January 24, 2023

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), representing close to 50,000 kitchen and bath industry professionals and owners of the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), announces the 2023 NKBA Global Connect Pavilion program lineup. The NKBA Global Connect Pavilion is a combination exhibit and programming space designed to host a select number of new-to-KBIS international manufacturers.

Located in the North Hall (N638) of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the pavilion will feature high-level international exhibitor brand “Spotlight” presentations complemented by roundtable and panel discussions. Panel and roundtable topics include a review of the health of the North American kitchen and bath sector, “Go-to-Market” distribution and sales strategy and “Meet the Designer” discussions that will dive into the various types of North American kitchen and bath market considerations.

International exhibitors at the NKBA Global Connect Pavilion include:

BALTECO

Established over thirty years ago, Balteco has grown to become one of the leading manufacturers of bathroom products in Northern Europe. Balteco Xonyx™ solid surface stone bathtubs, handmade in Estonia, honor traditional craftsmanship and deliver exceptional quality. Every bathtub is hand-crafted by experienced masters with no detail being overlooked through final testing.

KALE

Founded in 1957, KALE is the largest ceramic tile manufacturer in Turkey, the 6th in Europe and the 17th in the world today. KALE brings branded tile and sanitaryware products to more than 400 export points in 100 countries from Europe to America, from Middle-East to African markets. The brand has committed to delivering environmentally friendly and sustainable-oriented solutions.

Dekker Zevenhuizen bv

Dekker is a 100% family-owned company and the largest European fabricator of customized kitchen and bathroom worktops, focused on developing and investing in sustainable solutions including the new Sustonable product.

TEKCOM Corporation

Established in 2005, TEKCOM specializes in offering plywood solutions for use in furniture cabinetry and other architectural needs. The nature of plywood and its capabilities offer aesthetic, functional and environmental alternatives.

PITT Cooking

Founded in 2009, PITT gas burner cooking products are made, by hand, in Holland. PITT cooking is a globally patented system and carries CSA certification.

International Brand Spotlights include:

TEKCOM

Established in 2005, TEKCOM specializes in offering plywood solutions for use in furniture cabinetry and other architectural needs. The nature of plywood and its capabilities offer aesthetic, functional and environmental alternatives.

WALL-SMART

A multi award-winning manufacturer, WALL-SMART is enhancing the way smart homes look at function by developing aesthetically pleasing mounting solutions that recess a wide range of home tech devices flush with wall and ceiling surfaces

VitrA

Turkish manufacturer of sanitaryware, bathroom furniture, faucets and ceramic tiles – one of the few global brands offering every bathroom component.

PITT Cooking

Founded in 2009, PITT gas burner cooking products are made, by hand, in Holland. PITT cooking is a globally patented system and carries CSA certification.

NKBA Global Connect Pavilion roundtable and panel discussions include:

“Meet the Designers: The Importance of Design Professionals in the North American Market”

Moderator: Veronika Miller, CEO, Modenus Media; panelists: Cheryl Clendenon, Principal, In Detail Creative Group; Jeanne Chung, Principal, Cozy, Stylish, Chic; and Kimberley Kerl, Principal, Kustom Home Design

The North American design industry differs from other international marketplaces in the importance of individual design professionals as key influencers and decision-makers. Over 75,000 kitchen, bath and interior design professionals in the US alone are at the frontline when it comes to the specification and sales of products. Join this discussion to learn how design pros work and what they need to feel comfortable buying from international brands.

“Health of the North American Kitchen and Bath Market: North American Market Outlook: Strengths, Weaknesses and Opportunities”

Moderator: Sherry Qualls, President, White Good, NKBA MARCOM Agency with Tricia Zach, Head of Research, NKBA

The North American kitchen and bath market is experiencing a number of changes. This one-on-one Q&A session will delve into NKBA market data, exploring strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for marketers interested in breaking into this robust marketplace.

“Go-to-Market Strategies: Understanding North American Kitchen and Bath Industry Sales/Distribution”

Moderator: Sherry Qualls, President, White Good, NKBA MARCOM Agency; panelists: Greg Rohl, Principal, The ROHL Model; Oliver Bleich, Principal, Vella LLC; Bill Butler, CEO of Decorative Plumbing Distributors; and Jeremy Parcels, Principal, Jeremy Parcels Design

The North American kitchen and bath industry have a number of “go-to-market” schemes. Depending on product category, manufacturer strategy, and level of installation complexity, there are several approaches a manufacturer or exporter may choose to follow. This panel will discuss various scenarios, exploring pros and cons of each. Any manufacturer or international exporter interested in growing into the North American kitchen and bath market should attend.

“German Engineering: Trends in Technology, Design and Production from the German Kitchen and Bath Market”

The German Association of the Modern Kitchen (AMK) and a select group of German kitchen and bath product manufacturers and industry experts including Häcker Kitchens, Hettich, and MHK, one of Europe’s largest kitchen purchasing groups, will present the latest trends in German technology, design and production from Germany.

To learn more about the NKBA Global Connect program, click here.