More than 51,000 industry professionals lined up to enter the 2004 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show at McCormick Place in Chicago on April 2-4. They came in search of inspiring design ideas, emerging trends, innovative technologies, and the scoop on the latest must-have appliances for creating the dream kitchens and baths of tomorrow.

Thousands of designers, architects, distributors, dealers, retailers and press shopped the show floor, viewing new products and futuristic prototypes from household brands such as Kohler, Maytag, American Standard, Whirlpool, Sub-Zero/Wolf, Viking Range, Broan-NuTone, G.E. Appliances, Grohe, Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath, Price-Pfister, Toto, Dacor, Delta, Haier America, Bosch, Thermador, Gaggenau and nearly 850 more.

"The National Kitchen & Bath Association's Kitchen/Bath Industry Show (K/BIS) has turned into a can't-miss event," said NKBA President-Elect Jeffrey Cannata, CKD, CBD. "As a long time member of NKBA, I am proud to be affiliated with such a wonderful event. K/BIS is the best source not just for educational opportunities, but it is also the only kitchen and bath specific trade show that our industry has to offer."

According to Cory Smith, group vice president of VNU Expositions, "K/BIS 2004 was a huge success. This show had it all, from Internet refrigerators, air-dry showers, and self-cleaning toilets, to the hottest new trends, colors and must-haves for the kitchen and bath. All of our speakers and special guests were well informed and right on target. We know our move to Las Vegas next year will create even more energy and excitement."

Among the attendees were home improvement gurus, celebrity chefs, authors, and leading kitchen and bath designers.

Keynote speaker Alton Brown shared his lively thoughts on the future of kitchen design on April 2. According to Brown, "K/BIS is the most thorough and interesting show in the industry. The people here are passionate and pay attention to detail."

This conference line-up also included Michael Payne, host of HGTV's "Designing for the Sexes"; Tom Silva, general contractor on "This Old House"; Hilda Santo-Tomas of "Trading Spaces"; Ed Barlow, president of Creating the Future, Inc.; Doug Lipp, internationally acclaimed expert on customer service, leadership and global competitiveness; and Gary Uhl, Robin Levien and Marc Sadler from American Standard, who provided a state-of-the-industry address.

In addition, Thom Filicia, design guru of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," was on site doing demonstrations at the Electrolux and Frigidaire booths; designer Michael Graves was signing lithographs at the Delta Faucet Booth in honor of his new collection; Dom Deluise held a press conference at the Samsung booth; Martin Yan from "Yan Can Cook" was cooking up a storm at the GE booth; Jacques Haeringer was baking at the Thermador booth, and supermodel Vendela and contestants from "America's Next Top Model" were washing delicates shown on the runway at the Bosch booth.

Trend-watchers on the show floor saw examples of "Hidden Appliances," as kitchen spaces opened up and required quieter appliances, built-ins and an overall blended look. Attendees also saw "The Dirty New Room," or the laundry room moving on up, closer to the bedroom than the garage and looking more like an office than a mudroom. Those attending took a glimpse at "Lav Luxe," over-the-top showerheads, power jets, strategic lighting, designer toilets, sculptured sinks and exotic faucets.

K/BIS' New Product Pavilion was a "must-see" exhibit, with a selective display of recent breakthrough products. Displays were reviewed and judged by attendees to determine the New Product Award. Julien Sinks won the award for the Best Kitchen Product and Great John Toilet won the award for the Best Bath Product.

For additional information on this year's show and KBIS 2005, visit www.kbis.com.