StonExpo, KBIS, IBS Offer 2015 Vegas Combo
LAS VEGAS – The big trade-show event for 2014 – the simultaneous running of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) expos – will get even bigger in two years with the addition of StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas and its tandem SURFACES event.
The three events will run concurrently in the third week of January 2015, with the NAHB’s International Builders’ Show (IBS) and NKBA’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) at the Las Vegas Convention Center and SURFACES/StonExpo Marmomacc Americas at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
The joint timing isn’t a merger of the shows. All three will operate as distinct events with separate ownership and production. Attendees, however, will be able to view all three shows, with shuttle transportation between the two event facilities.
“The co-dating with IBS and KBIS in 2015 is a major advancement for SURFACES | StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas. This strategic agreement adds value for both the buyers and exhibitors at both venues,” said Dana Teague, Group Director, SURFACES | StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas. “We are very excited about this new partnership, and look forward to seeing our attendees and exhibitors reap the benefits that will ensue.”
“The opportunity to bring four great industries/events together in one city for a mega construction week is collaboration at its best,” said Jim Hieb, executive vice president and CEO of the Marble Institute of America.
The NAHB and NKBA announced the “co-location” of their future shows yesterday during the opening of the IBS 2013 event in Las Vegas. Current plans call for concurrent running of IBS/KBIS in 2014-2016 in Las Vegas, creating Designer and Construction Week.
“This new format allows exhibitors to reach a full range of design and construction professionals who buy, specify and influence the products that go into American homes,” said NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg, a home builder from Gainesville, Fla. “For attendees, it means access to two expansive trade show floors and hundreds of additional suppliers to meet.”
“Two shows, two associations and one place to see and connect with every aspect of residential construction and remodeling,” said John Morgan, NKBA 2013 president and president of Morgan Pinnacle, a manufacturer’s representative for cabinetry and technology brands. “We couldn’t be more excited to deliver this special event for the industry.”
Design and Construction Week 2014 is expected to draw more than 75,000 specifiers, builders, dealers and suppliers and 2,000 exhibiting brands, based on recent trends for both shows.
IBS, in its 69th year, is noted as one of the largest annual light construction shows worldwide, with an anticipated 50,000 attendees this year seeing nearly 1,000 exhibitors. KBIS, nearing its golden anniversary, expects to draw 20,000 to its annual event this April in New Orleans.
The new mega-event will be Feb. 4-6 next year at the Las Vegas Convention Center, with each show occupying a separate hall. One pass will provide access to both exhibits. NKBA and NAHB will continue to produce separate educational programming and special events.
Future IBS/KBIS dates are Jan 20-22, 2015, and Jan 19-21, 2016, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The NAHB/NKBA move brought praise from at least one exhibitor with strong interests in the building and dimensional-stone industry.
“Cosentino supports the decision made by both associations to co-locate in 2014,” said Lorenzo Marquez, vice president of marketing for Cosentino North America. “By joining forces and creating a focused Design & Construction Week, the NKBA and NAHB are providing the ultimate platform for manufacturers to launch new products and expand their reach.
“The co-location and timing of the two shows helps meet the needs of manufacturers and trade professionals alike. Cosentino commends the NKBA and NAHB for listening to its members and spearheading collaboration and change.”
Get the news of the industry with The EDGE, the twice-monthly e-newsletter from Stone Update. Free subscriptions are available here.
For the latest industry info, check the daily Stone Update Today and our Facebook page.
