October 24, 2017

The 2018 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the destination for kitchen and bath design professionals, today announced the nine brands that will serve as stops along the route of the 2018 Hard Hat Media Tour. The annual tour invites a select group of traditional media and social media influencers onto the show floor before doors open on day one for a true “first look” at the newest and most innovative products debuting at KBIS 2018.

New in 2018, Elkay will serve as the official tour sponsor. Media will enjoy coffee upon an early arrival to the tour courtesy of GE Appliances, followed by breakfast hosted in the Cosentino booth. All other participating brands were selected by a committee of VIP media through a brand-blind submission process. The complete roster of Hard Hat Media Tour brands includes:

• Cosentino
• Easy Drain USA
• Elkay
• Federal Brace
• GE Appliances
• GEOLUXE
• Häfele America Co.
• James Martin Signature Vanities
• RangeCraft

“The Hard Hat Media Tour is the first opportunity for media influencers to experience leading product innovations and technology setting the pace for the kitchen and bath industry in the coming year,” said Suzie Williford, vice president of industry relations for the National Kitchen & Bath Association, which owns KBIS.  “Our KBIS media tour is an incredible opportunity for brands and media to share insights and make lasting connections.”

“The brands involved in the 2018 Hard Hat Media Tour are an exciting mix of varying product types and company sizes, offering media a diverse and highly relevant look at the newest kitchen and bath innovations of the year,” said Brian Pagel, senior vice president, Emerald Expositions. “We greatly appreciate the support of our sponsors, participating brands and our media guests for waking up early to celebrate the start of KBIS 2018.”