5 minute read
Inspired Home Show
Derek Miller, president & CEO, International Housewares Association – the team behind The Inspired Home Show – tells us what they have in store for the 2023 event in Chicago
Ready to be inspired
What? The Inspired Home Show | Where? Chicago, USA | When? 4-7 March, 2023
Firstly, sum up the most recent Inspired Home Show 2022, what is good to be back? The Inspired Home Show 2022 was very successful. Although the number of exhibitors and attendees was down compared to pre-pandemic levels, the very high quality of companies that did participate made the show a success. Key buyers and exhibitors reported that they had longer and more meaningful meetings, which were very much needed – being able to meet faceto-face and to see the wide breath of the industry after a two-year absence solidified the value of the Show.
With regards to the upcoming 2023 show in March, you are now accepting exhibitor applications how is take-up thus far? Space applications for The Inspired Home Show 2023 were sent to previous exhibitors and prospects in May. Although it is still early in the application and space assignment process, submissions are equivalent to pre-pandemic levels, which is very positive news. Product suppliers interested in exhibiting at the show in 2023 should can learn more by visiting the show’s website.
The kitchenware market is very well represented at The Inspired Home Show, tell us what we can expect for 2023? As economic concerns take hold, consumers will once again rely on home cooking and entertaining for not only day-to-day but for celebrations and holidays, which is very positive for our industry. Our exhibitors will meet this need by introducing new and innovative products for the kitchen and the table.
What about tabletop, is that a growing segment for the show and is representation strong? Tabletop, as a consumer need, is going through a number of changes based on lifestyle evolution. High-end, luxury tableware still has a place for formal occasions, but there are fewer of those occasions
and more casual gatherings that require a different type of place setting. Even a consumer audience that is in the market for luxury is likely to also look to melamine for outdoor/ summertime entertaining. According to the IHA/ HomePage News Consumer Outlook Survey, mix-andmatch is commanding a lot of attention from consumers who entertain in a myriad of ways – flexibility is an important component, as is ease of maintenance. The segment grows as more and more suppliers recognize this and align their product lines with the desires of the consumer.
Tell us about some of the exhibitors in dine + décor? We are still receiving exhibit space applications, so much more to come on this front! But to-date we are delighted to welcome back many of our exhibiting companies that were unable to travel to Chicago in 2022 due to Covid. Lifetime is back, and if we look at just tableware and US companies specifically, Gibson and Cambridge Silversmiths will be there, as well as for example Prima Design, TAG, Over And Back, BIA Cordon Bleu and Certified International, to name a few. Many of the exhibitors that were unable to come out in 2022 have new and fantastic product lines to show off in 2023!
There is an enormous amount happening at The Inspired Home Show from the Pantone ColorWatch through to the gia Awards – has anything been confirmed for the next show yet? The Inspired Home Show lives up to its name by offering not only inspiring products in exhibitors’ booths but also through displays and educational offerings. Again in 2023, the Show will open with the New Exhibitor Preview and Trending Today exhibits to give attendees a sneak peek into what’s new and exciting. The Pantone Colorwatch Display will again provide attendees with an inspiring look at color trends that will impact consumer purchases in the year that follows. The gia Global Innovation Awards displays will continue to showcase the very best new products in 13 different categories alongside award-winning retail concepts from over 30 countries. Several keynote presentations will again deliver market and trend data, and the Cooking Theater will entertain attendees with upclose and personal experiences with celebrity chefs and the products used to create culinary delights. And, the Smart Home and the Inventors’ Corner displays also offer attendees the ability to meet with brands and designers offering products featuring the latest technology and innovative designs.
What would you say to both kitchenware and tabletop exhibitors who are unsure of “In terms of UK and European representation at the show, is it worth buyers local to those territories attending The Inspired Home Show?”
The Inspired Home Show has a very large collection of exhibitors from over 50 countries, showcasing thousands of new products each March. In this time of shipping and logistical delays, product and vendor diversification has become critically important. As such, visiting the show has distinct strategic advantages – retailers can source products that differ from their competition while also building relationships with new brands to guarantee a continual supply of products. And, with the show being the homebase for US brands, Chicago is where buyers will find the full representation of products on display, rather than just a select few taken to other international fairs.
whether they should attend The Inspired Home Show? The Inspired Home Show is the best opportunity to meet with buyers from over 125 countries with very strong attendance from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the rest of Latin America. As the Show is a reference point for global retailers looking for the very best home + housewares products, it’s important to be part of this inspiring marketplace. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be seen by the international buying community!
www.theinspiredhomeshow.com
