By CAS (Argentine Chamber of Supermarkets)

Since 1939, the International Housewares Association (IHA) has brought together the home furnishings and household products community.

In 2024 The Inspired Home Show® will continue that tradition from March 17 to 19 at the McCormick Place Complex, in the city of Chicago, in the United States. When the show opens, more than 1,700 exhibitors will welcome buyers in a newly configured format, over three full days.

The Fair will open on Sunday the 17th and close on Tuesday, March 19th from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day.

One extra hour, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday will allow buyers and exhibitors to complete ongoing meetings at the end of the show.

The new design allows the Wired + Well Expo to move from the Lakeside Center to the North Hall, along with the Clean + Contain Expo.

Exhibits located in the Lakeside Center lobby, including the Smart Home Pavilion and Inventors Corner, will now be located in the north and south hallways. For its part, the International Supply Exhibition will return to Level 1 of the North Hall.

A more efficient format

“We are excited about the new configuration as it creates the most vibrant, productive and efficient trade show experience possible for buyers and sellers,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of IHA.

“The positioning of the three main exhibitions, which also includes Dine + Décor, together in the north and south pavilions, brings together the industry's main categories in one central location that is much easier and more efficient to navigate, as quick trips between two pavilions are now possible.”

Outstanding presences

Attending buyers will find novelties and innovation throughout the fair from 300 debuting and returning companies, of which more than 100 well-known brands return after an absence. These companies include Artland, BergHOFF, BSH Bosch, Cool Gear, Corkcicle, Cuisinart, Emile Henry, Fissler, J.K. Adams, Everplush-Tricol Clean, Jean Dubost, Joseph Joseph, Keurig/Dr. Pepper, Lotus Sustainables, Midea, Opinel, Range Kleen, Scan Pan, Stolzle Lausitz Glassware and Tramontina.

The new doesn't stop there, the show will feature thousands and thousands of new products from every homewares category along with various exhibitions, events and opportunities to find innovation and inspiration.

Inspiration for new products

• The new exhibitor preview gallery in the north and south halls will feature product displays showcasing new exhibitors, with signage identifying the company name and booth number.
• Debut, a new incubation program at Dine + Décor Expo booth S3262, allows buyers to interact with 12 exhibitors new to the show who are experiencing The Inspired Home Show for the first time.
• New product displays in the Buyers Clubs in the north and south pavilions feature new products from their respective exhibitions. Buyers and the media will be able to scan the products of interest and receive a printed copy to track their visit to the stand.
• The IHA Global Innovation Award for Excellence in Product Design is highlighted in a display at the Global Innovation Hall (family) in the Grand Concourse lobby. Seventy finalists are presented in 14 categories.
• First Look for Media is an exclusive search on Connect 365, the show's online directory, for media outlets to find new products from show exhibitors ahead of the event.

New perspectives through education

• The Inspiration Theater will offer educational sessions each show day in a new home in S101a, alongside Keynote sessions in S102, both on Level 1 of the South Building.
• Inventors Magazine will host daily programming, including “Pitch to the Pros” sessions in its new location on the South Hall exhibit floor, near booth S3565.

New Connections Through Networking

• Free lunch for buyers and media in the cafes in the North and South Halls.
• A Celebration of Independents – An invitation-only reception for independent retailers on Saturday, March 16.
• Home Goods Young Professionals Event (HYPE) – An annual networking event hosted by the Young Professionals Advisory Council, Sunday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the VU rooftop connected to McCormick Place.
• Global Innovation Awards Gala (family) – This invitation-only event on Sunday night recognizes and honors the best in home goods retail, product design and student innovation with the announcement of Global Honorees.
• Networking After Dark Reception – All buyers, media and International Business Council members are invited to continue Show discussions and network over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, Monday, 5:30 – 7 p.m. S100/Grand Ballroom, South Building.
• Homewares Charity Foundation Housewares Cares Gala – Honoring Herb Landsman, Executive Vice President (Retired) of The TJX Companies, Lifetime Humanitarian of the Year, and Kristen Stevens, Vice President/GMM of Home, Culinary and Electronics at QVC, Humanitarian of the Year. Tickets to support the charity and attend the gala, which will take place on Monday at 6 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel, are available online at HousewaresCharity.org.