Giftguide chats to Derek Miller, CEO and president of the International Housewares Association, about the upcoming Show and what buyers can expect to find.

What can you tell us about the 2024 edition of The Inspired Home Show?

The Inspired Home Show 2024 will continue to build upon the success of the 2023 edition with new and returning exhibitors showcasing their latest products and innovations. More than 1,500 exhibitors from over 50 countries will participate in one of four primary expos―Dine + Décor, Wired + Well, Clean + Contain and International Sourcing. 

The Show will be three full days, 17 to 19 March and will take place at Chicago’s McCormick Place convention centre. Additional information about the Show including badge registration and hotel reservations can be found online.

Are there any new additions to the Show you can tell us about?

The greatest change for the 2024 Show is that the Wired + Well Expo will be moving into the North Hall to co-locate with the Clean + Contain Expo. Positioning the Show’s three primary expos, which also includes Dine + Décor, together in the North and South Halls will bring the industry’s core categories together into one central location, making it much easier and more efficient to navigate with quick trips between two halls now being possible. The concentration of exhibitors will create a more dynamic experience for all who attend―the announcement has been very positively received by both exhibitors and the buying community.

Tell us about the support you’ve received regarding next year’s Show. Are there a lot of returning exhibitors/new exhibitors?

Support for the Show has been very positive, especially with the planned changes. A few of the returning exhibitors confirmed for 2024 that missed the 2023 Show include Cuisinart, Scanpan, Joseph Joseph, Fissler, Corkcicle, Midea, Tramontina, Cool Gear, Stolze Lausitz Glassware and Range Kleen. Additionally, over 200 completely new exhibitors will make their debut at the Show for the very first time.

What can you attribute the success of The Inspired Home Show to?

The Inspired Home Show is operated by the International Housewares Association (IHA), which has the primary objective of bringing buyers and sellers together. We listen to the industry through exhibitor and attendee surveys and direct meetings with our three Retail Advisory Councils, the Exhibitor Trade Show Advisory Committee and the IHA Board of Directors to make sure that we continue to create the most vibrant, efficient and productive marketplace possible.

What makes a visit to The Inspired Home Show especially interesting for international buyers?

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 US suppliers. Visiting exhibitors in Chicago to find new sources and innovative new products give buyers the ability to greatly diversify their assortment with products not yet available in other markets.

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 US.

Where do you see The Inspired Home Show in the next five years?

The Show will continue to adapt and evolve as needed to meet industry needs and objectives. We are always looking out for new categories and new partners that align with our mission. The industry wants an efficient market and we aim to meet that need. 

Learn more about the Show and pre-register for your FREE entrance badge here.