CHICAGO, IL -- As part of Chicago's city-wide schedule adjustments to accommodate the G-8 and NATO summits in May 2012, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) has moved up its annual tradeshow and conference to April 24 to 26, 2012, at McCormick Place, with the conference beginning on April 23.

Owned by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and produced by Nielsen Expositions, KBIS brings together nearly 20,000 of the industry's top dealers, designers, builders, remodelers, retailers and other professionals directly involved in the design and remodel of residential kitchens and bathrooms.
There will be no impact to hotel rates or availability, and the NKBA and Nielsen say they do not anticipate any impact on the number of attendees or exhibitors at KBIS based on the date shift. In fact, many KBIS exhibitors have already pointed out that they prefer this new date pattern during the week versus the weekend.

Additionally, Candice Olson has already confirmed that she is able to serve as the KBIS 2012 opening keynote speaker on the new opening day of the show, which is on April 24.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association and Nielsen Expositions will continue to promote these new show dates to ensure that all potential attendees, exhibitors, media, and partners are aware that KBIS 2012 will now take place from April 24 to 26, 2012. The NKBA and Nielsen have also ensured that KBIS does not conflict with other national or international industry events.

"In the face of Chicago's sudden need to alter the city's entire schedule of spring events due to the scheduling of the G8 and NATO summits, I'm very happy that we were able to secure show dates so close to the original schedule and maintain the show's hotel blocks and discounted pricing," said Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer and 2011 NKBA President David Alderman, CMKBD.

Jim Scott, Show Managing Director, said, "Chicago is a world-class city, and on behalf of KBIS and the NKBA, we're excited to see it showcased on the international political stage. We're happy to be back in Chicago after our well-attended 2011 show. KBIS will again offer our attendees and exhibitors maximized ROI, exposure and networking, and ultimately the best show experience."

Attendees can look forward to the KBIS 2012 trade show floor featuring the newest and most innovative kitchen and bath products from 500 global manufacturers. KBIS will offer a full conference program led by top industry change-makers, as well as play host to vital networking opportunities.

The KBIS and NKBA teams have conducted a full lodging review, and hospitality options remain fully open and space has been secured around the new 2012 dates. They also have secured the commitment of Chicago and the convention bureau to maintain exhibitor moving costs at the level they would have been if the original dates were maintained. The McCormick Place reforms to lower labor costs make the 2012 show even more attractive for exhibiting manufacturers.

Looking forward to the future of the show, Scott said, "We are also excited by the opportunity to make Chicago the home for KBIS in 2014. We will be making changes in KBIS to more fully incorporate a Chicago-wide experience in the future, extending the value of attending KBIS beyond the actual three days of this year's event."