Tradeshow Report

(Apr. 8, 2008)

Three Days Until K/BIS 2008!

Get Plugged in by the K&A Experts

It’s that time again. Kitchen and bath enthusiasts nationwide are counting down the days until the most thrilling and innovative tradeshow of the year. K/BIS 2008, the three-day event held this year in Chicago, promises the latest cutting-edge products and services from over 900 exhibitors. With an impeccable K/BIS attendance record, K&A reveals the “must-see” exhibitors and conferences for this year’s show.

Can’t attend the show? You’re in luck. The esteemed K&A Public Relations Team will be reporting every day from the K/BIS show floor. Check out www.kleberandassociates.com, April 11-13, to receive up-to-the minute information from the industry’s largest and most captivating international event.

The Windy City Blows in Paramount Products

For the kitchen

Metallo Arts, manufacturer of ultra-custom range hoods, debuts its numerous new hood offerings including one inspired by Andy Warhol’s Pop Art Campbell’s Soup Can Series and another taking cues from the red-hot ’57 Chevy Bel Air style hood. What’s more, Diva de Provence, legendary manufacturer of induction cooktops, is partnering with Metallo Arts to offer a complete suite for the home gourmand. These one-of-kind kitchens are on display at booth N8758.

For the bath

There’s no shortage of groundbreaking design at this year’s show. Cifial responds to the demand for smart contemporary bathroom elements with its new TechnoM3 collection, exclusively engineered by renowned Portuguese designer Carlos Aguiar. Moreover, Cifial unveils its latest Techno 25 and Quadra 25 faucets. Visit booth S2392 for the hottest Cifial offerings.

Gerber is also eager to launch its most premium bathroom collection to date—the Logan Square™ Suite. Catch a glimpse of this innovative bathroom series showcasing the ultimate in elegance and unparalleled performance by visiting booth S5453.

Mr.Steam® introduces Steamtherapy™ at booth L11902. Be among those to experience first-hand the total body sensory experience of state-of-the-art technology seamlessly infused with steam, light, scent and sounds.

For the kitchen and bath

KWC AMERICA continues to define innovative and forward-thinking product development with the expansion of its Hansa brand. Launching an updated Collection of Styles program with four new bathroom product lines this year—Hansastela, Hansaform, Hansaclassic, Hansastyle—KWC AMERICA and Hansa also present the Hansa Innovation Circle, a comprehensive visionary demonstration on the future of the bathroom. Also on display is KWC AMERICA’s new Sink ‘Worlds’—Architecture, Harmony and Emotion. Don’t miss the opportunity to be ‘wowed’ by original products and enlightened on future solutions for the bath; visit booth S5434.

Craft-Art, the largest U.S. manufacturer of custom solid wood countertops, introduces several new reclaimed wood species including Bamboo and Lyptus. In addition, the manufacturer expands its popular Black Walnut species to highlight two new Edge-Grain styles. Moreover, Craft-Art is pleased to debut stand-alone furniture pieces to accompany its vast selection of wood countertops. Check out booth S4209 for a look at how Craft-Art’s domestic, imported and reclaimed wood offerings are incorporated for use in multi award-winning kitchens and baths.

And last, but certainly not least, Eternal by Grand Hall unveils its Eternal Hybrid Water Heater Direct Vent model, engineered to out-perform all water heaters on the market by combining both tank and tankless water heaters without the limitations of either. Learn how the Eternal Direct Vent model can decrease utility bills while befriending Mother Earth at booth S1040.

Learn from the industry’s finest

There certainly isn’t a lack of industry intelligence at this year’s show. Among the multitude of prestigious speakers gracing the K/BIS conference rooms, is Ken Williamson, wood guru and founder of Craft-Art Wood Countertops. His presentation titled “Wood Countertops—From Butcherblock to Furniture—New Look,  Innovative Technologies, and Incremental Margin,” will take place April 13 at 9:30 a.m. at the Lakeside Center, McCormick Place.

Providing a detailed historical overview of wood countertops, Williamson will delve into the reasons behind the often miss-understood trends in use of wood countertops over the past 30 years. Additionally, he’ll discuss the altered expectations of wood countertops in relation to the changing role and function of modern-day kitchens.

Other conference highlights include Mary Jo Peterson’s presentation on Universal Design Strategies for Kitchens and Baths, Mark Delaney’s “Living Trends Impacting Home Improvement Decisions,” and “Designing with Color,” offered by Ann Morris. Make sure to also sign-up for the plethora of available green conference sessions.

K/BIS 2008 is surely the place to be this weekend. Stay tuned and be sure to visit www.kleberandassociates.com for regular information and trend reports straight from the tradeshow floor.


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