With 10% More Floor Space than 2024 and Platinum Show Sponsors Midea + Ruvati Las Vegas Convention Center, February 25-27, 2025 The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) opened registration today for the 2025 show, which will take place February 25-27, 2025 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. KBIS, the largest North American trade expo Read more
Industry News
With 10% More Floor Space than 2024 and Platinum Show Sponsors Midea + Ruvati
Las Vegas Convention Center, February 25-27, 2025
The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) opened registration today for the 2025 show, which will take place February 25-27, 2025 at the Las Vegas
Convention Center.
KBIS, the largest North American trade expo and professional networking event for the kitchen and bath industry, successfully hosted more than 41,500 registered attendees and over 670 exhibitors in 2024 for an overwhelming display of design, innovation, and professional development. The must-attend event for architects, designers, specifiers, and building pros is owned by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and produced by Emerald Expositions.
“It will be a challenge to surpass last year’s 60th-anniversary show, which was marked by an incredible display of expertise and enthusiasm,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA | KBIS. “However, we are more than ready to meet that challenge. The 2025 show is set to deliver an inspirational standard of design and innovation from both exhibitors and attendees, with an even stronger international presence as KBIS continues to connect the North American market with the global industry. With diverse perspectives, new opportunities, and increased expertise — alongside expanded digital opportunities and on-site events — KBIS 2025 will distinctly highlight the future of our dynamic industry.”
KBIS 2025 Highlights + Exhibitors
Preparations for 2025 are underway to energize favorite KBIS programs, including Best of KBIS and DesignBites. Focusing on the future, KBIS is thrilled to announce additional details for activations that offer more opportunities to discover and connect with the show’s robust network:
- The International Hub at South Hall: With its largest international exhibitor presence to date, KBIS 2025 will connect the North American industry to a greater global audience, as representatives from many regions worldwide share their best and brightest while soaking up all our industry has to offer. South Hall is the place to find all things international, including the Global Connect Lounge, the international kiosks, and multiple pavilions and individual international brands on display. South Hall is also home to the Discovery District, where attendees can discover new brands and products.
- NEXTStage (South Hall): The heart of KBIS where attendees can connect with speakers and colleagues and hear innovative ideas, professional insights, and legendary voices will feature new programs and must-see speakers discussing topics surrounding Wellness, Sustainability, 1 Technology, and Business Trends. Last year, design icons Mick De Giulio and Christopher Peacock joined Richard T. Anuszkiewicz to talk life and business; Shelly Rosenburg impressed with her insights into the Neurodivergent Universe; and Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Suzanne Kasler, and Matthew Quinn provided hot takes on trends– just a few highlights from an outstanding lineup.
- Luxury Lounge: The Luxury Lounge will return after a hugely successful inaugural year, and will again offer curated discussions about the ever-changing concept of “luxury” in the home. The Lounge will have an increased footprint after last year’s standing-room-only events, including “Translating European Design Trends to the U.S. Market,” “Bath Trends: Where Luxury Lifestyle Meets Technology, Design, and Wellness,” and “Bringing Luxury Outdoors.”
- The Plaza: The growing popularity of sophisticated outdoor living brings The Plaza back for its second year, having established a fan base in 2024 with its mix of high-end brand spotlights and leisure activities for those needing a bit of rest and reconnection to the outdoors. This year, attendees can find even more inspiration at The Plaza.
- International Pavilions: With its largest international exhibitor presence to date, KBIS 2025 will connect the North American industry to a greater global audience, as representatives from many regions worldwide share their best and brightest while soaking up all our industry has to offer. The German Pavilion will return to North Hall, while the UK and Brazilian Pavilions can be found in South Hall.
Filling over 500,000 square feet of space at KBIS, returning exhibitors include Cosentino, House of Rohl, Kohler, SKS/LG Electronics, Fabuwood and SMEG, while others will be making their KBIS debut: Ama Luxury Shower, Artika lighting, and Furnipart Danish hardware. Together with 200 international exhibitors, they’ll be among the 2,300+ making up Design + Construction Week (DCW) the official colocation of KBIS and IBS (the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show®)– covering 1.2 million total net square feet and welcoming an expected 110,000+ design and construction professionals.
“We are so proud of the community we’ve created at KBIS,” said Jason McGraw, Group Vice President, KBIS. “The success of this show is down to the leaders, creators, thinkers, and innovators who attend and display at this event, and we’re inspired every year by what we see. Without fail, KBIS defies even the highest expectations we set, and we can’t wait to show the kitchen and bath industry all that’s in store for 2025.”
Register Early and Save
KBIS registration is here. During the month of September, NKBA members can register for free and nonmembers receive discounted pricing. Find more information on registration rates here.
Leading manufacturer of water heating and HVAC products supports 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance Rheem®, the Atlanta-based manufacturer of water heating and HVAC products, joined forces with 9/11 Day Meal Pack to honor the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. “We are proud to support 9/11 Day and its mission to inspire the spirit of Read more
Leading manufacturer of water heating and HVAC products supports 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance
Rheem®, the Atlanta-based manufacturer of water heating and HVAC products, joined forces with 9/11 Day Meal Pack to honor the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Rheem Employees assembling 9/11 Meal Packs.
“We are proud to support 9/11 Day and its mission to inspire the spirit of unity, service and shared humanity throughout the country and in our own backyard,” said Dipa Homer, executive vice president, global human resources and communications, Rheem. “The 9/11 Day Meal Pack Program provides our team the opportunity to honor those impacted by the events of 9/11, while also solidifying Rheem’s commitment to the Atlanta community by directly serving those at risk of hunger or struggling to feed their families.”
In partnership with 9/11 Day, Rheem employees volunteered for this Day of Service by packing meals for those at risk of hunger. The program works in partnership with local Feeding America-affiliated food banks, and other hunger relief organizations, to receive and distribute meals through its networks of pantries, faith groups, and schools. Volunteers from Rheem, and other companies across metro Atlanta, packed more than 200,000 meals yesterday.
Rheem is focused on creating a lasting legacy by encouraging employees to take part in its philanthropy program, Heart of Comfort® and supporting ongoing efforts, such as 9/11 Day Meal Pack.
Rheem CEO Chris Peel, Rheem EVP HR & Communications Dipa Homer, and Rheem SVP and GM Greg Miller.
This is the second year Rheem has honored the 9/11 anniversary and National Hunger Action Month by participating in 9/11 Day Meal Packs. The anniversary of 9/11 has become America’s largest day of service, recognized under federal law. The observance, widely known as “9/11 Day,” now engages more than 30 million Americans, many of whom participate by volunteering, donating to charities and performing other acts of service.
“The 9/11 Day observance and our Meal Pack events are only possible because of the generosity and support of organizations like Rheem and its employees,” said David Paine, president and co-founder, 9/11 Day.
For additional information on Rheem, visit www.rheem.com.
Provides Guidance on Selecting and Installing The Plastics Pipe Institute’s Building & Construction Division has published a major revision of PPI TN-55 “Plastic Piping Materials for Ground Source Geothermal Heating and Cooling Applications”. Originally issued in 2018, the latest edition of TN-55 was published in August 2024 with the input of industry experts including PPI Read more
Provides Guidance on Selecting and Installing
The Plastics Pipe Institute’s Building & Construction Division has published a major revision of PPI TN-55 “Plastic Piping Materials for Ground Source Geothermal Heating and Cooling Applications”. Originally issued in 2018, the latest edition of TN-55 was published in August 2024 with the input of industry experts including PPI members and the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA).
According to Lance MacNevin, P. Eng., director of engineering for PPI’s Building & Construction Division, “Because the piping material is critical to the overall success of the ground heat exchanger (GHX) in a geoexchange system, PPI TN-55 focuses on piping, fittings, and manifold materials. TN-55 lists the technical requirements for systems using HDPE, PEX, and PE-RT piping, plus requirements for PP pipes used as indoor piping, headers, and manifolds.”
A coil of PE4710 HDPE ground loop piping configured as a premanufactured U-bend assembly. Photo courtesy of Centennial Plastics.
The new technical note describes eight types of installation techniques, such as vertical boreholes, inclined or angled configurations, horizontal directional drilling (HDD), and energy piles, and discusses design topics, such as the effects of borehole depth on static water column pressure. It also addresses why oxygen diffusion barrier layers are typically not required for ground heat exchanger piping.
MacNevin continued, “The new TN-55 is intended to be a valuable resource on piping information, but this is just one of the latest tools available to specifiers and designers of geothermal heating and cooling systems. Details about pipe installation and pressure testing are found in PPI Model Specification MS-7, which published in 2023, and industry codes such as CSA/ANSI/IGSHPA C448 and the Uniform Mechanical Code.”
PPI is the non-profit North American trade association representing the plastic pipe industry, including several manufacturers of geothermal pipes, fittings, manifolds, and vaults. PPI formed its Geothermal Steering Committee in 2018 to develop industry publications, collaborate on codes, and create educational information about these systems.
A HDPE vault for connections of ground loop piping. Photo courtesy of PPI.
The revised PPI TN-55 is available directly from PPI at: www.plasticpipe.org/common/Uploaded files/Technical/TN-55.pdf
Additional information and data about ground source geothermal systems are available from the PPI Building & Construction Division at www.plasticpipe.org/buildingconstruction
Cala’s intelligent heat pump water heater will lower costs and carbon emissions from home water heating, which currently accounts for 19% of all home energy use and 3% of U.S. GHG emissions Cala Systems (Cala), creator of highly-intelligent heat pump water heaters that ensure comfort, save energy, reduce emissions, and integrate with the home, today announced Read more
Cala’s intelligent heat pump water heater will lower costs and carbon emissions from home water heating, which currently accounts for 19% of all home energy use and 3% of U.S. GHG emissions
Cala Systems (Cala), creator of highly-intelligent heat pump water heaters that ensure comfort, save energy, reduce emissions, and integrate with the home, today announced $5.6 million in seed funding and the commercial launch of its product. The round was led by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and Clean Energy Venture Group, and included Burnt Island Ventures, Leap Forward Ventures, CapeVista Capital, Collaborative Fund, and Climate Capital. Cala’s heat pump water heater (HPWH) is now available for preorder on its website, with initial deliveries expected in the first half of 2025.
Cala has developed a highly efficient and intelligent heat pump system that heats water based on the patterns of hot water use in each home and the preferences of the homeowner. By understanding each home’s hot water patterns, Cala improves hot water availability during times of high demand and minimizes costs. In addition, homeowners can tailor water heating to their home and priorities; including synchronizing water heating with the power output of their home solar system, minimizing their greenhouse gas emissions by coordinating water heating with times of clean electricity on the grid, decreasing costs for homes with variable electric rates, preheating water before potential power disruptions, and more.
To achieve this, Cala combines sensors and advanced hardware with patented predictive control software originally developed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Cala’s predictive controls blend artificial intelligence and physics-based techniques, enabling the system to plan ahead for future hot water use, and whatever other inputs (home solar output, electricity price, etc.) the homeowner has activated in the Cala app. It also incorporates a variable speed compressor and an integrated mixing valve, which enable it to take full advantage of its predictive controls by increasing water heating efficiency and producing more hot water when beneficial.
Cala’s HPWH is poised to benefit both homeowners and installers with local, state, and federal incentives, including up to a 30% tax rebate through the Inflation Reduction Act. Cala will conduct final assembly in Massachusetts, bringing high-quality, green manufacturing jobs to the local economy.
“Heat pump water heaters are beginning to grow rapidly because of their enormous savings and greenhouse gas reductions,” said Michael Rigney, CEO and Cofounder of Cala Systems. “Today’s heat pump water heaters are designed to deliver heat into the tank when the water is cold, a design that is virtually unchanged for the past 130 years. By contrast, our intelligent heat pump water heater is not only better at ensuring hot water is available and reducing cost, but also accounts for the other needs and goals of each homeowner. Cala is a superior way to heat water.”
Beyond developing and manufacturing its intelligent, efficient HPWH, Cala is also addressing obstacles to HPWH adoption by establishing a network of professional plumbers, electricians and HVAC contractors, as well as other partners, to support installation. To date, the company has already signed over ten Letters of Intent (LOIs) with installers.
Cala’s founders and senior team bring significant experience in the fields of consumer hardware, heat pumps, energy, and the built environment. CEO and Cofounder Michael Rigney has over 20 years of start-up experience at companies including EnerNOC, EnergySavvy and BlueTarp Financial. VP of Hardware and Cofounder, Mike Ting, led hardware and product management teams as Bose and SharkNinja. Cala’s senior leadership and key advisors are drawn from prominent companies including Nike, Google, Nest, Span, Gradient, and James Hardie.
“Other heat pump water heaters leave both money and emissions savings on the table because they don’t use the core technology as effectively as possible. Cala’s unit is the only one that seamlessly integrates with the home and the customer’s lifestyle to deliver an exceptional experience and maximum savings. The team has done remarkable work,” said Tom Ferguson, General Partner at Burnt Island Ventures.
“Heat pump water heaters are an essential tool for meeting our climate goals, and Cala’s innovative design realizes their full potential to cut emissions while helping residents save money and improve comfort,” said Susan Stewart, Managing Director of Investments at Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. “MassCEC is thrilled to support the Cala team through our 2030 Investment Fund as they grow their business and create jobs in Massachusetts to meet customer demand across the country.”
Taco has announced the launch of its innovative Manager Development Program (MDP), a transformative global initiative designed to cultivate leadership and foster professional growth. Developed in partnership with DDI and DiSC, the program reflects Taco’s dedication to investing in the development and success of its people. “At Taco, our employees are at the heart of Read more
Taco has announced the launch of its innovative Manager Development Program (MDP), a transformative global initiative designed to cultivate leadership and foster professional growth. Developed in partnership with DDI and DiSC, the program reflects Taco’s dedication to investing in the development and success of its people.
“At Taco, our employees are at the heart of everything we do,” said Cheryl Merchant, CEO of Taco Family of Companies. “By nurturing our team’s talents and equipping them with essential tools, we not only unlock their full potential but also drive our collective success and growth as a global organization.”
The MDP is designed to meet the unique needs of managers while aligning with Taco’s strategic vision. With a focus on clarity and effective communication, the program ensures that content is accessible and actionable, thereby enhancing overall interactions and interpersonal skills.
“Taco is committed to advancing global employee development through cutting-edge programs and key alliances,” said Victoria McCoy, EVP of Global Human Resources at Taco. “Our collaboration with DDI and DiSC marks a significant shift from traditional learning and development practices to a more strategic approach that aligns with our organizational goals. Together, we’ve crafted a program that embodies Taco’s values, culture, and objectives, ensuring a unified leadership strategy worldwide,” concluded McCoy.
In essence, the MDP integrates modules that aim towards developing self, managing others and leading the organization. By providing a cohesive leadership framework across all regions, the program helps Taco forge meaningful connections and empowers its employees to reach new heights.
For additional information about the MDP or to explore career opportunities at Taco, please visit the Careers page at www.tacocomfort.com/careers.