As Santa and his reindeer call it a night, many showrooms slip into a brief post-holiday quiet period—and that means KBIS is just around the corner. This annual Las Vegas event, one of the largest and most influential in our industry, prompts one of the most popular questions on everyone’s mind: What trends will the show introduce that we’ll be talking about all through 2025? And the answer? In all likelihood—none.

To get a perspective on what the media said about last year’s 2024 show, I asked Microsoft Copilot for a summary of the top five KBIS reviews. Here’s what I got:

1. Looking Ahead: Top K&B Trends
2. 2024 Kitchen Trends Report
3. 2024 Bathroom Trends Announced by the National Kitchen & Bath Association
4. Innovative Designs Steal the Show at K&B 2024
5. Sustainable Solutions: Eco-Friendly Trends from K&B 2024

It’s no surprise that trends dominate the discussion. Whether new ideas were introduced or long-standing series are reinforced with additions and simple design changes, it’s what customers want to know—how they can create the most timely and best-in-class bathrooms and kitchens. But here’s the truth: In our industry, very few of these so-called “trends” are actually new. Most have been around, evolving gradually, for up to a decade.

So, I turned to Google’s Gemini AI to explore this further, asking, “With premium faucets, showers, tubs, and toilets often lasting around 10 years, are short-term trends really essential in our industry?” Here’s what it suggested:

“In the plumbing fixture industry, short-term trends are less critical compared to fashion or furniture due to the long-term nature of installations. Homeowners and designers prioritize durability, functionality, and timeless aesthetics over fleeting trends. However, innovations like smart technology and eco-friendly features are gaining traction as they enhance user experience and sustainability. While aesthetic finishes may influence some decisions, the focus remains on reliable, long-lasting fixtures that align with broader trends in home design and environmental responsibility.”

It’s true—everyone clicks on the articles about “What’s Hot” at KBIS. And yes, every now and then, a new feature or design style may actually set a lasting trend. But the majority of product introductions are, by nature, incremental. Creating new designs, prototyping, building displays, and ultimately installing these fixtures is expensive and labor-intensive, so the even the decorative plumbing industry naturally leans toward practicality over trend-chasing.

In a business where products are installed for the long haul, designers and architects often prioritize stylish but timeless designs over whatever is “in” right now, especially outside of the ultra-luxury market. As a result, our designer-focused trade shows offer gradual shifts, not radical disruptions. After all, we already know how to bathe, cook, and flush in 21st-century style.

So, how can your brand leverage the buzz of these industry events? How do you build a reputation as a trendsetter in a market that doesn’t thrive on over-the-top, fleeting trends? The answer lies in interpreting and translating these “trends” in a way that resonates with your customers. Make the foundational elements of your market your trend. Show customers how your brand fits their needs in lasting, meaningful ways.

To take control of what your clients need to know about KBIS 2025, focus on key highlights. The goal isn’t to capture everything, but rather to hone in on what matters most for your market.

How to make KBIS 2025 work for your brand

To take control of what your clients need to know about KBIS 2025, focus on key highlights—these are the main takeaways that will resonate most with your audience. The goal isn’t to capture everything, but rather to hone in on what matters most for your market.

1. Focus on High-Impact Categories: Concentrate on faucets, showerheads, bathtubs, and finishes. These are the items that excite designers, influence architects, and draw design-conscious homeowners into your showroom.
2. Identify Key Brands: List up to 20 brands that have a consistent impact on your showroom. These are the brands your customers recognize and are interested in learning about. Make sure to visit these booths, as well as any brands generating buzz among your network. Smaller, emerging brands can often surprise with innovative designs, taking creative risks that larger companies may not.
3. Capture Visuals: While visiting booths, take photos of eye-catching products and displays that resonate with your market. Focus on items the exhibitors emphasize as key releases or marketing priorities. If you’re attending with team members, ask them to capture their own favorite finds—this will add valuable perspectives when you review the show together.
4. Spot the “Booth(s) of the Year”: Each year, some booths stand out with bold, unforgettable presentations. Note the booth that takes this spotlight, as it often reveals insights into larger industry priorities and presentation techniques that may resonate with your customers.
5. Debrief and Review: Back at your showroom, gather your team for a post-show recap. Review the standout products and designs from KBIS, focusing on those best suited to your market. If you attended solo, sit with a trusted team member to share your thoughts and photos, turning the conversation into an internal “mini show” recap.
6. Collect Team Feedback: Once you’ve selected your top product picks, share them with your broader team. Instead of a simple “yes or no” approach, ask for comments and impressions to get richer insights. Individual feedback via one-on-one emails can be particularly useful, as this allows for more candid opinions.
7. Prepare to Share with Your Audience: Now, you’re equipped with data and insights on what KBIS 2025 means for your customers. Craft blog posts or articles for your website to highlight the trends and product launches relevant to your audience. And to expand your reach share this information with local media as well. Additionally, leverage AI tools to help draft and refine content, giving you an efficient way to create high-quality updates. With this material, you’ll have content that can sustain social media and website engagement for months leading up to KBIS 2026.

By approaching KBIS 2025 with focus and strategy, your brand can rise above the noise, offering clients not just trends, but curated insights that align with their styles and long-term design goals.

Take these steps to position yourself not just as a showroom, but as a trusted advisor and trendsetter. Your clients will look to you not only for products but for the insights that shape their design choices, reinforcing your brand as a leader in the industry.

As always, please give me on LinkedIn if you would like to discuss this strategy of taking all that KBIS marketing energy and funneling into your brand’s target market.