Kitchen/Bath Industry Show, Chicago - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

**ChrWright** · 04-04-2008, 06:40 AM

Anyone here going to the show next weekend?

I'm considering it & was curious if anyone else from here was going.

**genecarp** · 04-04-2008, 07:24 AM

if i where near chicago, id go

angus242 · 04-04-2008, 08:40 AM

Chris, I might. Are you definitely going or just considering? I have a new remodel starting today so it might be tough for me to get there (I work weekends too) but may be able to get away for at least 1 day.

**ChrWright** · 04-04-2008, 10:44 AM

I talked with my local American Standard/Porcher rep today and he highly recommended it. I'm checking into costs & hotel avail. today.

angus242 · 04-04-2008, 11:01 AM

I'm on a job right now having my counter guys do an install. I'll ask them about it too. They usually do the local home/trade show circuit.
Not sure how familiar you are with Chicago but if you need any info about location/areas or whatever, let me know.
The more I think about it, the more I kinda want to go. My other job starting today is scheduled for demo and rough electrical over the weekend. If that actually stays on schedule, I should be good to go.

**ChrWright** · 04-04-2008, 11:48 AM

I've just registered & will be staying onsite at the McCormick Place Hyatt Regency.

Let me know if anyone else is going.

**ChrWright** · 04-04-2008, 07:07 PM

Anyone else thinking of going?

angus242 · 04-04-2008, 08:20 PM

I'm in. Registered today. I'm just not sure what day/days I'll be there. How long do you plan to attend?

**ChrWright** · 04-04-2008, 08:21 PM

Fri afternoon to Sun afternoon

**ChrWright** · 04-10-2008, 06:08 AM

Just checking one last time.... Anyone else going?

ebeing08 · 04-13-2008, 10:15 AM

While there, checkout a few suppliers:

WMK (Steam Showers and Bathroom Cabinets)

GradeHome (Showers and Tubs)

**ChrWright** · 04-15-2008, 10:29 PM

A few notes on K-BIS, 2008:

For anyone who designs or remodels kitchens & baths, I would consider this a must attend event. In all the years I've been in residential construction, I have yet to experience an event that put so many products, manufacturers, designers, contractors, etc. in one place. From fixtures to cabinets to hardware, and everything in between.

I most enjoyed meeting and networking with other professionals in the industry and getting a feel for the length and breadth of where things are and where they're headed.

Some product highlights:

Most toilet manufacturers are moving to more and more complex flush valves. Nearly all of them now have at least one dual stage toilet. Granted, most of what was shown are their "latest and greatest", but water conservation technology continues to evolve. Kohler has a flushless urinal for commercial applications that's already installed at one of the high end malls in my area.

Shower towers are becoming more and more prevalent with a greater range of products available and more and more manufacturers offering their own twist. IMHO, Hansgrohe's products are among the best in function & design. (Their booth featured all of the models from their ads & brochures walking around in towels.)

Kohler spent the most money by far, with the largest display and most dynamic presentation. Their booth, if you could call it that, was larger than a basketball court and housed a stage, several full kitchens & baths, and no less than four other displays from other "Kohler Companies". They were also one of the few whose products were mostly all fully plumbed--with working faucets, toilets & showers. Their new articulating kitchen faucet was very cool. They were also highlighting their new electronic shower systems--with digital controls for showers, sprays, waterproof speakers, steam units, LEDs etc etc etc. Very cool but I'm sure very $$$.

The American Standard, Porcher, Jado display was equal in size but not nearly as dynamic in presentation. The quality and quantity of their latest offerings was just as good or better, though.

Google Sketchup had a booth with designers showing all of the cool capabilities of the software. It was both amazing and depressing to see what those guys could do with it.

Next year the show moves to Atlanta, and then back to Chicago in 2010.

**Ed the Roofer** · 04-15-2008, 10:50 PM

Chris,

Don't forget to keep the members here posted about the TV show you helped out with.

Please update the info and the channel and time.

From your site.
"I had a great time working with Kristan--who if you don't know also has a show on HGTV, Design on a Dime.

The piece will air April 16th. I'll post the date as soon as I get it, as well as video & pics afterwards."

Ed

**ChrWright** · 04-15-2008, 10:56 PM

Thanks Ed. I was just in the process of updating my site.

You'll have to find the channel & time the show airs in your area. I've noticed it's different from market to market.

They post video of their segments after each show to the Rachel Ray Show website, so I'll link to it tomorrow night once they have it up.