0 Likes
As the world emerges from the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, trade events and fairs are witnessing a resurgence of in-person participation, emphasizing the unparalleled value of tactile experiences. Derek Miller, the President & CEO of the International Housewares Association, speaks to us about the shifting dynamics of The Inspired Home Show, highlighting its role as the hub of innovation in housewares. With significant changes in store for 2024, including a more focused format and dedicated areas for new products, the Show is poised to further cement its place as an essential destination for international buyers and a gateway for exhibitors aiming to tap into North American markets. Dive into this interview to understand the future of trade events, and why Chicago remains the heart of housewares inspiration.
In your opinion, what has changed since the last Show before COVID? Do you see any changes concerning the exhibitors or visitors?
Buyers have realized the importance of face-to-face meetings and are again supporting trade events. Although digital meetings can be effective, they cannot replace the value of meeting in-person, especially when products are involved. The tactile feel of a product’s size, weight, and texture cannot be truly sensed over the internet. Actually seeing a product within a display provides a greater sense of understanding.
And attending a trade show allows the visitor to get a greater sense for the industry at large – seeing new and emerging companies for the first time and how they measure up to the leading companies from a given category can’t be replaced through an internet search.
Why should international buyers visit The Inspired Home Show?
The home + housewares industry is quite large and is not fully represented at any one fair. By attending The Inspired Home Show in Chicago, buyers have the opportunity to see exhibitors that don’t participate in European or Asian fairs as well as the full assortment or products from U.S. suppliers. Visiting exhibitors in Chicago to find new sources and innovative new products give international buyers the ability to greatly diversify their assortment with products not yet available within their own market.
Also, in addition to what can be found at the Show, Chicago is a great destination for housewares retail benchmarking. Leading home and housewares retailers such as Williams Sonoma, Crate and Barrel, Sur La Table and The Container Store all have Chicago flagship stores where international visitors to the Show are able to discover innovative merchandising and store branding, superior customer service and unique ideas. Every year, we receive very positive comments from international retailers about how inspiring the stores are and how it is a must for them to see what’s new in retail in the U.S.
What are the plans/the modifications for the upcoming fair in 2024?
There will be exciting changes to the Show in 2024. The IHA board of directors has listened closely to the needs of the industry and has made several changes to create the most productive experience possible.
The Show will be three full days, Sunday through Tuesday, and the three main expos – Dine + Décor, Clean + Contain, and Wired + Well – will be located within the two main halls of McCormick Place. This new format will create a trade show experience that is more productive, highly efficient and tremendously successful for the industry.
The Show will continue to offer dedicated destinations to help buyers find new products. In addition to the gia Global Innovation Award display that highlights award-winning products, two New Products Showcases will highlight new and innovation products found throughout the Show. Additionally, the Smart Home Pavilion will feature internet-of-things innovations, and the Inventor’s Corner will feature new concepts, ideas and products about to launch into the industry.
Special networking events, including networking receptions & retail tours, and educational programs, including keynotes & other content-rich presentations will also be offered. These value-added experiences allow attendees to benefit not only from meetings on the Show floor but throughout their stay in Chicago.
How do you see The Inspired Home Show’s role in the medium term?
Many international buyers visit the Show every year, or at least every two years, as they see Chicago is THE place to find innovation, especially for kitchenware products. We continually receive positive comments about the products found being colorful, fashionable, fun – and what’s most important, functional. This role, being the place to find innovation and inspiration, we feel will only strengthen in the future, with companies looking to differentiate their offering from their competition.
On the exhibitor side, the Show is the key gateway, not only to the home and housewares market in the USA, but also to Canada and Latin America, providing great opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers interested in these markets.
Your email address will not be published.
