The International Housewares Association (IHA) is making changes to the length and layout for the next show in 2024, held at McCormick Place in Chicago.
After feedback from both retailers and exhibitors, the IHA has decided to reduce the Inspired Home Show from four to three days and will now start on Sunday 17 March to Tuesday 19 March 2024.
The majority of exhibitors and retailers indicated on recent surveys and in discussions that three full days at the show is sufficient with business being more concentrated over that timeframe, says IHA president and CEO, Derek Miller.
“Making the move from four days to three full days will not only make the show more productive and dynamic but will also reduce costs for both the exhibitor and retail audiences, something frequently cited throughout discussions,” he explains.
There will also be changes to the layout of the show with all sectors moved to the North and South Halls of the venue including Wired +Well, Clean + Contain, Dine + Décor, Travel Gear + Luggage and the International Sourcing Expo. Additionally, Discover Design will no longer be a category by itself and will be disbursed with current exhibitors being placed within their appropriate categories.
“IHA is listening to what key retailers and exhibitors said about the effectiveness of the show and it is doing everything to put on a first-class global show,” says Bill Endres, president of exhibitor Select Brands.
“Moving out of Lakeside is a chance to address changes that will be beneficial to the show layout and to the retailers. Things change and you need to adapt.”
Jacob Maurer, CEO, Americas at The Cookware Company, agrees, adding that retailers spend a fair amount of time walking the show so condensing it is a good thing.
“We’re excited about the adjacencies offered to companies like ours that are in multiple categories. Retailers will be able to circle back more efficiently as needed,” he says.
“The show will be more active, which is a real positive.”
Coming out of Covid, the 2022 show was very successful but certainly smaller than the 2019 event, Miller concludes.
“As the 2023 show built upon the previous year’s success with large increases in the number of exhibitors and retail attendees, there is no doubt that the trajectory for the show is extremely positive.
“The changes being made will be a further propellent to create a trade show that is more productive, highly efficient and tremendously successful for the entire industry.”
