outdoor kitchens that adapt perfectly to the conditions on site, barring no limits to individual ideas
● Artistic Tile, producer of designs that define the direction of the tile industry with exquisite attention to detail to ensure a final product that sets the bar for the luxury tile segment
● nobilia North America, the world’s largest manufacturer of European Kitchen Furniture, with products all made in Germany
● FORNO, an appliance division of Canadian CTM International, focusing on lowering the cost of living through affordable luxury without compromise
● Zip Water, the leading manufacturer of multi-function taps – transforming ordinary water into water at its best
● AD Waters, distributor of an impressive range of market-leading lines of plumbing products

Photo credit: Emerald