events calendAr
Join us for insightful discussions and get opportunities to connect with industry professionals. Discover our upcoming events and mark your calendars today.
July 2025
DESIGN DIALOGUES
Demystifying Ventilation for Outdoor Kitchens
July 23 at 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT
VIRTUAL | PANEL
Panelists include LeAnne Guyer from Shady Oak Distributing and Owen Jansen from CaptiveAire
Venting an outdoor kitchen may sound like an impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be. This expert-led panel will break down the fundamentals of outdoor ventilation, starting with a clear definition of what qualifies as “outdoors” in the context of design and code. We will explore when ventilation is necessary, how to optimize its effectiveness, and the key factors to consider when selecting a vent hood for your space. Plus, our panelists will share practical design tips and expert insights to help you create a well-ventilated, safe, and high-performing outdoor kitchen.
AUGUST 2025
DESIGN DIALOGUES
Indoor vs. Outdoor Kitchen Fundamentals
August 20 at 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT
VIRTUAL | WEBINAR
Presented by Jessica Love, Principal at Urbane Design Studio
Outdoor kitchen design starts with understanding the fundamentals. While many of the principles that guide indoor kitchen design carry over to the outdoors, there are key differences that every designer should recognize. In this session, we sit down with an experienced interior designer to explore what truly sets the two environments apart. From layout considerations and material choices to user experience and environmental factors, this conversation will provide a clear framework to help kitchen designers confidently expand their expertise beyond the walls of the home
September 2025
DESIGN DIALOGUES
DESIGNING WITH FLAVOR
September 9 at 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT
VIRTUAL | PANEL
Panelists include Elizabeth Baxter; and Faith Ford, Kitchen Garden Consultant at Floracotta
Good design makes life easier and, in this case, more delicious. Integrating a kitchen garden into your outdoor plans not only encourages clients to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce, but also enhances the overall outdoor cooking experience. In this panel, we will hear from a group of experts and enthusiasts who design, maintain, and cook from edible gardens of all scales. From compact herb gardens to expansive fruit and vegetable plots, they will share practical tips, design considerations, and lessons learned to help your clients harvest with ease and take joy in the food they grow themselves.
CEU
NKBA OUTDOOR LIVING SUMMIT: ELEVATING OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN
September 23 at 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT
VIRTUAL
Presented by Ashley Smith, Director of Architect and Designer Partnerships
We are proud to once again be participating in the NKBA Outdoor Living Summit, where we will be presenting our accredited course Elevating Outdoor Kitchen Design. This course builds on the principles explored in Winning Outdoor Kitchen Design to help design professionals understand the evolving trends and best practices in outdoor kitchen design. It focuses on three key areas: the existing landscape, the architectural style, and the human element. Learn how to create sophisticated, functional spaces that prioritize client comfort and ensure long-term durability.
OCTOBER 2025
CONFERENCE
ASLA 2025 BEYOND BOUNDARIES: CONFERENCE ON LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
October 10-13
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA
Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet and Urban Bonfire are proud to be part of the 2025 ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture, themed Beyond Boundaries. This year’s gathering in New Orleans celebrates the role of landscape architects in shaping resilient, forward-thinking solutions that transcend traditional physical, cultural, and environmental barriers.
