Boban John
LAS VEGAS, NV — On February 25, the Westgate Hotel and Casino’s Paradise Events Center was ground-zero for the start of Design & Construction Week 2025, the 12th annual co-location of the National Home Builders Association’s International Builders Show, and the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.
The opening ceremonies, sponsored by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, took as their inspiration a quote from German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, “Architecture is frozen music.” Introductory speakers compared the building of a house to the composition and performance of a piece of music, with the architect the composer, the skilled trades as various members of the orchestra, and project managers and estimators working as conductors.
Speakers included members of the NAHB and NKBA boards Kerrie Kelly (Creative Director for Kerrie Kelly Design Lab), Johnathan Krieger (VP Sales and Marketing Fabuwood Cabinetry), Kevin Rupert (NAHB Meetings Chair) and others. During the introduction, musical interludes were performed by The Earth Harp Collective.
The 2025 Design & Construction Week promises to be one of the largest in the event history, with IBS offering more than 1,800 exhibitors and KBIS more than 700. Educational offerings abound, including product demos on the show floor, as well as the NKBA’s “Voices From the Industry” series offered in six learning tracks.
Networking opportunities will include the IBS House Party, The Young Pro Party, the Global Connect Lounge at the International Pavillion, “The Bash” party on Wednesday, and the closing night concert on Thursday.
Speeches from the Chairs
Eduardo Cosentino, Chair of the NKBA spoke to the assembled crowd, commending them on their passion for innovation and design. He referred to the challenges of the 2024 market, but said NKBA members took the time to position themselves for opportunities ahead, and he looked with optimism towards 2025.
Cosentino spoke briefly about the activities of the association, including the ongoing partnership with the Skilled Labor Fund. He conclude by inviting the assembled to, “join with us in shaping the future.”
Later, Carl Harris, Chair of the NAHB took the stage to welcome attendees, saying that the organization was passionately advocating for its members with the new presidential administration, as well as in the halls of Congress. He urged attendees to take advantage of all the opportunities the shows presented for learning, networking, and enjoying themselves. “This show,” Harris said, “is all about you.”
Keynote
Harris then invited comedian, film and television star David Spade to give the keynote speech.
Spade was welcomed with warm applause, and in his opening confessed, “I’ve never done an 8:00 AM show before.”
In a 25 minute standup performance, Spade joked about talking to people in elevators, how difficult it can be to find your way around a Las Vegas hotel, and the perils of airplane travel, while at times sparring with the unfortunate person trying to keep him in the spotlight during his performance.
Finally, Spade, Harris and Cosentino joined on stage to officially open the show, to enthusiastic applause.
