Applications are officially open for the second year of Innovation Hour at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), welcoming exhibitors to participate in a fast-paced showcase that prioritizes creativity and pushes brands to present their latest products in unconventional formats far beyond a standard slide deck. The program is designed to inject dynamic energy into the trade show floor, giving participating companies a unique platform to capture the attention of industry leaders, trade media, and prominent designers.
Selected brands will each deliver a five-minute moderated presentation to a live audience on the KBIS NEXTStage, which serves as the premier destination for education and design programming throughout the massive annual event. Rather than relying on traditional corporate pitches, presenters are encouraged to think outside the box and utilize creative demonstrations, multimedia storytelling, or live interactions to highlight the distinct value of their products. Following all the presentations, the designers, media, influencers, and industry professionals gathered in the audience will cast their votes to determine the winners across three distinct categories: “Most Innovative,” “Most Unexpected,” and “I’d Spec That Tomorrow.” This live voting mechanism provides brands with immediate, real-time feedback directly from the key professionals they most want to reach, network with, and influence.
The program originally debuted at KBIS with nine presenting brands and successfully generated more than 200 audience votes during its inaugural run, establishing a high benchmark for engagement. That initial showcase highlighted several standout products that captured the imagination of the design community. Caesarstone was named “Most Innovative” for Caesarstone ICON, an advanced sustainable fusion surface designed to meet modern environmental standards without compromising on aesthetic appeal or durability. Meanwhile, the “Most Unexpected” title went to MAGPPIE Silverstone, a silver-infused technical stone engineered specifically to replace traditional wood in kitchen cabinetry, offering enhanced performance and resilience in high-moisture environments. Additionally, LG earned the coveted “I’d Spec That Tomorrow” award for its LG SIGNATURE Counter-Depth French-Door Refrigerator featuring a Thin Door Design. This appliance stands out for its innovative Zero Clearance hinges, which allow both doors to open fully even when installed in tight, space-constrained kitchen layouts.
Reflecting on the impact of the inaugural event, representatives from the winning brands noted the tangible value of participating in such a focused, high-energy showcase. Nicole Miller, director of program and product strategy at Caesarstone, shared her perspective on the experience, noting that her company found Innovation Hour to be a powerful platform to showcase Caesarstone ICON to an engaged and knowledgeable audience. She added that being recognized as “Most Innovative” served as a meaningful validation of how strongly their advanced ICON surfaces and overarching sustainability messaging resonated with the industry professionals present at the show.
All eligible exhibitors planning to attend the upcoming trade show are invited to submit their applications. Submissions are open and can be completed online through Dec. 4, 2026. Selected brands that meet the criteria will be notified by January 2027, giving them ample time to prepare their dynamic five-minute presentations. These selected brands will then take the stage to present live on the NEXTStage at KBIS on Feb. 2, 2027, at 12 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center, with the official winners announced immediately at the close of the session.
