“The Tent” will feature a three-day celebration of the art of design with celebrity speakers, designer workshops, live art and culinary experiences.
Bethlehem, PA – (October 2024) –The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA | KBIS), the world’s leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry representing nearly 55,000 North American kitchen and bath industry professionals, will host a first-of-its-kind experience in “The Tent” at High Point Market in October. Activations within “The Tent” will take place Saturday, October 26 through Monday, October 28 in the Hamilton Wrenn Design District on Fred Alexander Place. Bringing the world of kitchen and bath to the bi-annual furniture market, NKBA gives designers, retailers, and manufacturers an opportunity to learn about the organization and how its commitment to the interiors industry extends beyond the kitchen and bath.
Exhibiting at High Point Market for the first time, the NKBA | KBIS Design Experience features interactive programming, with hands-on experiences featuring chefs, local artists, and designers, including the NKBA Design Council: Caleb Anderson, Thom Filicia, Celerie Kemble, and Michel Smith Boyd. The experience provides a glimpse into NKBA’s offerings and signature KBIS event, bridging the gap between the two industry-leading trade shows.
“Our inaugural partnership with the High Point Market Authority marks a dynamic convergence of the kitchen and bath sector with the broader furniture industry, expanding our influence within the design community,” says Bill Darcy, Global President and CEO of NKBA | KBIS. “By joining forces, we are united in our mission to deliver cutting-edge trend analysis, valuable educational resources, and innovative product showcases—all aimed at empowering designers and their businesses to thrive.”
Tammy Covington Nagem, President and CEO of High Point Market Authority added, “We are thrilled to welcome NKBA to High Point Market and excited to see how their expertise in the kitchen and bath industry will enrich the overall experience for our attendees. NKBA’s presence highlights the growing synergy between interior design and functional living spaces, and we look forward to the unique insights and innovations they will bring to this year’s market.”
Top home and design brands will bring “The Tent” to life through experiential sponsorships that include: live culinary demonstrations with Chef Justin Cullimore by SKS | Signature Kitchen Suite; exploring the intersection of residential and commercial design with Anderson Tuftex | Shaw Floors; Cabinet of Curiosities presented by Fabuwood; discussing design trends beyond style with Bed Bath & Beyond Professional; and the latest innovative products on display from Hettich and Unform Studio.
Each day offers an opportunity to engage with leading kitchen and bath manufacturers, hear from trendsetting designers and design experts, and win exciting giveaways. The full schedule includes:
Saturday, October 26, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
All Day | Artistry by Manuel Santelices, Live DJ, and tastings with Chef Justin Cullimore presented by Signature Kitchen Suite |
11:30 a.m. | How the Kitchen is Shaping Design with Jennifer Hutton of Grau Building, Paula Kennedy, CKD, Timeless Kitchen Design LLC, Sharon Sherman, CKD, Thyme & Place Design, and Donille Perrone of Signature Kitchen Suite |
1:30 p.m. | Residential Meets Commercial with John Stephens, Anderson Tuftex, Kenny Michael, Shaw Floors, and Aliya Khan, Marriott International |
3:00 p.m. | In Conversation With: Barry Dixon + Arianne Bellizaire moderated by Karen Carroll, Editorial Director, FLOWER Magazine |
4:00 p.m. | Happy Hour: Welcome cocktails and light bites to kick off a fun-filled Market |
Sunday, October 27, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
All Day | Artistry by Manuel Santelices, Live DJ, and tastings with Chef Justin Cullimore, presented by Signature Kitchen Suite |
12:15 p.m. | Beyond Style: Designing for the Senses, Psychology, Color Perception, and Biophilia with Amber Dunford, Style Director, Bed Bath & Beyond Professional |
1:00 p.m. | A Toast to Market with Bill Darcy, Global President + CEO, NKBA | KBIS, presented by Fabuwood |
1:15 p.m. | Wellness + Home: Transformative Roadmaps for Design with Rachel Hodgdon, President + CEO, WELL | IWBI |
2:00 p.m. | In Conversation With: Clodagh, moderated by Cindy Allen, Editor-in-Chief, Interior Design |
3:30 p.m. | In Conversation With: Thom Filicia, NKBA Design Council, moderated by Cindy Allen, Editor-in-Chief, Interior Design |
4:00 p.m. | In Conversation With: Caleb Anderson, NKBA Design Council, moderated by Cindy Allen, Editor-in-Chief, Interior Design |
4:30 p.m. | Happy Hour: Afternoon cocktails and light bites |
Monday, October 28 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
All Day | Artistry by Manuel Santelices, Live DJ, and tastings with Chef Justin Cullimore, presented by Signature Kitchen Suite |
10:30 a.m. | In Conversation With: Celerie Kemble, NKBA Design Council, moderated by Cindy Allen, Editor-in-Chief, Interior Design |
11:15 a.m. | In Conversation With: Michel Smith Boyd, NKBA Design Council, moderated by Cindy Allen, Editor-in-Chief, Interior Design |
2:00 p.m. | The Tent Farewell: Toast to a fabulous weekend with mimosas and light bites |
Visit HighPointMarket.org/NKBA to learn more and access a detailed schedule of events.
About NKBA | KBIS
NKBA | KBIS is the not-for-profit trade association that owns the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show® (KBIS). With 55,000 members in all segments of the kitchen and bath industry, the NKBA has informed, educated and supported the industry since the association was founded in 1963. The mission of the NKBA is to inspire, lead and empower the kitchen and bath industry through community, professional certification and learning, and events. For more information, go to NKBA.org or call 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522). KBIS® and NKBA® are registered trademarks of the National Kitchen & Bath Association.
About the High Point Market Authority
The High Point Market Authority is the official sponsor and organizer of the High Point Market in High Point, N.C. Featuring an extensive selection of exhibitors spanning every category, style, and price point, and attracting tens of thousands of visitors from more than 100 countries twice each year, High Point Market is the driving force of the home furnishings industry. Find High Point Market online at highpointmarket.org, and follow on social media using the hashtag #HPMKT.