What the Heck Is a Kitchen Expo? And Why Should I go?

Kitchen expositions have a bad rep.  They can be cheesy, overwhelming, and horrible if you've never been to one before.  But I'm planning to go to a series of ones that are coming to my area in the southeastern U.S.  Why?  Well, back when I was just microwaving chicken "fingers"  (what genetically-modified chickens have fingers for goodness sake?) I didn't need the type of kitchen cutlery and cookware that I need today when much of what I buy is at local markets and isn't available in frozen, precooked and easy to heat up and swallow forms.

Most kitchen expos have everything AND the kitchen sink (can't help it, you walked into that one) and this makes picking one that best fits your needs challenging.

The first thing to consider is there are different strokes for diff'rent folks-- not every kitchen expo is created equal.  There are weekend shows (regional, cross-country, or local) or they can be in showrooms with a permanent retail location.

Typically, the weekend shows have the latest and greatest, best products, and they have a variety of product lines to make it more of a one-stop shop.  The weekend shows can put you in direct contact with the manufacturer so you might get better prices because you're cutting out the middle man.

Keep your needs in check.  Know what you want before you go in.  Write down questions so you don't become the victim of too much visual stimulation and clam up while wandering aimlessly.  Find out who's going to be at the expo and visit their websites before you go, check out any professional services providers as well-- knowing which to avoid and which looks good.

You'll get, at a minimum, at a kitchen expo:
1) A place to meet and exchange info and talk to other consumer/customers.
2) A preview of upcoming trends and products.
3) Free workshops
4)  Hands-on experience with products
5)  New products and information about trends in those products
6) Access to trade pros who will answer your questions.

I highly recommend the National Kitchen and Bath Association's Web site, www.nkba.org.  You'll see samples of products such as newest in cabinets and counters, displays of windows, kitches, appliances, and furnishings for the kitchen.  Just remember to come prepared so it isn't too overwhelming.