President of the International Housewares Association, Derek Miller, has said he and his team are “excited” for the 2021 Inspired Home Show to make its summer debut in August this year.

Traditionally the show takes place in March however it was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid-19 and postponed to August this year.

In a recent letter to the industry, Mr Miller said the pandemic brought challenges but also presented opportunities for the homewares industry with “consumer spending on housewares products increasing dramatically”.

As with many trade organisations, the IHA turned towards its digital capabilities to communicate with the industry.

“IHA staff have been working hard on updating Housewares Connect 365 to help with product and brand discovery throughout the year,” he stated. “Related to these efforts, IHA has just signed an agreement with Brandwise to add B2B e-commerce capabilities to our updated and expanded industry marketplace. And virtual events offering rich educational content and buyer-seller connection opportunities are planned for March. Watch your inboxes closely as we’ll be releasing full details about each of these programs in the coming days!”

Mr Miller said the IHA has been conducting virtual meetings across the board from its Chief Officers Reaching Excellence (CORE) meetings to IHA’s International Business Council which conducted its first virtual Global Forum in September 2020, which successfully provided connections between our members and key international buyers.

“Again, as the pandemic upended business models, we were able to bring much-needed clarity around conducting international business to the industry. Connections will continue in 2021 with the next virtual Global Forum being scheduled to take place in May,” he added.

Mr Miller added that the IHA’s Government Affairs programs continued to provide guidance on the ongoing tariff war and timely information on US government programs available to assist businesses during the pandemic.

However, he said “most importantly”, come summer The Inspired Home Show 2021 will take place from August 7-10.

“This 123rd edition of the show will be the first and the most important opportunity for our industry to once again gather in Chicago. We are simply stronger when we are together – the show will showcase new brands & products, bring industry colleagues and friends back together and provide countless opportunities to discover new trends & business partners.”

www.theinspiredhomeshow.com

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