Following feedback from the industry, the International Housewares Association (IHA) has decided to move next year’s show dates to mid-week.
The 2026 Inspired Home Show will now be held from Tuesday 10 March to Thursday 12 March in Chicago, rather than the Sunday to Tuesday format that the current show follows.
“The decision to move the show to a Tuesday to Thursday schedule was made after polling the industry and having conversations with key constituents to determine the most desirable day pattern,” says IHA president and CEO Derek Miller.
“It was clear that there has been a shift in our culture and workforce that directly impacts when we must come to market.”
Stats from polling showed that 68 per cent of exhibitors and 84 per cent of key retailers wanted the change in dates.
Other recent changes to accommodate the evolving needs of participants include consolidating the show into two buildings and changing from a four-day to a three-day pattern during the 2024 show.
An earlier, advanced registration process was new for the 2025 show, along with the debut of the Travel Gear + Luggage Expo, the Candle Pavilion, created in partnership with the National Candle Association and the Pet Products Pavilion, created in partnership with the American Pet Products Association.
Dates for the following three years are 10 to 12 March 2026; 9 to 11 March 2027 and 7 to 9 March 2028.
“Each of these new developments helps to evolve and shape the show into an even more valuable marketplace for exhibitors, buyers and retailers.”
