Tradeshow Report

(May 5, 2008)

K&A Plugs you into the 2008 Expo and AIA Convention

Spring marks two of the hospitality, residential, and commercial design channel’s finest events and Kleber & Associates was there to capture all of the action! The 2008 Hospitality Design (HD) Expo & Conference and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Convention and Expo were both held mid May this year and the the K&A staff was there in full force.

The hospitality design industry spices up Vegas

The 2008 HD Expo & Conference was the place to find all the distinctive, edgy and forward thinking design trends of the vibrant hospitality design industry. Over 1,100 manufacturers and artisans exhibited at this year’s Las Vegas show and it was attended by over 11,000 participants. Among those were interior designers, builders, contractors, and architects, along with professionals involved in the hotel and resort, restaurant, casino, healthcare and senior living categories.

Hot product trends from the show

New this year, Cifial featured the début of its statuesque Brookhaven L-Spout Series, part of the Brookhaven Collection that was recently awarded the ADEX Silver Design Award. Offering unparalleled performance and ease of use without sacrificing style, the Brookhaven L-Spout Series is “consistent in superior quality, fit, and finish, while the entire Brookhaven Collection is one of the most sought after product lines we offer,” said Jim Osborne, director of sales for Cifial.

Well-suited for universal design, the crown lever handles of the L-Spout Series are easily turned on and off with minimal effort for those with limited range of motion. The series is available in eight unique finishes ranging from polished chrome and aged brass to distressed bronze and features a variety of exquisite lavatory faucets including the 3-Hole Widespread, Wall Mount Faucet, and Vessel Bowl Filler. Cifial also unveiled its latest Quadra 25 and Techno 25 Lav faucets.

DeRose Designs showed off its sophisticated glass products for the bath and kitchen. The company offers glass, specialty, ceramic, semi-precious stone, and stainless steel vessel sinks, as well as its integral bowl countertops, bathroom furniture, mirrors, and accessories for many applications. Creative Systems Lighting revealed its newest lamp and electronic technologies that offer functional, energy-efficient, ambient lighting including recessed, under cabinet and display lighting and CSL architectural and picture lights.

In addition to innovative product introductions, the 2008 HD Conference highlighted LU/CEU accredited conference sessions and a multitude of networking events, proving it’s the only conference and expo 100 percent focused on hospitality design and the leading tradeshow in the hospitality design marketplace.

The AIA Convention takes over Boston

Making our way back to the east coast, K&A headed to the AIA Convention and Expo in the heart of Boston. Embodied by the theme We the People, the 2008 AIA Convention and Expo explored the power of architecture while challenging industry professionals to engage the public in designing a more sustainable world.

With more than 800 exhibitors, the AIA Convention and Expo featured four different product pavilions with a specific focus on eco-friendly, sustainable products including the software and high-tech pavilion, and the kitchen and bath, stone and tile, and lighting pavilions. At the heart of the convention and expo was continuing education. This was the chance for architects to earn as many CEU credits as possible throughout the four day event. Most exhibitors held classes in their booths to draw in the attention of the architects where they were able to learn the features and benefits of individual products on display.

Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork, producer of high-end, superior quality doors and windows, catered to the architect segment by providing continuing education programs at its booth. The company also demonstrated its ongoing support services through a, separate Web site login for architects. In line with the theme of the 2008 AIA Convention and Expo, Kolbe is an energy friendly company celebrating over “five years of green.”

Dryvit also sparked a huge buzz at the show with the debut of its “Dryvit bike” created by the Orange County Choppers. Special guest appearances were also made by Paul Teutul Sr. and Jr.

Ornametals and Modular International were also show-stoppers. Ornamentals revealed its latest copper and zinc gutter systems, while Modular International demonstrated its superior lighting solutions in the form of modular multiples, outdoor stainless surface decoratives and LED options.

Throughout the convention, dozens of seminars were also taking place on subjects including improving profitability, sustainable design, and building information modeling. Additionally, there were networking and business events, theme speakers, and even tours highlighting Boston’s classic architecture.

More information from the K&A tradeshow circuit

2008 will continue to be jam-packed with hot industry events and shows. Next up is the Southern Building Show and Conference in Atlanta. Steve Kleber will be presenting at the conference on Wednesday, June 11 discussing the architecture and design trends in outdoor living spaces for the home. Also coming up in late June is the Pacific Coast Builders’ Conference. K&A will have all the latest information from your favorite industry shows and we invite you to regularly check out our Web site for the latest product and trend news.

 


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