Overview of The Inspired Home Show
The Inspired Home Show, held annually in Chicago, USA, is the leading international exhibition for housewares and home goods. Formerly known as the International Home + Housewares Show, this event brings together thousands of retailers, buyers, manufacturers, and designers from around the world. Organized by the International Housewares Association (IHA), the show serves as a comprehensive platform for networking, product launching, trend discovery, and business growth in the home and housewares industry.
Venue details and location
The show takes place at McCormick Place, one of the largest and most modern convention centers in North America, located in Chicago, Illinois. McCormick Place offers exceptional facilities and logistics for hosting such a large-scale global event.
- Address: McCormick Place, 2301 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
- Access: The venue is easily accessible via public transportation, and it’s just a short drive from downtown Chicago and major airports like O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport.
Date and timing
The Inspired Home Show is typically held in March each year, with the next edition scheduled for March 2–4, 2025.
- Exhibition hours:
- March 2 (Sunday): 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- March 3 (Monday): 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- March 4 (Tuesday): 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Key product categories
The Inspired Home Show features a vast and diverse range of product categories tailored to various sectors of the home goods market. These include:
- Cook + Bakeware
- Smart Home + Electronics
- Home Décor + Furniture
- Cleaning + Organization
- Tabletop + Gourmet Housewares
- Kitchen Tools + Gadgets
- Home + Office Essentials
- Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Products
Visitor profile and footfall
Each year, the show attracts over 50,000 attendees from more than 130 countries, including:
- Major retailers and chain stores
- Independent and specialty retailers
- Designers and interior decorators
- Importers, distributors, and manufacturers
- E-commerce platforms and marketplaces
- Trade associations and industry media
The show presents a golden opportunity to connect with global decision-makers and industry influencers, opening doors to new markets and business ventures.
Exhibitor presence
The Inspired Home Show hosts over 2,000 exhibitors from around the world, showcasing innovative and high-quality products. Many of these brands use the platform to launch new collections, giving visitors a first look at upcoming trends and technologies.
Benefits of attending the show
Attending The Inspired Home Show offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- Global exposure to products and trends not yet available in local markets
- Networking opportunities with top-tier industry professionals
- Educational seminars and keynote sessions on marketing, design, consumer behavior, and innovation
- Trend galleries and specialty product displays to forecast upcoming styles
- Hands-on product demos and live cooking events
- Matchmaking programs connecting buyers with relevant suppliers
Registration and costs
- Admission: For industry professionals, registration is typically free when completed before the deadline. On-site registration may involve a small fee.
- Eligibility: Only trade professionals and industry-related personnel are allowed. Proof of business or industry affiliation may be required during the registration process.
Travel and accommodation
Chicago is a vibrant city with countless options for stay, dining, and local experiences. Near McCormick Place, numerous hotels provide convenient lodging for attendees.
Hotels near McCormick Place include:
- Hyatt Regency McCormick Place – Directly connected to the venue
- Marriott Marquis Chicago – Located next to McCormick Place with upscale amenities
- Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place – Mid-range comfort and convenience
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Chicago – Great for extended stays with kitchen amenities
- Best Western Grant Park Hotel – Budget-friendly and close to public transit
Many of these hotels offer special discounts and packages for event attendees during the show period. Booking early is advised due to high demand.
Local attractions and dining
While attending the show, visitors can also explore iconic Chicago destinations such as:
- Millennium Park and The Bean
- Navy Pier
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Magnificent Mile shopping district
- Willis Tower Skydeck
For dining, Chicago’s culinary scene includes award-winning restaurants, famous deep-dish pizza, and global cuisine.
Sustainability and innovation focus
The Inspired Home Show places a strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-conscious products, with many exhibitors highlighting recyclable materials, energy-efficient technologies, and ethical production practices. Additionally, the Smart Home & Electronics section showcases emerging innovations in connected appliances and intelligent living.
Educational and networking events
Throughout the show, attendees have access to a wide range of educational sessions, including:
- Innovation Theater: Presentations on product development, AI in retail, and consumer insights
- Inventors Corner: A dedicated space for entrepreneurs to showcase new ideas
- IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia): Honoring excellence in retail and product design
- Retailer Roundtables and Buyer Briefings
These events offer valuable knowledge-sharing and collaboration opportunities across sectors.
Who should attend?
The Inspired Home Show is highly beneficial for:
- Product developers and brand managers
- Import/export businesses
- Retail buyers and merchandising heads
- E-commerce professionals
- Marketing and trend analysts
- Hospitality and design consultants
Tips for a successful visit
- Register early to avoid last-minute delays
- Download the official event app for schedules and floor maps
- Plan meetings in advance with key exhibitors
- Wear comfortable shoes – it’s a large venue
- Use shuttle services and venue directions available on-site