Let the spin begin: K/BIS feels the heat

As the economy continues to challenge most industry sectors, trade shows and other marketing events are feeling the pain. The International Builders’ Show, (IBS), held in Las Vegas Jan. 20-23. reported an attendance drop of more than 90,000.
According to a statement released from the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference, (K/BIS), “As nearly all other industry shows have experienced a decline in exhibitors and attendees in recent years, false impressions have begun to spread about an equally steep reduction in numbers for K/BIS 2009. This is simply untrue.”
While the majority of the show’s large exhibitors are still scheduled to appear, the question remains will the attendees come?
To generate interest, the show is pulling out all the stops. This year’s show features a plethora of “celebrities.” The following “celebrities” are scheduled to appear:
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s” Paul DiMeo,
“This Old House’s” Richard Tretheway and Carole Fruehauf,
John Gidding of HGTV’s “Designed to Sell”,
Aida Mollenkamp of Food Network’s “Ask Aida”,
“The Young & the Restless’” Steve Ford (son of President Gerald Ford),
Presidential candidate, Mike Huckabee.
K/BIS also is offering a lineup of business speakers, including economist Terry Savage and “Green to Gold” author Andrew Winston, as well as Harry Gianetti, former Vice President of Thermador, BSH, Mills Pride, and Elica.
IBS and K/BIS have different core audiences. IBS attracts more builders and general contractors, while K/BIS appeals to custom builders and higher end designers who cater to a recession-resistant clientele. The show’s attendance will be down from last year, but it probably won’t be as much as IBS experienced.
K/BIS 2009 will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center, April 30 – May 3.