The International Housewares Association is the 86-year-old voice of the housewares industry.
On March 17-19, for the 124th time since 1939, the International Housewares Association brought the home and housewares community together at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex. The not-for-profit, full-service association sponsors an annual world’s premier exposition of products for the home, The Inspired Home Show.
Our editorial team of four spent three whirlwind days in Chicago, scouting for great products, new and old at The Inspired Home Show. Denise traveled from New Hampshire, Betsy from New York, Diane from Pennsylvania, and we were lucky enough to be hosted by Lori, a Chicago native. In addition to the official press trip we got to see some Windy City sights including The Field Museum’s Unseen Oceans exhibit, and Picasso:Drawing from Life at the Art Institute of Chicago.
The Inspired Home Show 24 opened on St. Patrick’s Day – we cannot recommend traveling around Chicago on that weekend! But what fun for a team of passionate home cooks; an adventure dedicated to looking at gorgeous kitchenware. A press trip that was a feast for the eyes without the pressure of shopping. Walking through the massive expanse of McCormick Place viewing products from 1,648 exhibitors felt a bit like looking at products on Amazon in 3D, with enthusiastic brand reps explaining their wares. Nothing better than touching and holding and learning about the best of the best.
There was plenty of color and flavor.
Products that align with the latest home color trends were highlighted at the Pantone ColorWatch Display. Pantone’s 2024 Color of the Year is Peach Fuzz.
The Cooking Theater featured three days of culinary demonstrations led by celebrity and award-winning chefs. Renowned American chef. JJ Johnson, author of A Chef’s Knife, Blade of Glory was a presenter.
The IHA Global Innovation Award (GIA) for Product Design honored exhibitors’ latest creations and cutting-edge innovations with award recognition.
Here is a small sampling, in alphabetical order, of a few brands and products that caught our attention.
