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March 2015 | ForResidentialPros.com | 51 In partnership with Hearst Design Group, KBIS and the NKBA presented the frst ever Innovative Showroom Awards, which were followed by a pan- el discussion about what made each of the entries so unique. Designed to honor retail showrooms serving the kitchen and bath industry, the awards recognize showrooms that deliver an outstanding customer experience. More than 127 showrooms entered this year's competition, and follow- ing a public vote via Facebook, the top three nominees in each category were judged based on the showrooms' in- novative, unique and interactive design properties. Receiving the highest honor was PIRCH San Diego. Also honored were: » » Independent Retail Showrooms Lo- cations (1-5 showroom locations) – Small (1,000- 2,500 sq. ft.): Peter Salerno, Inc., Wyckof, NJ » » Independent Retail Showrooms Locations (1-5 showroom loca- tions) – Medium (2,500 – 5,000 sq. ft.): Monique's Bath Showroom, Watertown, MA » » Independent Retail Showrooms Lo- cations (1-5 showroom locations) – Large (5,000 sq. ft.+): Mingle, Plymouth, MN » » Multi Location Retail Showrooms (6+ showroom locations) – Small (1,000- 2,500 sq. ft.): SieMatic New York, New York, NY » » Multi Location Retail Showrooms (6+ showroom locations) – Medi- um (2,500 – 5,000 sq. ft.): Artistic Tile Dallas, Dallas, TX » » Mult i Locat ion Reta i l Show- rooms (6+ showroom locations) – Large (5,000 sq. ft.+): PIRCH, San Diego, CA Rounding out the awards was the NKBA frst-ever Professional of the Year Award. Rhonda Knoche, CMKBD of Portland, OR-based Rhonda Knoche Design, was the recipient of the honor. Also nominated were Sarah Robin- son of Jansen, Inc. in Pensacola, FL; Melissa Helvey, AKBD of Great Floors in Spokane, WA, and Paula Kennedy, CMKBD of Timeless Kitchen Design in Seattle, WA. Helvey was named the People's Choice winner. LEARNING EXPERIENCE Education was again a primary focus for KBIS this year, as NKBA Univer- sity – the Association's learning and professional development division – presented NKBA U courses as well as Voices From The Industry/VFTI. Among the 11 NKBA U courses ofered at the show, several were available ex- clusively at KBIS. VFTI included more than 90 ses- sions, with many of the sessions ofering continuing education cred- its (CEUs) from the NKBA as well as other industry associations, includ- ing the National Association of Home Builders, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the American Institute of Architects. The hour-long information sessions were grouped into 11 conference blocks, and ofered attendees a chance to hear presentations about a number of current topics and trends. All VFTI sessions were aligned to one of NKBA University's eight learning paths. Two Featured Speaker Sessions were part of the VFTI conference ofering. Jason Tester, research director, Hu- man-Future Interaction, Institute for the Future, presented "Design for Bal- ance in the Home of 2030." Attendees at the Tuesday address were treated to Tester's insights regarding the future of design and how technology and hu- man behavior will play a role. On Wednesday, Kevin Murphy, chief operating ofcer of Ferguson, presented the State of the Industry address, entitled "Embrace Change, Fear Status Quo." Murphy told an optimistic audience that the "state of the industry is excellent." Murphy cited strong employee development programs, a multi-channel experience and the need to embrace the changing expectations of customers as today's key opportunities for innovative businesses. He spoke about the past, present and, most importantly, the projected future of the economy and the kitchen and bath industry. "We work hard to ensure that conference attendees can maximize their time at KBIS 2015," explains Nancy Barnes, director of learning at the NKBA. "By integrating excellent learning and professional develop- ment opportunities into the KBIS schedule, we allow our members – all of whom have busy schedules – to include professional development to enhance their KBIS experience." A FUTURE LOOK This year's 30 Under 30 represented a "select group of young kitchen and bath professionals under the age of 30 who represent some of the bright- est up-and-comers in the kitchen and bath industry," according to the NKBA. "Int roduced in 2013, t he 30 Under 30 program is designed to capture the voice of the next gen- eration of kitchen and bathroom professionals," says 2014 NKBA President-Elect Maria Stapperfenne, CKD, CBD. "The group scours the show foor for innovations, trends and new technologies, as well as sustainable business practices and emerging business models." For the future, the anticipation that KBIS will remain the major forum for industry professionals to explore innovative products and trends in the kitchen and bath industry remains high, as the plans for the 2016 KBIS are already well underway, with show sponsors planning continued expansion of the event. More than 315 manufacturers and brands have committed to exhibit at KBIS 2016, and that number has been infuenced by the announcement that Design & Construction Week will continue to co-locate through 2020, according to show ofcials. "Co-locating our respective shows brought together every segment of the industry, advancing our collec- tive professionalism and expertise," comments Kevin Kelly, chairman of NAHB and a home builder and de- veloper from Wilmington, DE. "By extending this important relation- ship, we will continue to provide our attendees and exhibitors with the best experiences and opportunities possible." The 2016 mega-event will be held January 19-21, 2016 in Las Vegas, and one pass will continue to pro- vide access to all exhibits. Future show dates are January 10-12, 2017 and January 9-11, 2018, both at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. The PIRCH showroom in San Diego, CA took top honors at KBIS' frst ever Innovative Showroom of the Year Awards.