The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) has announced its three hosts for NEXTStage sponsored by Ferguson, offering attendees fresh perspectives and career insights with engaging, daily programming.
“Our NEXTStage hosts bring a huge amount of energy to the stage,” said Bill Darcy, President & CEO of NKBA. “Each offers exceptional insight into the industry with their distinguished backgrounds and impressive experience. We are so excited to see what they bring to the stage!”
- Day One, February 25: John McClain is a multi-faceted leader in the interior design industryand proudly serves in his field as an interior designer, product designer, author, speaker, businesscoach, and podcast host. His firm, John McClain Design, celebrated for its award-winning projects and signature “comfortable chic” aesthetic, has been featured in top publications such as Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and The Wall Street Journal. With over 15 years of experience. John now empowers fellow designers through his Design Success Academy, offering proven tools to build profitable design businesses. John’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, strategy, and creative vision in transforming the world of design.
- Day Two, February 26: Sophie Donelson is a design journalist and speaker whose work celebrates the connection between people and their homes. Previously editor in chief of House Beautiful magazine, Sophie has authored several books including Uncommon Kitchens: A Revolutionary Approach to the Most Popular Room in the House (2023) and was recently the host of Magnolia Network’s Design Defined. A longtime New Yorker, Sophie now lives in Montréal.
- Day Three, February 27: Breegan Jane is a lifestyle expert and interior designer and a fixture in the global interior design industry. Her design expertise and presence are seen all over network television and streaming apps. She has several licensed product lines available globally. She’s an international powerhouse and avid philanthropist who is currently working to eliminate FGM in Kenya.
Programming will feature three award ceremonies including Best of KBIS, DesignBites 10th Anniversary hosted by Darren Keefe (The Dancing Carpenter), and Best Booth, plus focused presentations diving into timely topics like designing fearlessly, managing clients, zero waste pursuits, and harnessing AI, divided into four engaging tracks:
- Wellness: Explore the intersection of design and well-being.
- Sustainability: Shape the future of eco-conscious design.
- Business and Trends: Dive into the latest industry shifts and strategies.
- Technology: Uncover the tech innovations driving the kitchen and bath design world forward.
Attendee Experiences
In addition to NEXTStage, the Luxury Lounge sponsored by Ferguson will return to KBIS’ North Hall. Designed and curated by celebrity designer Julee Ireland, the lounge will host discussion sessions with topics including Vibe Check: What the Next-Gen Luxury Client Really Wants sponsored by House of Rohl; So Mindful: Creating Luxury in Outdoor Spaces sponsored by Daltile; and Design Refined: Next Steps in Quiet Luxury sponsored by Ferguson.
Plus, KBIS’ first-ever podcasting booth sponsored by AJ Madison will be set up in South Hall, where Josh Cooperman of Convo By Design will be recording six special episodes that will offer listeners a deeper dive into select brands, and guest industry podcasters will be recording their shows with the latest from KBIS.
Attendees should also plan to stop by South Hall to find respite at The Plaza, the outdoor experience area equipped with gourmet food trucks, lounge seating, fire pits, lawn games, and more.
