Bring KBIS to Chicago!

Get ready to dive into the excitement of KBIS right here in Chicago! This in-person event is the perfect chance to connect, explore the latest trends, and have a blast with fellow enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on the fun and inspiration that Bring KBIS to Chicago! has in store. See you there! Meet our 3 presenters below:

Elle H-Millard, CKD, CLIPP is a Creative Engineer redefining what luxury and inclusivity mean in the kitchen and bath industry. As Founder of Xperience LLC Designs, she works at the intersection of design, behavioral insight, and product strategy, helping brands and design professionals translate emerging human needs into market-ready innovation. A 2017 and 2018 NKBA Insider and host of the industry’s first kitchen and bath podcast, #KBTalks, Elle has long been a trusted voice shaping conversations across the profession. She has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Forbes, and Interior Design Magazine, and is known for identifying trends before they crystallize and translating them into actionable opportunity for manufacturers and the design community. Her work spans residential, commercial, and specialty wellness environments, with a focus on neurodiverse design, aging in place, and human-centered product development. Elle currently serves as the 2026 NKBA Indiana State Chapter President and was named Communications Chapter Leader of the Year at KBIS 2025. She is passionate about helping brands design with purpose, intelligence, and long-term relevance.

Paula Kennedy, CMKBD, CLIPP, CACC With 28 years of experience, Paula, founder of Timeless Kitchen Design L.L.C., is a passionate leader in kitchen and bath design. As a highly regarded Interior Designer, she holds certifications such as NKBA Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer, Certified Architectural Color Consultant, and Certified Living in Place Professional. Paula's expertise has earned her numerous awards and positions on the K+BB Magazine Advisory Council and as an NKBA Subject Matter Expert. She is actively involved in the industry through speaking, teaching, curriculum development, coaching, and writing, with a focus on creativity and wellness design. Paula’s commitment to inspiring others and advancing the field is evident in her dedication to design, coaching, and education, solidifying her reputation as a respected expert and thought leader in her profession.

Instagram: @paulakennedyckd

Vanessa DeKoekkoek is a Product Manager at Cyncly, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With a career that began as a kitchen and bath designer, Vanessa quickly transitioned to teaching design at the collegiate level. Since joining Cyncly (formerly 2020) in 2006, she has passionately shared her love for design and technology through hands-on training, continuing education, and driving the future of design software for kitchen and bath designers globally. Vanessa holds a Floor plans & Specifications Specialty Badge from NKBA and serves as a voting member on the NARI Education Committee (2020-2026). Her expertise has been showcased at design events such as Dwell on Design, NARI Annual Conference and Voices from the Industry (2016-2026), as well as through presentations for various NKBA and NARI chapters. Vanessa's work with design professionals worldwide underscores her commitment to advancing the field of kitchen and bath design through innovative software solutions and educational initiatives.

Social: @ designessa

*FORMAL EVENT SCHEDULE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON*

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