Kitchen & Bath Design News is the industry's leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen and bath trade.
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12 | Kitchen & Bath Design News | August 2015 Industry Update { Noteworthy developments impacting the kitchen and bath market } Surface Event Joins KBIS, IBS as Part of 2016 DCW Las Vegas — The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show and International Builders' Show have announced the addition of The International Surface Event (TISE) as an ofcial show partner for the 2016 version of Design & Construction Week (DCW). TISE joins the International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE) as a partner in the major trade show event, scheduled for Jan. 19-22, 2016 in Las Vegas. DCW is the largest annual residential construction event in the nation, according to show organizers. "As owners of KBIS, the National Kitchen & Bath Association is thrilled to have TISE back as an ofcial show partner for Design & Construction Week," said NKBA CEO Bill Darcy. "As a founding partner in DCW, it's incredibly rewarding for us to see the continued growth of this must-attend event. "By joining forces to forge the DCW partner- ship, NKBA and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) have demonstrated that there's enormous strength in collaboration," Darcy said. "Bringing so many industry representatives to- gether in one location creates huge value for everyone involved." "TISE is the leading foor covering, stone and tile industry event in the country, so they are a natural ft to take part in Design & Construction Week," add- ed NAHB Chairman Tom Woods. The International Surface Event is made up of SURFACES, StonExpo/ Marmomacc Americas and TileExpo. In 2014, the NAHB and NKBA launched Design & Construction Week in Las Vegas, as IBS and KBIS co- located for the frst time, along with IWCE. Building upon that success, other organizations have been invited to join on as partners, with TISE becoming an ofcial partner in 2015 and again in 2016. Last January, more than 3,700 exhibitors and 125,000 attendees participated in the fve shows that made up the second Design & Construction Week, according to show organizers. IBS and KBIS have agreed to co-locate the annual event through at least 2020. In 2016, all of the shows except TISE will take place Jan. 19-21 at the Las Vegas Convention Cen- ter. The TISE exhibits will be open Jan. 20-22 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Registered attendees will have access to all shows held during DCW, event organizers added. Registration for the shows opens Sept. 1, 2015. KBDN Seminar Series Resumes Wilmette, IL — "Art + Science," the series of all-day seminars being presented by Kitchen & Bath Design News in key markets this year, will resume its 2015 run next month in Kansas City. The seminar series, currently in its third and fnal year, is scheduled to end its two-month summer hiatus on Thursday, Sept. 23 at the Doubletree by Hilton, Kansas City-Overland Park. The 2015 program, which has already visited Miami, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Nashville and Cleveland, will also be presented on Oct. 29 in San Diego and Nov. 19 in Baltimore/Washington, DC, according to KBDN Publisher Emeritus Eliot Sefrin. Corporate co-sponsors of the educational initiative include BEST, DuPont, Hafele America, Jenn-Air, Plain & Fancy, Rev-A- Shelf and Showplace Wood Products. "Art + Science" – subtitled "How Contemporary Design & Cutting-Edge Technology Can Increase Profts & Resonate With Today's New Clients" – was rolled out in 2013. Aimed at kitchen and bath designers looking to refresh their creative talents and expand their technological skills, "Art + Science" is targeted at identifying "what's next" in design and technology so that design professionals can better address the needs of a younger, less-traditional client while increasing company profts in the New Digital Age. "Art + Science" spotlights the growing trend toward con- temporary kitchens and baths that require an entirely new way of managing the space and connecting the elements of the room. Also featured is a multi-media program that presents a vision of the industry's digital present and future, including ways design professionals can leverage cutting-edge techno- logical tools from initial client contact through fnal contract. Leading the programs is a pair of KBDN contributors: Ellen Cheever, CMKBD, ASID, CAPS, widely considered to be the nation's premier kitchen and bath design authority, and Eric Schimelpfenig, AKBD, a leading authority on cutting-edge technology impacting the kitchen and bath industry. Information about attending or sponsoring any of the 2015 programs can be obtained by visiting KBDN 's Web site, www.kitchenbathdesign.com, or calling Publisher Paul DeGrandis at (847) 920-9510. Ferguson Adds 13 Companies to its Portfolio in Fiscal 2015 Newport News, VA — Ferguson, the wholesale distributor of plumbing and heating prod- ucts, and owner of a diverse array of lighting and appliance showrooms, has added 13 new companies to its portfolio in fscal year 2015. The acquisitions spanned coast-to-coast and multiple business types including water- works, HVAC and plumbing distributors, in addition to eCommerce companies and appliance and lighting showrooms, according to Ferguson CEO Frank Roach. "Throughout Ferguson's 62-year history, acquisitions have played a major role in our growth," said Roach, who added, "We view acquisitions as more than bricks and mortar, it's about people. Ferguson has been fueled by a continual stream of talented associates and fresh ideas that help shape our business strategy and make us a better company." K&BA; Holds Meeting in Florida Marietta, GA — The Kitchen & Bath Alliance recently held the frst of several regional meet- ings slated for 2015, in Sunrise, FL. The meet- ing, which was held at Doug's Tubs, operated by Doug and Jayne John- son, provided a forum that allowed attendees to exchange valuable information about the kitchen and bath in- dustry. In attendance, in addition to the Johnsons, were Eddie Schukar and Kathy Tilley of FEI Group in Marietta, GA; Mike and Mya Guanche of Decorator's Plumbing in Miami, FL; Eddy Blasco of Miami Home Centers in Miami, FL; Dan and Cece Hitchcock of Miami Home Centers in Miami, FL; and Alex and Caroline Trelles of Aquadecor in N. Palm Beach, FL. The organization, which launched at the 2015 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show 2015, is an invitation-only alliance of decorative plumbing and hardware as well as kitchen and bath showrooms. K&BA;, which is led by an industry veteran Schukar and FEI Group, ofers programs and services to assist with various aspects of members' businesses. K&BA; is currently considering dealers /showrooms for membership in select markets. Visit www.kandballiance.com to learn more and inquire about membership. Attendees at the K&BA; meeting included: Front row (l to r): Mike and Mayra Gaunche, Eddy Blasco, Cece Hitchcock, Caroline and Alex Trelles; Back row (l to r): Dan Hitchcock, Jayne Johnson, Eddie Schukar, Kathy Tilley, Doug Johnson.