More than 44,000 kitchen and bath industry professionals previewed the newest trends, designs and products displayed in over 1,000 exhibits at the K/BIS show in Las Vegas in May.

A record-breaking number of attendees from North America and abroad packed the conference rooms and the aisles in all three expo halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center from May 7-10 at this year’s Kitchen/Bath Industry Show (K/BIS). More than 44,000 kitchen and bath industry professionals previewed the newest trends, designs and products displayed in over 1,000 exhibits by the world’s leading manufacturers. Owned by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) for more than 40 years, K/BIS has been the premier showcase for the very latest and greatest in the kitchen and bath industry.

A full array of professionals representing the kitchen and bath industry visited the show, including dealers, designers, architects, distributors, and retailers, helping to make this the largest K/BIS yet, and a full house crowded the show floor to get a preview of this year’s product and design innovations. Exhibitors included Kohler, BSH (Bosch, Siemens, Thermador, and Gaggenau), LG Electronics, Sub-Zero-Wolf, Moen, GE Appliances, Viking Range, Broan-Nutone, Grohe, Dacor, Haier America, and many more well-known brands in the kitchen and bath industry.

The NKBA/Meredith Design Idea Center (DIC) was again a standout at this year’s show. The DIC offered attendees the opportunity to experience new products and designs in fully constructed living environments.Better Homes and Gardens®, Kitchen and Bath Ideas®, Traditional Home®, Country Home®, andMidwest Living®each presented interpretations on “Everyday Getaways” that created the feeling of vacation at home.

The NKBA Industry Trends Marketplace was another hot spot on the show floor, featuring green design, outdoor living and kitchen and bath technology, featuring the NexGen “Market Trends” Home Experience. The NexGen House highlighted the emerging trend of automation in kitchen and bath design, and many devices in the house were controlled by software that allows users to control everything from lighting and temperature to a security system from one central location.

Another large draw at the show was the New Product Pavilion, sponsored byK+BB Magazine, where attendees had the opportunity to view the show’s hottest products and vote for their favorites. Winners for the best new kitchen and bath products were announced live at theK+BBbooth.

The K/BIS conference offered attendees many educational opportunities to keep up-to-date on emerging trends in design, business leadership and technology. This year’s keynote speakers were inspirational, and included Dr. John C. Maxwell, founder of INJOY Group which helps people reach their personal and leadership potential; Howard Putnam, former CEO of Southwest Airlines, who stressed flexibility in business and core values; and Jeff Taylor, founder and former CEO ofmonster.com, who spoke to attendees about how to combine innovative vision and strategic action to achieve their goals.

For the first time, the winners of the 2007 Professional Design Competition winners were announced during the show. Recognizing excellence in the field of design and talent in designing exceptional spaces and the true art of the industry, winners were revealed at the NKBA Center Stage Area during the NKBA Design Competition Luncheon. Walking away with the top prizes were Anthony Binns, CKD, CBD, winning the Pinnacle of Design Award; Richard Landon, CMKBD, with the Best Overall Kitchen Award; Peter Harms was recognized for the Best Overall Bathroom/Powder Room category; and Gerard Ciccarello, CMKBD, who won the Best Before & After Award.

K/BIS 2008 will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago, April 11-13. For more information on the show, visitwww.kbis.com.