Newsflash: the Kitchen, Bath & Reno Show has a new name. The show -- which is now run by Vancouver-based Marketplace Events -- is now known as the Winnipeg Renovation Show. However, while the show's title has changed, its focus hasn't, said Jill Kivett, Western Canada regional event co-ordinator for Marketplace Events.
"Actually, the biggest change to the show is its name," said Kivett. "While the Winnipeg Renovation Show will encompass all things renovations, its focus will still be big on kitchen and bath renovations. Running home shows is what we do -- we run 13 shows across Canada and 30 in the United States. We believe having our expertise behind the show will make it that much better."
One key area in which the show, running Jan. 15-17 at the RBC Convention Centre, will be greatly improved is accessibility and affordability of show tickets. For the first time, people will be able to purchase tickets online at winnipegrenovationshow.com where adult tickets are $9.
"And there's an incentive to do that. When you buy tickets online, you'll get $3 off each ticket. Seniors over 60 will also be able to get into the show for $5 between noon and 5 p.m. on Friday, January 15," said Kivett.
Those improvements aside, the show's format will remain largely the same. Popular features such as Ask a Renovator and Ask a Decorator will run as per usual, while the Lifestyle Stage is once again a venue where show-goers can gather to assimilate all kinds of renovation-related information from industry experts.
The Manitoba Home Builders' Association (MHBA) is still involved in the show as title sponsor of Ask a Renovator.
"There will be two to three RenoMark certified renovators on hand at any given time, and people can bring them their plans, whether they're blueprints, or have been sketched out on cocktail napkins," said MHBA president Mike Moore.
Best of all, the 15 to 20-minute consultation is free, there's no commitment to hire the renovator and the source of the advice is totally trustworthy. "The overall idea is to steer people in the right direction with good tips that will help them avoid disaster," said Moore. "Best of all, folks can rest easy knowing our renovators have verified experience and credentials, and aren't just a guy who owns a pickup truck and some tools."
More great advice -- this time on interior decor -- will also be available at the Ask a Decorator booth and on the Lifestyle Stage.
"Inclusive Design Group's Sherri Cowlthorp will be there to answer any interior design questions people might have," said Kivett. "And we'll have a wide range of presentations on our Lifestyle Stage on topics ranging from knob-and-tube wiring removal (Mr. Electric) to emerging trends in the window and door industry (Polar Windows), an anatomy of a renovation (All Canadian Renovations) and more. Our featured presenter, HGTV's Bryan Baeumler, will be speaking on getting your home renovation priorities in order."
Kivett added that Baeumler, who hosts shows such as Leave it to Bryan, Disaster DIY and House of Bryan -- is a real crowd pleaser. He'll take to the Lifestyle Stage at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday.
"He's a no-nonsense guy with a great sense of humour who just tells it like it is. I think people are really going to enjoy his wit, and his passion for doing quality renovation work."
Baeumler said he's looking forward to sharing his passion and knowledge with show-goers.
"I was in Winnipeg about five years ago, enjoyed my time there, and am really looking forward to the show," he said. "My priorities with any renovation project are safety first, then air quality, efficiency and longevity. The goal with every home renovation is that it should be done properly and built to last. I'll share some fun stories and do my best to answer any questions people might have."
For more information on the show, visit
winnipegrenovationshow.com.
lewys@mymts.net
