Last year, we talked about reasons why you should attend industry trade shows. This year, we still believe they are worth your time. With good news from the housing segment, remodelers seeing more activity and cabinet dealers starting to struggle to keep up, things are sure looking bright.
Now is a great time to network with your peers and find out how others are managing the surge. Trade shows, such as the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) can help you revitalize your mojo and also offer you education, networking, and marketing opportunities.
Education
It is always important to stay on top of your game, and education is one way you can do this. KBIS offers a variety of educational opportunities. For example, you can earn KBIS continuing education units through presentations at exhibitors’ booths. You can also pick up on new techniques or backfill blind spots for your business through seminars conducted before the show.
Networking
We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” The fact is, tradeshows are one of the few times throughout the year that industry professionals are all in one place – and what better time to network? KBIS draws individuals specifically in the kitchen and bath industry and attracts more than 50,000 professionals.
New products
Finding and understanding the wealth of new products that hit the market every year is a bit like a treasure hunt. How many of them actually become adopted by consumers is the other half of the equation. Knowing what’s hot and what’s not is a skill developed over many years of industry experience. Shiny does not always equate to sales.
Refresh
There is a wealth of information available at trade shows. There are opportunities to support our own industry and opportunities to get ideas on how to improve your own business. Also, did we mention that KBIS happens to be in New Orleans this year? There’s something refreshing about a road trip to New Orleans!
For more information about these trade shows, visit the KBIS and IBS websites! If you’re going to be at the show, arrange to meet our very own Nick Ritota there. You can contact Nick at:
Nick.ritota@breakfront.com or at 518.376.7047
Interested in tips on marketing in our industry? Access the free eBook below.
