Italian show for furniture components and accessories SICAM invited the NKBA Global Connect to attend its event in Pordenone.

The show attracted 9,243 visitors from 113 countries, who saw 692 exhibitors from 34 countries.

It follows on from the Italian federation of wood, cork, furniture, lighting, and furnishing industries, FederlegnoArredo joining the NKBA Global Connect program.

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The NKBA Global Connect business development team hosted a cocktail event and presentation for companies on the North American kitchen and bath industry (KBIS) at SICAM

The strategic alliance between NKBA and SICAM has been created to foster an appreciation for the components that go into the making of European kitchen and bath furnishings.

According to NKBA, European furniture is a “significant and growing” segment of the North American kitchen and bath market.

It includes categories such as interior furniture lighting, functional and decorative hardware, engineered surfaces and laminate materials.

SICAM invited its exhibitors, interested in the North American kitchen and bath market, to apply for the opportunity to be a stop on the buyers’ tour.

Vetted and selected by a group of experts, the buyers met with 35 exhibitors, one of the manufacturers had attended the show previously, and only 30% had ever done business with any of the companies at the expo.

NKBA Global Connect Buyers’ Tour guests were hosted by NKBA Global Connect Advisor and founder of Material Intelligence and Climate Positive Now Kenn Busch, principal of the Closet Training Institute and closet organisation expert Eric Marshall and NKBA Global Connect Consultant Sherry Qualls, who shared insights on surfacing and decorative hardware components.

NKBA Global President and CEO Bill Darcy presented a session on North American market conditions, sponsored by SICAM and NKBA Global Connect, welcoming 120 people.

Rounding out the program, five buyers were invited to participate in a panel discussion, moderated by NKBA SVP of strategic growth Heather Shannon who shared the intricacies and realities of doing business in North America.

Bill Darcy also hosted a dinner for other Strategic Alliance Partners attending SICAM, to build connections and drive awareness for the global kitchen and bath industry.

The week ended with a factory visit to cabinet hardware manufacturer and NKBA TitusPlus (aka Titus Tool Co.) at its Slovenian location.

Darcy commented: “We believe Global Connect can be part of your solution, help close the gap in your exports and help to strengthen your businesses overall,”

“The entire K&B market stands to benefit from your expansion to North America. Through the Global Connect platform, we help reduce risk and make connections in the market to foster your success.

“This platform is designed to build partnerships with trade groups, associations and organisations and their member brands to come together to address common problems, meet common needs, and accomplish common goals — all for the betterment and growth of the global K&B industry.”