NEW YORK (September 5, 2023) – The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) have named Sharp Think, Inc. as their new PR Agency of Record. 

NKBA is the world's leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry, providing tools, research, certification, and events to thousands of professionals. KBIS, owned by NKBA and produced by Emerald Expositions, is the largest and most important show in North America serving the kitchen and bath sector. 

“As NKBA continues to grow and evolve, we’re looking forward to having Sharp Think spearhead our awareness activities, and support us as we elevate and extend the reach of NKBA among constituencies in the U.S. and abroad,” said Bill Darcy, CEO of NKBA. 

Sharp Think is an award-winning, integrated communications agency with deep category expertise in architecture, design, home furnishings, building and construction. As AOR for NKBA and KBIS, Sharp Think will be responsible for all earned media, thought leadership, and special programming to engage the architecture, design, and building communities. 

“We’re excited to build on the momentum of KBIS - which has grown rapidly in recent years - with the Sharp team, collaborating on new ideas and programs that continue to dial up the value proposition for media, exhibitors, and attendees,” said Brian Pagel, EVP Residential and Commercial, of Emerald Expositions. 

“The work that NKBA is doing to support the industry is tremendous, and we’re pleased to partner with the organization that is constantly pushing itself toward new heights. What’s more, KBIS has been a tentpole moment for our agency for more than a decade, and we’re eager to apply our category knowledge along with fresh, creative ideas to further enhance the show and its role within the industry,” said Laura Mortensen, president of Sharp Think. 

KBIS is part of Design & Construction Week (DCW), the co-location of KBIS and the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show (IBS). DCW boasted the highest audience in its 10-year history in January 2023, attracting over 100,000 attendees who visited more than 1,800 exhibitors spanning about 1 million net square feet of exhibit space. 

NKBA is celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2023, and plans to kick off 60 years of KBIS at the upcoming show, which will be held February 27-29, 2024 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. 

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About the National Kitchen & Bath Association and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show

NKBA is the not-for-profit trade association that owns the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the largest kitchen and bath show in North America. With nearly 50,000 members in all segments of the kitchen and bath design and remodeling industry, the NKBA has educated and advised the industry since it was founded in 1963. The NKBA’s mission is to inspire and support the kitchen and bath industry through community, events, learning and professional certifications. For more information, visit www.nkba.org or call 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522).

KBIS and NKBA are registered trademarks of NKBA.

About Emerald

KBIS is produced by Emerald. Emerald’s talented and experienced team grows our customers’ businesses 365 days a year through connections, content, and commerce. We expand connections that drive new business opportunities, product discovery, and relationships with over 140 annual events, matchmaking, and lead-gen services. We create content to ensure that our customers are on the cutting edge of their industries and are continually developing their skills. And we power commerce through efficient year-round buying and selling. We do all this by seamlessly integrating in-person and digital platforms and channels.  Emerald is immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate.  As true partners, we create experiences that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results. For more information, please visit www.emeraldx.com.

About Sharp Think

Sharp Think is an independent, integrated communications agency. Founded in 2000, and headquartered in New York City, Sharp is known for developing dynamic campaigns to connect brands with influential audiences on a local and national level. Sharp clients include best-in-class brands across a wide range of categories, including:architecture & design; building & construction; home furnishings; consumer lifestyle; health & wellness; and arts & culture. For more information, visit www.sharpthink.com