The International Housewares Association (IHA) has announced a Tariff Relief Program to provide support and flexibility for companies interested in exhibiting at 2026’s The Inspired Home Show. The program includes discounted space rates, an extension of the early application deadline and payment flexibility for the 2026 Show (to be held March 10-12).
“With tariffs reshaping the consumer goods landscape, The Inspired Home Show offers a critical venue for gaining a competitive edge, finding sourcing alternatives and connecting with industry leaders,” said Derek Miller, IHA president & CEO. “The Tariff Relief Program is designed to alleviate barriers to participation as the 2026 Show may be one of the most important yet for housewares suppliers to navigate shifting market dynamics and connect face-to-face with the buying community.”
Central to the Tariff Relief Program is a discount of $4 per square foot – approximately 17 per cent – on exhibit space for members (this is on top of a previously announced rate freeze from 2025). The new discount will be applied to all member exhibiting companies, whether they’ve already signed up and/or paid for the 2026 Show or if they apply in coming months.
In addition, the early application deadline of July 7, 2025 has been extended to July 21, 2025. As in years past, companies will still be able to apply after July 21 in the regular application period; however, there is a cost-savings and other benefits involved with membership and submitting early applications.
The third component of the relief plan involves payment flexibility. Some companies may choose to pay in full by July 21 with a full refund offered by August 29. However, there are also two payment plans that allow for staggered payments over the coming months. No matter which payment scenario a company chooses, the $4 per square foot discount will still apply.
Complete details on the application periods, deadlines and payment plans can be found on the Show website. Current or potential exhibitors may also be interested in a related FAQ document.
IHA’s Board of Directors and staff developed the new Tariff Relief Program to help members and the industry during this turbulent period.
“Fortunately, IHA is in solid fiscal health, having rebuilt financial reserves through careful management to a level just under where we were in 2019 before the pandemic,” said Miller. “This has allowed us to adjust and provide additional support to members in these uncertain economic times.”
In recent months, IHA has introduced several initiatives to help members navigate tariffs, including educational webinars, advocacy campaigns and partnerships. All of these initiatives, in addition to a wide variety of sourcing and other resources, are available on IHA’s Tariff Resources page.
IHA’s upcoming executive networking and education conference – Chief Housewares Executive SuperSession or CHESS – will also focus on navigating tariffs and global sourcing issues. This event, which will be held October 7-8, 2025, will include a variety of education sessions tackling timely topics involving more responsive supply chains, workforce optimization, and the latest retail and consumer intelligence.
