International Home + Housewares Experiences Increased Demand for Exhibit Space
March 30, 2012
If sold-out exhibit space at a trade show devoted to homegoods and housewares is any indication of an economy on the mend, then the recent International Home + Housewares Show may just be a bellwether event.
Held March 10-13 at McCormick Place in Chicago, the annual housewares giant continued its second year of show floor growth by drawing 2,130 exhibitors, of which 500 were new, with 30 percent from outside the U.S.
Similar to last year, the show attracted 60,000 total attendees from more than100 countries, including 21,000 buyers, according to show officials. In 2011, Home + Housewares drew 1,951 exhibitors, which resulted in a 5-percent increase in space from the year before, they added.
Expo floor square footage from either 2012 or 2011 was not available at press time.
“The sold-out status is continued evidence that the housewares and homegoods segment is standing up well in the face of our current economic situation,” said Phil Brandl, president of the 74-year-old International Housewares Association, which owns and operates the show.
Featuring the latest and greatest in consumer lifestyle and product trends for all areas of the home, the event included high-end international design and trend-setting basics, with products ranging from kitchen electrics and tools, home décor and cleaning products, bakeware and gourmet specialty foods, to cookware and seasonal décor.
In addition, the show featured 25 educational sessions, including its Innovation Theater series and the inaugural, one-day Exhibitor Education Seminar, which addressed cutting-edge industry topics such as re-shoring, sustainability and factory compliance.
“We (had) very positive feedback (about the show) from both exhibitors and attendees,” Brandl said. “With tens of thousands of new product introductions, over 500 new exhibitors and the introduction of our new IHA Innovation Awards, buyers found newness and innovation at every turn.”
He added, “The show’s new fourth day was well received and well-used based on reports from both buyers and exhibitors. Our research shows more buyer visits, which exhibitors told us led to more relaxed and meaningful meetings.”
The International Home + Housewares Show will return to McCormick Place March 2-5, 2013.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
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The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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