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KBIS 2026 Floor Plan Guide: The Best Route for Kitchen vs Bath vs Tech (So You Don’t Miss What Matters)

KBIS is massive—so the real constraint isn’t your curiosity, it’s your feet and your calendar. If you’ve ever left a show thinking “I somehow walked all day and still missed the good stuff,” this is the fix.

I’m putting together a simple, repeatable game plan for KBIS 2026 in Orlando (Feb 17–19) that works whether you’re there to spec products, spot trends, or sanity-check what’s actually worth your time.

Here’s what you’ll get:

  • 3 proven routes (Kitchen-first, Bath-first, Tech-first) that minimize backtracking and maximize “high-signal” booths

  • A build-your-own route method so you can tailor the map to your brands, priorities, and time window

One important note before we start: floor plans and exhibitor lists change—sometimes quietly. Bookmark the official floor plan and the exhibitor directory so you’re always working from the latest version.

Quick Facts

  • KBIS 2026 dates + city: February 17–19, 2026 — Orlando, Florida.

Before you start planning your route, open these in two separate tabs (you’ll bounce between them constantly):

  • Official Exhibitor List + Floor Plan hub (best for filtering by category/brand and confirming what’s actually on the show floor)

  • Interactive event map / floor plan (best for searching booth numbers and building a clean walking loop without backtracking)

Who This Guide Is For (Pick Your Intent in 10 Seconds)

Think of KBIS like a city. If you don’t decide why you’re there, you’ll spend the whole day “exploring” and still miss the exact neighborhoods you needed.

If you’re Kitchen-first

You’re coming for the workhorses and the high-impact upgrades:

  • Appliances (especially anything that changes how people cook day to day)

  • Cabinetry and storage hardware (drawers, organizers, hinges—where quality shows up fast)

  • Sinks + faucets and the practical details that affect installs

  • Surfaces (stone, engineered slabs, durability/maintenance conversations)

This route is for you if your projects live or die by function, lead times, and specs.

If you’re Bath-first

You’re focused on the space where comfort and materials matter most:

  • Vanities (storage layouts, finishes, moisture resistance)

  • Faucets and finish families (what looks good and wears well)

  • Shower systems (valves, trim, sprays, pressure reality)

  • Wellness fixtures (bidets, steam, spa features)

  • Lighting/mirrors (the easiest “wow” upgrade when done right)

This route is for you if you’re chasing a spa feel that still works in real life.

If you’re Tech-first

You’re there for the tools and systems shaping the next two years:

  • Smart home integrations (what’s actually reliable vs just demo-friendly)

  • Water tech (monitoring, leak detection, shutoff, filtration)

  • Software for design/sales (rendering, quoting, measurement workflows)

  • Connected fixtures (where UX and service support matter as much as the product)

This route is for you if you want future-proof decisions, not just pretty booths.

One more choice: Buy/spec vs discover trends

This part matters more than people think:

  • If you’re here to buy/spec, you want fewer booths, more time per stop, and a route that prioritizes answers: lead times, compatibility, install requirements, warranty, service, and what’s included.

  • If you’re here to discover trends, you want a broader sweep—more categories, more visual capture, and a route that prioritizes pattern recognition: repeating finishes, forms, materials, and “what everyone is suddenly doing.”

Same show. Totally different pacing.

kbis 2026 map guide with mod-land

How to Use the KBIS 2026 Floor Plan Like a Pro (5-Min Setup)

The goal is simple: take a giant map and turn it into a tight loop you can actually walk—without zig-zagging yourself into sore feet and bad decisions.

Step 1: Open the interactive floor plan (and use it like search, not like a poster)

Pull up the interactive floor plan and start searching exhibitors by brand and category. This is faster than trying to “browse” the show floor in real time, and it keeps you from accidentally spending your best hour in the wrong corner.

Step 2: Build a “Top 12” list (your day’s backbone)

Make a short list you can actually execute:

  • 8 Must-see (the booths you’ll be annoyed you missed)

  • 4 Nice-to-see (only if time and energy are still good after lunch)

This keeps your day from turning into an endless scroll of “maybe.”

Step 3: Tag each stop so your route makes sense

Next to every brand, add one label:

  • Kitchen

  • Bath

  • Tech

  • Cross-over (the booths that touch multiple categories—often the ones worth extra time)

Tagging stops matters because it prevents the classic KBIS mistake: hopping between categories and losing rhythm.

Step 4: Cluster by booth zone/prefix (so you walk in loops, not lines)

On the KBIS map, booths are often organized with prefixes (you’ll see formats like W / S / RC / WL and similar). Don’t worry about memorizing what each one means—just use the map legend and group your Top 12 into 2–3 clusters that sit near each other. That’s how you turn a chaotic sprawl into a clean loop.

Step 5: Timebox each booth (this is where your plan becomes real)

Use this as your default:

  • 8 minutes baseline per booth (enough to scan + capture the important info)

  • 15 minutes for tier-1 meetings (the booths where you’ll ask real questions and compare options)

If you don’t timebox, the “fun” booths eat the day and the practical booths get squeezed out. 

Route Planning Rules (So Your Day Doesn’t Collapse)

These are the five rules I stick to when a show is this big. They’re not complicated—but they’re the difference between a day that feels clean and productive, and a day that turns into “I walked 18,000 steps and can’t remember what I saw.”

Rule #1: Anchor your day around 2–3 fixed items

Pick two or three non-negotiables and build everything else around them:

  • scheduled meetings (vendors, partners, press)

  • one education session you truly care about

  • a quick press / awards / trend moment if that’s part of your job

Once those anchors are in place, your route stops being a wish list and becomes a real plan.

Rule #2: Walk in loops, not lines

Your enemy isn’t distance—it’s backtracking. Instead of bouncing across the floor every time something catches your eye, group your stops into tight loops by zone and knock them out one cluster at a time. You’ll see more, remember more, and your feet will thank you.

Rule #3: Put “heavy decision” vendors early

Anything that requires real judgment—pricing, lead times, build quality, compatibility, warranty—belongs in the first half of your day. That’s when you’re sharp enough to compare details and ask the annoying-but-important questions. Later in the day, you’ll still be able to appreciate great design, but decision fatigue is real.

Rule #4: Save “inspiration browsing” for the final 60–90 minutes

This is the part most people do first (because it’s fun), and it quietly wrecks the day. If you save “wander and discover” time for the end, you get the best of both worlds:

  • the serious work gets done

  • you still leave with fresh ideas and great photos

Rule #5: Add buffers—10 minutes per hour

Crowds, demos, unexpected conversations, bathroom breaks, and “wait, where am I?” moments happen. Plan for it. I assume 10 minutes of buffer per hour and treat it like a budget. If you finish early, great—you’ve just earned extra browsing time without stealing it from your must-sees.

modern wood and golden kitchen design in kbis

ROUTE 1 — Kitchen-First “Best Route” (Most Practical ROI)

Kitchen-First Route (Appliances → Cabinets/Hardware → Sinks/Water → Surfaces)

Why this works: kitchen decisions are spec-heavy and full of constraints—clearances, rough-ins, power requirements, venting, lead times. If you hit the kitchen hall when you’re fresh, you’ll ask better questions, catch issues earlier, and avoid the classic “we’ll figure it out later” trap that turns into change orders.

Segment A — Big Ticket + Systems (Start Here)

What you’re looking at: appliances, ventilation, cooking tech (especially anything that changes the everyday workflow).

This is where a kitchen plan either becomes effortless—or becomes a headache. The pretty finishes matter, but the real wins come from choosing systems that are reliable, serviceable, and realistic for your client’s lifestyle.

Ask this (don’t be shy):

  • Lead times: What’s the real ship window right now for the exact SKU/finish?

  • Service network: Who services it locally? What’s the turnaround if something fails?

  • Warranty reality: What’s covered, what’s excluded, and what voids it?

  • Electrification/induction: If the client is going induction, what are the electrical requirements and panel implications? Any installer notes?

Designer lens: If the booth is all “wow,” ask one practical question and see how they respond. The best brands don’t dodge specifics.


Segment B — Cabinetry + Storage Hardware

What you’re looking at: construction, box materials, drawer systems, soft-close performance, and the small details that make a kitchen feel expensive every single day.

Kitchen cabinetry is where “luxury” becomes tactile: how drawers glide, how doors close, how edges wear, how interiors clean.

Ask this (your spec-saving checklist):

  • Construction & materials: What’s the box material? What’s the drawer box material? What’s the back panel like?

  • Tolerances: What are the acceptable gaps/alignment tolerances—and how do they handle adjustments?

  • Finish durability: What’s the finish system? What’s the recommended cleaner? What actually causes failures?

  • Easy-clean interiors: Do they offer light/neutral interiors, wipeable surfaces, or smarter organizing options that reduce visual clutter?

Quick test: open/close a drawer slowly and quickly. A good soft-close feels controlled, not mushy.


Segment C — Sinks, Faucets, Water (the “touch points”)

What you’re looking at: faucet feel, spray modes, filtration, smart shutoff ecosystems—basically the things clients touch 20+ times a day.

These are deceptively high-impact: the faucet that feels “cheap” can undermine a beautiful kitchen, and the right water setup can become a genuine quality-of-life upgrade.

Ask this (the questions installers respect):

  • Certifications: Any relevant certifications for water efficiency/safety standards?

  • Replacement parts: Can you get cartridges/aerators quickly, and are they standard or proprietary?

  • Install quirks: Any known issues with fit, deck thickness, or clearances? What do plumbers usually ask about?

  • Smart shutoff + filtration: If it’s connected, what happens when Wi-Fi drops? Is there a manual override?

Designer lens: prioritize “feel + reliability” over gimmicks. A great faucet is mostly about ergonomics and serviceability.


Segment D — Surfaces & Finishes (Close With the Look)

What you’re looking at: quartz/stone/sintered, edge profiles, maintenance, and how a surface actually behaves in a real kitchen.

Ending here is intentional: once you’ve locked the systems and layouts, you can choose finishes with confidence—without accidentally selecting something that fights the client’s habits.

Ask this (the truth serum):

  • Staining reality: What stains it in real life—wine, turmeric, oil, coffee? What doesn’t?

  • Heat resistance: Can a hot pan touch it? For how long? What’s the actual guidance?

  • Chip repair: If it chips, what’s the repair path? Is it invisible, “acceptable,” or a full replacement situation?

  • Maintenance: What’s required weekly vs yearly (sealing, special cleaners, etc.)?

Designer lens: choose the surface that matches the client’s lifestyle, not the showroom lighting.


Add-On: Kitchen Route Variations (Showroom Owners vs Builders/Specifiers)

If you’re a showroom owner (sellability-first):

  • Prioritize booths with merchandising support (displays, samples, training)

  • Ask about MAP policies, lead times, and warranty handling (your team will live with it)

  • Look for finish consistency across categories (so you can build “complete kitchen stories”)

If you’re a builder/specifier (risk & execution-first):

  • Prioritize install documentation, rough-in clarity, and parts availability

  • Ask about field failure patterns and how they handle claims

  • Focus on systems that reduce friction: clear specs, predictable lead times, service coverage

If you tell me which bucket you’re in (designer/showroom/builder/specifier), I can tighten this route even further—down to the exact questions you should ask at each stop and how long to budget for them.

60 inch bathroom vanity in modern American-style bathroom space

ROUTE 2 — Bath-First “Best Route” (Vanities → Showers → Faucets → Wellness)

Bath-First Route (Vanity Core → Wet Zone → Finishes → Accessories)

Why this works: bath buying is incredibly visual and tactile—you’re judging drawer glide, finish feel, edge details, and “does this look expensive in real life?” Starting with vanities gives you a clean baseline, so everything else (faucets, showers, wellness) becomes easier to compare.

Segment A — Vanities & Storage (Start Here)

What you’re looking at: drawer quality, moisture resistance, countertop maintenance, and integrated lighting/mirrors (the “daily use” features that make a bathroom feel calm instead of cluttered).

If you’re walking KBIS with a designer’s eye, this is where you’ll notice the difference between “looks great in photos” and “feels great every morning.”

Quick stop to add to your list: Mod-Land — Booth S30049. We’re showcasing a natural wood–themed bathroom vanity—worth a quick look if you’re building a warmer, spa-leaning palette.

Ask this (so you don’t get surprised later):

  • What’s included vs not included (faucet, drain, mirror, backsplash, etc.)?

  • Mounting requirements (especially for floating): wall blocking, stud alignment, weight limits

  • Moisture realities: what’s sealed, what’s protected, what cleaning products to avoid

  • Packaging/freight: how it ships, how corners are protected, what counts as “damage on arrival”


Segment B — Shower Systems + Wet Area (Your Second Stop)

What you’re looking at: valves, rain heads, handhelds, and designs that play nicely with real waterproofing and real installers.

This is where gorgeous bathrooms can fail—because the wet zone is unforgiving.

Ask this (the plumber-proof checklist):

  • Rough-in standards: compatibility with common valve systems, trim options, universal platforms

  • Pressure requirements: what it needs to feel good (and what happens in low-pressure homes)

  • Parts availability: cartridges, diverters, seals—how fast can you get them?

  • Any known “gotchas” (tile thickness, escutcheon clearance, unusual install steps)


Segment C — Faucets + Fixtures (The Finish Language)

What you’re looking at: finish families, fingerprint resistance, water-saving features—and whether the finish story matches your vanity/shower choices.

This is the “style glue” of the bathroom. A perfect vanity can look wrong if the faucet finish reads too yellow, too cool, too shiny, or too delicate.

Ask this (finish reality, not marketing):

  • Finish care: what cleaner is safe, what causes spotting, what causes fading

  • Warranty exclusions: what isn’t covered (hard water, cleaners, coastal conditions)

  • Consistency: does this finish match across collections, or does it vary by product line?


Segment D — Wellness + “Experience” (End Here)

What you’re looking at: bidets, steam, hydrotherapy, spa features—the booths that are fun, inspiring, and easy to get carried away in.

Save this for last because it’s the most “experience-led” zone, and it can eat time fast (in a good way).

Ask this (so wellness stays practical):

  • Electrical needs: outlet placement, dedicated circuits, amperage

  • Maintenance cadence: filters, descaling, cleaning routines

  • Customer support: who troubleshoots, how fast parts ship, what happens if it fails


Optional: The “30-Minute Bath Trend Sprint” (If You Only Have Half a Day)

If time is tight, do this quick loop:

  1. 10 minutes: vanities (touch drawers + photograph specs/finishes)

  2. 10 minutes: showers (valves + rough-in questions)

  3. 10 minutes: finishes (faucet/fixture finish families + care notes)

You’ll leave with enough real information to make confident decisions later—without walking the entire show floor.

ROUTE 3 — Tech-First “Best Route” (Smart Home → Software → Connected Fixtures)

Tech-First Route (Platforms → Integrations → Proof on the Floor)

Why this works: tech is the easiest category to get dazzled by—and the fastest to regret later. The real value shows up in boring places: compatibility, setup time, support, and what happens when something breaks. A checklist beats “vibes” every time.

Segment A — Smart Home + Water Management

What you’re looking at: leak detection, shutoff, monitoring, and energy/water dashboards—the systems that protect homes (and reputations).

These are especially relevant for busy households, second homes, rentals, and any client who’s had “the leak that ruined everything.”

Ask this (integration + ownership reality):

  • Integrations: Does it work with common ecosystems (and what’s the setup path)? Any Matter/Hub requirements?

  • Install complexity: Is it DIY-friendly, plumber-only, electrician-needed, or all three?

  • Subscription costs: What features are behind a monthly fee? What still works without it?

  • Alerts + reliability: How are alerts delivered, and how often do false alarms happen?


Segment B — Design + Sales Software

What you’re looking at: rendering tools, quoting, measurement workflows, and catalog integrations—anything that reduces friction from “idea” to “approved plan.”

This is where designers and dealers win back time. The best tools don’t just look good—they keep projects moving.

Ask this (so it fits your real workflow):

  • Learning curve: How long until a new team member is productive—days or weeks?

  • Export formats: Can you export cleanly (CAD/BIM/PDF/spec sheets) without ugly workarounds?

  • Team roles: Can designers, sales, and operations collaborate without stepping on each other?

  • Pricing tiers: What’s included at each tier, and what are the common “surprise upgrades” teams end up needing?

Practical tip: ask them to demo one exact scenario you do weekly (e.g., “quote + spec sheet + client-ready rendering”). If they can’t do it smoothly, it won’t magically improve later.


Segment C — Connected Fixtures You Can Actually Sell

What you’re looking at: smart toilets, smart faucets, sensors, and lighting systems—products that clients will love only if they’re reliable and serviceable.

This is where the gap between “cool demo” and “real home” matters most.

Ask this (the long-term ownership test):

  • Failure modes: What breaks most often? What’s the typical fix?

  • Support: Who supports it—manufacturer, dealer, installer, or an app chatbot?

  • Offline behavior: If Wi-Fi drops, what still works? What becomes useless?

  • Parts turnaround: How quickly can you get parts, and are they standardized or proprietary?


Tech Route “Red Flags” Checklist (Read This Before You Fall in Love)

If you see two or more of these, proceed carefully:

  • Vendor lock-in: works only inside one ecosystem, with limited interoperability

  • Unclear warranty: vague terms, unclear exclusions, or “support depends on retailer”

  • No installer documentation: missing rough-in details, wiring diagrams, or troubleshooting guides

  • Subscription creep: core functionality requires ongoing fees

  • Weak offline story: product loses basic usability without internet

  • Parts ambiguity: replacements are slow, proprietary, or hard to source

Tech can absolutely elevate a kitchen or bath—but the best choices feel almost invisible: they just work, quietly, for years.

Hybrid Routes (Because Real People Don’t Fit Into One Category)

Most KBIS days aren’t purely “kitchen” or purely “bath.” Real projects overlap—and so do real priorities. These hybrid routes are the easiest way to stay focused without forcing yourself into a category that doesn’t match your job.

Designer Hybrid: Bath → Surfaces → Lighting/Hardware → Kitchen Appliances (Quick)

This is the “design story” route: you start where emotion and daily rituals live (the bath), then gather the materials and lighting language that ties the whole home together, and finish with a fast kitchen systems check.

  • Bath first: vanities + shower trim set the tone (warm/cool, matte/gloss, modern/organic)

  • Surfaces next: confirm what’s beautiful and livable (maintenance, staining reality)

  • Lighting + hardware: the jewelry—where a space becomes polished

  • Quick kitchen appliances: skim what’s new, note what’s practical, don’t overstay

Best for: designers who want a cohesive palette and a few smart spec upgrades without getting swallowed by appliance rabbit holes.


Builder Hybrid: Kitchen Systems → Bath Systems → Logistics/Service Conversations

This route is built around risk reduction. You’re prioritizing decisions that affect rough-ins, scheduling, callbacks, and warranty headaches.

  • Kitchen systems first: appliances/venting/electrical requirements while you’re fresh

  • Bath systems next: valves, waterproofing-friendly setups, parts availability

  • Finish with logistics/service: lead times, freight packaging, claim process, support coverage

Best for: builders, remodelers, and anyone who measures success in “no surprises on install day.”


Dealer Hybrid: New Releases Sweep → Top 10 Meetings → Show Specials Review

Dealers need breadth and speed—then depth with the few brands that will actually move product.

  • New releases sweep: fast scan for what’s genuinely new (and merchandisable)

  • Top 10 meetings: sit-down conversations on pricing, programs, training, warranties

  • Show specials review: compare offers, protect margins, confirm availability and terms

Best for: showroom teams who need to leave KBIS with a short list of winners and clear next steps—not 300 photos and no decisions.

2026 trend in KBIS modern and luxury vanity style bathroom

Sample Itineraries (1 Day vs 2 Days vs 3 Days)

These sample plans are designed for how people actually attend KBIS: limited time, limited energy, and a long list of “I wish I could see everything.” Use them as a starting point, then plug your own Top 12 into the official exhibitor list and interactive floor plan so your route stays current.

One-Day Plan (Doable, High-ROI)

Rule: 2 routes max + 1 education block. That’s it. If you try to do three categories in one day, you’ll end up doing none of them well.

  • Morning (fresh brain): Run your primary route (Kitchen-first or Bath-first) and knock out your Top 8 must-sees

  • Midday: One education session (or a scheduled meeting block) + a quick reset

  • Afternoon: A shorter secondary route (Tech sprint or Bath/Kitchen “finish language” loop)

  • Final 60–90 minutes: Inspiration browsing + photos + quick revisits if something surprised you

Two-Day Plan (The Sweet Spot)

This is the best balance for most designers, builders, and showroom teams.

Day 1: Kitchen-heavy (systems and constraints)

  • Appliances / ventilation / cooking tech

  • Cabinetry + storage hardware

  • Sinks / water / practical touch points

Day 2: Bath + Tech (experience + future-proofing)

  • Vanities / showers / faucets / wellness

  • Smart home + water management

  • Design/sales software demos (if relevant)

You’ll leave with both: hard specs and trend clarity.

Three-Day Plan (Deep Dives + Confident Decisions)

If you have three days, don’t just “see more.” Use the extra time to decide better.

  • Day 1: Run one full route (Kitchen-first or Bath-first) + shortlist your top 5 booths

  • Day 2: Run the second route + schedule deeper conversations with your top picks

  • Day 3: Revisit your top 3 vendors with follow-up questions (the ones you didn’t think to ask on day one)

That third-day revisit is where you catch the important stuff: compatibility details, warranty fine print, install requirements, and what’s actually included.

Tip: whichever itinerary you pick, keep the exhibitor list and interactive map open so you can adjust quickly when booths move, brands change, or a “must-see” pops up last minute.

On-Floor Execution: How to Capture Leads Without Losing Notes

The secret to getting real value from KBIS isn’t seeing more booths—it’s capturing information in a way you can still use next week. Here’s the simple system I use so leads don’t get lost and notes don’t turn into a blurry photo dump.

The QR Rule: Scan + Tag Immediately

If a booth has a QR code (or you grab a card), do one thing on the spot—before you walk away:

Create a quick tag in your notes:

  • Category: kitchen / bath / tech

  • Priority: A (must follow up) / B (maybe) / C (reference only)

Even better: add one short line like “great drawer glide,” “strong service network,” “price tier fits mid-lux,” or “finish is too shiny in person.” One sentence now saves you 30 minutes of confusion later.

The Photo Rule: 3 Photos Per Booth (No More, No Less)

This keeps your camera roll usable and searchable.

  1. Overview photo — the product in context (so you remember what it was)

  2. Spec placard photo — the “boring” details you’ll actually need (model, dimensions, materials, features)

  3. Close-up detail — finish texture, joinery, edge profile, hardware feel, lighting diffusion, etc.

If you’re tempted to take 20 photos, it usually means you don’t know what you’re trying to capture. Stick to the three-shot system and you’ll move faster and retain more.

The 15-Minute End-of-Day “Triage” Routine (Do This Before Dinner)

This is where you turn a busy day into actual progress.

Set a timer for 15 minutes and do three things:

  1. Shortlist your top picks (Top 5–10) with an A/B/C priority

  2. Send follow-up emails to your “A” list while conversations are still fresh

    • include one specific detail so they know you’re serious (“We discussed the valve compatibility + lead time in brushed finish”)

  3. Request samples / spec sheets you’ll need to make decisions (finish chips, countertop samples, install docs)

If you do this nightly, you’ll leave KBIS with a clean, actionable list—not a thousand photos and a foggy memory.

What to Print / Download (Lead Magnet Section)

If you want KBIS to feel calm (and actually productive), don’t rely on memory or a scattered Notes app. These three simple printables turn your day into a clean plan—and they’re also exactly the kind of resource people bookmark and share.

1) “Top 12 Booths” Planner (Fillable)

This is your backbone: 8 must-see + 4 nice-to-see, with just enough structure to keep you focused.

Include fields like:

  • Brand + booth number

  • Category (kitchen / bath / tech / cross-over)

  • Priority (A/B/C)

  • “Why it matters” (one sentence)

  • Follow-up action (spec sheet / sample / meeting / quote)

2) Route Map Checklist (Morning / Mid-Day / Close)

A one-page pacing guide that prevents the classic show-floor spiral.

  • Morning: heavy decisions + spec conversations

  • Mid-day: education block + meetings + quick reset

  • Close: inspiration browsing + photography + fast revisits

It’s basically a route “rhythm” you can follow even if plans change.

3) Questions-to-Ask Sheet (Kitchen, Bath, Tech Versions)

Three mini checklists—one per category—so you don’t forget the practical questions when a booth is impressive.

  • Kitchen version: lead times, service network, cabinet construction, finish durability

  • Bath version: what’s included, mounting requirements, moisture resistance, valve compatibility

  • Tech version: integrations, install complexity, offline behavior, support + parts turnaround

If you only print one thing, make it this. The right questions are what separate a fun walk-through from decisions you can stand behind.

FAQ

How do I find exhibitors and booth numbers for KBIS 2026?

Start with the official exhibitor list to search by brand or product category, then use the interactive floor plan to confirm the booth number and see where it sits on the map. I recommend keeping both open in separate tabs, because you’ll bounce between “who’s exhibiting” and “where they are” all day.

What’s the fastest way to plan a route on the KBIS floor?

Use the Top 12 method: pick 8 must-sees and 4 nice-to-sees, then cluster them by zone so you can walk in tight loops instead of zig-zagging. Timebox your stops (8 minutes baseline, 15 for priority booths), and save browsing for the final hour when your must-sees are already done.

How many booths can I realistically cover in a day?

A realistic range is 12–20 booths if you’re moving efficiently. If you’re doing serious spec conversations, assume closer to 12–15. If you’re mostly scanning for trends and taking photos, you can push toward 18–25—but only if you’re not backtracking and you’re strict about timeboxing. Crowds and demos can slow you down, so build buffer time into your plan.

Is it better to do Kitchen first or Bath first?

Pick based on your decision load:

  • Go Kitchen-first if you need to confirm constraints (appliances, ventilation, cabinetry systems, rough-ins). Those conversations take more focus, and they’re easier when you’re fresh.

  • Go Bath-first if you’re comparing look-and-feel details (vanity storage, finishes, shower trim, lighting). Bath is more tactile and visual, and it’s easier to evaluate quickly once you have a baseline.

If you’re only there one day, choose the route that will remove the most uncertainty for your current projects.

What should I prioritize if I’m mainly looking for “smart” innovations?

Prioritize systems you can trust, not just flashy demos:

  1. Smart home + water management (leak detection, shutoff, monitoring)

  2. Connected fixtures with a clear service story (what breaks, how it’s fixed, parts turnaround)

  3. Software that saves time (rendering, quoting, measurement workflows)

And always ask the two questions that reveal everything: “What happens if Wi-Fi drops?” and “Who supports this when it fails?”

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