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It seems like a good part of my (editorial) year has been monopolized by and with coverage of both BlogTour Vegas and its supporting sponsors. Ten posts in total << there are certainly some great stories there. BlogTour Vegas paid for my trip to KBIS and KBIS (or the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show) was part of the first ever Design & Construction Week.

It was a goal to attend this year.

Being involved with a sponsor(s) allowed me to also take/bring my (sometimes way more than I would hope) “silent” partner – Barry Morgan. His assignment, and since I would be so singularly focused on KBIS, was to provide coverage on the International Builders Show, aka IBS – also part of Design & Construction Week. (Please also see, past coverage from IBS here on Building Moxie.)

I want to tell you that I learned a lot, connected with many and really came away with a year-making experience. Already. I mean – it was good, and I did get to see some old friends and I made some new. It was a special honor to be included in this BlogTour. The group itself had the unique privilege of judging the Best of KBIS. You can find those winners, here.

My First Time in Vegas

I had never been to Vegas and Vegas was certainly a bucket list type thing.  Following the Facebook page, you saw pictures from the top of the Vegas strip (thanks out to Poggenpohl & Sub-Zero Wolf). But at the same time, you didn’t see me body rockin’ the open-air XS Nightclub. For my week, I also got to watch the Super Bowl at Caesars Palace (at least part of it) and I got to experience the Bellagio’s foundations for the first time. I had a cocktail inside, yes – inside one of the world’s largest chandeliers and saw a great exhibit of Liberace’s wears – Costume to Candelabra.

But other than those few distractions, almost every moment, well, I was on the clock – being carted (often in style) from this event to that appointment. Sure, it makes for decent content for the blog, and yes – I had yet another media event just last week (a day-trip tour of Ames Tools Camp Hill, PA HQ), but really – I worked.

And so did Barry.

Barry in the room @ the Cosmo

From what I can remember of D&C Week, a blur, really – it was a huge success.  And though I have never personally attended either of these trade shows (IBS or KBIS) – I couldn’t help but feel the pairing was a great move for both the Shows. That is – for anyone involved in any type of home-related business. Certainly worth attending.

I was able to squeeze out a few free hours on not only the KBIS, but also on the IBS floor. And I do have a little love for the final few bits and brochures that were still riding in the bottom of my briefcase.

(For my initial post on Design & Construction Week, if I didn’t link above, here >> BlogTour Vegas @KBIS.)

News from Design & Construction Week :: The Bottom of the Briefcase Edition (In a Good Way)

* Clopay’s Black Garage Door

“America’s Favorite Garage Door” releases a black garage door this year.  As I understand it, this was quite an engineering feat. From the company, “Painting a steel door black used to be a no-no, but new thermal reflective “cool paint” technology reduces heat absorption and retention, making hot surfaces and thermal bowing a thing of the past.”

* Lowe’s Partners with Porch.com

“Delivery the Total Home Improvement Solution.” From the company, “If a Lowe’s customer needs a pro for a service Lowe’s does not currently offer, employees can access the Porch network of pros on their mobile devices and in-store terminals to identify local providers. The convenience of this integration will allow employees and customers to work together to find the right local pros for the job.”

* Progress Lighting’s Flush Mount LED

This new flush mount LED “recessed lighting” option is, we felt – pretty much a game changer. A long-lasting, low-heat LED … in the low-profile, ultra-popular recessed look. It mounts in a can or can be wired directly into a standard junction box.

* Home Advisor’s Design Mine 

Per the company, “An inspirational and collaboration tool homeowners can use to create and share personalized design boards. When the homeowners is ready to bring their vision to life, they are matched with pre-screened professional who fit their style.”

* Cambria is American-Made

Cambria’s booth on the KBIS-side just wowed. The American flag emblazoned throughout out knocked home the point that this quartz product is American-made. An ipad, iphone app lets you easily browse the product palette.

* Isenberg’s Bathroom in a Box

Per the company, “All essential fixtures needed in one bathroom, packed in a single heavy-duty- box. The “Bathroom in Box” proposition is a revolution and innovative concept for home builders designed to make the buying experience easy, independent and quick.”

* Wellborn Cabinet’s Whole Home Design Solutions

While not technically part of the “whole home solution”, this turquoise baking station certainly was an attention grabber.

* Blum Perfecting Motion

You may not know them, but Blum was featured inside many of the cabinets and drawers we saw on the KBIS floor. Great storage and a great story, but gotta tell ya – the drawer glides and lifts with integrated electric Servo-Drives make touch-open, and in some cases touch-close, a dream come true. It’s about better design through cabinet hardware. Who would have thunk?

* Lamps Plus Color + Plus, Karran (undermount & apron sinks), GreenSkin (building envelop seals), Wedi (tile backing systems), GEOS (recycled glass surfaces)

Sorry just had to blurt a few.

* Scripps Networks (HGTV & the DIY Network)

Love their tagline – “Home is Where Life Happens.” HGTV was making a push too on their Professional Network maintaining a hospitality lounge on the Show’s second floor.

* Moen Celebrates 75 Years of Warm Water

Did you know that Moen is credited with creating the mixing value? The device that gives us a blend of warmed water from a single handle and/or spigot? This led to a strong propensity through the years for single-handle faucet design. For an interesting video about the company’s history, “Just Warming Up” >> The Moen Story.

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That’s about all I have. Design & Construction Week 2014 was exhausting and reporting on it has been time consuming. ha! But I’d love to do it again.

Leaving you with just a few more images from the Week. Thanks.  ~jb

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