Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Buyers and exhibitors at the 2019 International Home + Housewares Show will have several opportunities to network on and off the show floor, according to the event’s owner and operator International Housewares Association (IHA).
Nearly 60,000 visitors (including buyers from 130 countries) and more than 2,200 exhibitors are expected to attend the exhibition, which takes place from Saturday March 2 to Tuesday March 5 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex.
The exhibition will offer two pre-show events on Saturday morning. Buyers and the media will have exclusive opportunities to view products and meet exhibitors for two hours before the show opens, from, 8am at 10am, at the New Exhibitor Preview and the Trending Today Preview.
‘The New Exhibitor Preview will feature up to 90 first-time exhibitors from all show categories. The Trending Today Preview will feature up to 60 exhibitors and will focus on the specialty beverage movement, highlighting various craft beverage trends including coffee, beer, cocktails, tea and water, along with specialty glassware, accessories and cocktail kits.
In addition, several show-sponsored networking receptions will provide attendees with the chance to renew acquaintances or meet new colleagues and customers.
These include a Housewares Young Professional Event (HYPE) on Saturday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Young homeware and housewares professionals will be invited to join industry peers in a casual and lively setting. Guests are welcome to bring other young executives from the industry and enjoy cocktails and conversation. The event is hosted by IHA’s Young Professionals Advisory Council,
There is also a Toast to Trends reception in the Discover Design Expo at the same time on Saturday, which will allow attendees to mingle with Discover Design exhibitors. Discover Design will feature nearly 200 innovative and design-oriented companies and brands from all product categories, along with Design Debut, which allows 12 new-to-the-show exhibitors whose products demonstrate high design and innovation to experience the International Home + Housewares Show without having to create an entire display.
On Sunday, IHA is helping to encourage the next generation of housewares suppliers by bringing college students to the Show with an Experience Day. Last year, about 150 students from across the US took part.
On Monday, the Networking After Dark Reception from 5.30pm to 7.30pm will take place. This is a show party for US and international buyers on the theme of ‘The ’60s’ which will feature food, drink and music from the era. It is hosted by the International Business Council, a group of IHA members engaged in international business.
On Wednesday, a tour of Chicago will allow international visitors to visit leading stores in the area. The tour will begin with a complimentary continental breakfast and a presentation, offering an overview of the US retail scene. Throughout the day, the tour will stop off at a selection of homeware and housewares specialists in suburban Chicago. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. International attendees can register at www.housewares.org/show/retail-tour
Show information and free online pre-registration is available at www.housewares.org
To view all Show events, visit https://www.housewares.org/show/expos-experiences
