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Whether it's your fi rst year at the show or you're into double-digits, these smart tips can help you make the most of your KBIS 2015 experience. 1. MAKE A PLAN Goal setting can help you plan your time on and off the tradeshow fl oor. Align with your 2015 business objectives to determine which seminars and courses to attend and which booths to visit. As much as we want to, it's impossible to do it all. 2. ARRIVE EARLY Maximize the trip by building in time for professional development. This year NKBA University will offer 11 courses –10 of which are exclusive to KBIS. Seven are offered Monday the 19th (before KBIS offi cially starts), and four are offered Wednesday the 21st, so plan your itinerary accordingly. Can't- miss courses include "DiSCover Your Selling Style," "Born to Buy - Growing Your Kitchen & Bath Business with Multigenerational Clients" and "Recruiting and Hiring for Success." Register for courses at kbis.com. 3. SCHEDULE YOUR POWER BREAKS Give your feet a break from the tradeshow fl oor at a Voices from the Industry seminar. Over 90 one-hour sessions are offered from Tuesday, January 20 to Thursday, January 22. Register to attend on kbis.com 4. COME READY TO NETWORK Networking is a huge part of the KBIS experience; prepare to make the most of it. Research businesses in other parts of the country that are complementary to yours, whether it's a potential partner, vendor or client. Make an introduction before KBIS via email, LinkedIn or Facebook to see if they'll also be attending. A morning coffee or cocktail at The Bash can help forge rapport that will last long after the show ends–busting the "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" myth. The research you do upfront will help you make the most of your meet- ing, accelerate your relationship and make the connection more effective. 5. MAKE THE NKBA BOOTH YOUR HOME BASE NKBA's Center Stage will host more than 11 events throughout KBIS, includ- ing the NKBA U Professional of the Year Finals and 30 Under 30. In addition to carving out time to attend a session happening on Center Stage, making the NKBA booth your home base or meeting point means you'll have greater opportunities to check out what you might have missed otherwise. 5 Ways to Make the Most of KBIS 2015 What is your advice for making the most out of KBIS? How are you preparing? Share your tips for professional development and networking at KBIS on NKBA's Facebook and Twitter pages using #kbis2015 and #nkbau. KBIS.com Circle No. 5 on Product Card