Combined home-building shows see big Vegas crowds

It was a strong turnout at the recently combined Kitchen & Bath Industry and International Builders shows, which were held Jan. 20-22 in Las Vegas.

Attendance increased 12 percent from 2014, when the two shows were first combined. The exhibitor count is also rising, according to Brian Pagel, vice president of show producer Emerald Exhibitions.

“A number of key brands continue to come back in,” Pagel says. “We saw a lot of uptick in the appliance category, some in the cabinetry category, as well as accessories.

“Most of the general product categories we serve are seeing a resurgence, which is following the trends we’re seeing relative to housing overall. So we’re very pleased with that.”

The shows focus on new products and technologies for the homebuilding and remodeling industries.

Pagel says next year’s show will have more than 500 exhibitors.

“We left this year with 270,000 net sq. ft of exhibit space filled and with 265,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space booked for next year. We’re excited about the commitment for 2016 and that we’re experiencing a lot of growth.”

Pagel also commented on product and design trends, noting there was a lot of focus on color and sleek finishes at the 2015 show.

“We’re also seeing a lot more technology being put into the kitchen and bath,” Pagel says. “We continue to see a lot of interest in lighting in drawers. And more manufacturers are breaking away to make more products for closets and other areas of the home rather than just kitchens and baths.”

The shows shared its dates and the Las Vegas Convention Center with the 2015 Las Vegas Market, International Surface Event, Tile Expo, and International Window Coverings Expo. The combined event drew an estimated 125,000 designers, builders, dealers and suppliers, according to Pagel.

This article originally appeared in the March 2015 issue.