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Market Pulse { Readers��� opinions on industry-related issues } Designers Share Plans for Attending Trade Shows Kitchen & Bath Design News recently posed the following question to dealers and designers in the kitchen and bath industry: ���Are you planning to attend any major industry trade shows this year? If so, which ones?��� A s far as major trade shows, I do plan to attend KBIS this year. I don���t go every year, but when I do, I feel like I always get my money���s worth. I believe research is the foundation of good kitchen and bath design. Going to shows where I can see new products and visit with reps and company owners is a benept. Even with the Internet, seeing products in person is di���erent than viewing them on a small screen. Talking to people is certainly important, too, because I am inquenced by people I meet at trade shows. Also, I am always interested in listening to speakers and meeting other professionals. Education is such an important part of being a professional. That���s probably my main motivation for attending shows���learning about the profession. It keeps me in touch with what people want. I live in an area where we don���t have a lot of design centers or showrooms, so going to trade shows is important. And although we have an NKBA organization, it���s small, so it���s nice to hear what other people are doing across the country.��� Jo Meacham, designer Urban Kitchens Oklahoma City, OK W e have made reservations to attend KBIS this year. Between my husband ��� who is also my partner ��� and I, we try to attend every other year. We did go last year when it was in Chicago, but since it���s in New Orleans this year we plan to go again because it���s within driving distance and expenses won���t be as great. I have to admit that I was a little disappointed with the show last year. It wasn���t as large as in years past, and I don���t think the quality of vendors was as high. Since the recession, a lot of big vendors haven���t attended. I know it���s expensive for them to exhibit, but we did look forward to meeting the people we talk to on the phone. I think attending trade shows is great for networking. I am a CMKBD so I also try to go to some of the continuing education classes. I prefer to do them in person because I think it���s more engaging to be front of a speaker. Last year I took a closet class and the presenter actually brought some samples of products used in closet design. It���s also more interesting to be in front of di���erent people���to hear their questions, to know who they are and what part of the country they are from. I do think there is a place for webinars, but I also like the classroom setting. I���m also interested in attending classes to learn how technology can make our jobs easier. I���ve pretty much converted all of my portfolios to my iPad, and I want to know how to better use Houzz and Pinterest. I have also used trade shows as a way to pnd new suppliers. When KBIS was in Atlanta, we were looking for an upscale, contemporary cabinet line. We met with the sales manager for Poggenpohl Cabinets and now we are a dealer.��� Karen Kassen, CMKBD, Allied ASID Kitchens Unlimited Memphis, TN I usually attend the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, and the owner [of Kitchen Intuitions] sometimes attends KBIS. Attending trade shows is a great way to see new products and learn about new innovations we can use. It���s exciting to be able to show customers new products, and it gives them conpdence that we���re on top of our game.��� Kim Platt, Allied ASID Kitchen Intuitions Chatham, NJ E very year I go to the Hospitality Design Expo, and I���ve been to KBIS a lot, although I don���t plan to attend this year. I���m going to take a break from that show because I���ve been seeing a lot of the same old, same old. We have a lot available to us here in Phoenix, and I���ve noticed that a lot of my clients don���t like to order products ��� unless they���re used to them ��� that are outside of this area because of the lead times. It also costs a lot of money to attend a trade show, and lately I haven���t felt that there���s enough take away from it. The cost isn���t justiped by the information I come away with.��� Nancy Hugo, CKD Phoenix, AZ I will probably attend KBIS and a SEN conference this year. At the SEN conference I will network and spend time talking to my peers in the business. It���s a benept to me bacause I can learn what does and doesn���t work for them. It���s a good chance for us to share ideas. Basically, I can pne-tune my business. At KBIS I���ll be looking at products to make sure I���m on the cutting edge of knowing what trends are currently available in the marketplace.��� Don Jessup, president/owner McDaniels Kitchen and Bath Lansing, MI WARNING: For Professionals Only! 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