The International Housewares Association (IHA) has announced that its annual home and housewares gathering in Chicago, The Inspired Home Show, will now be held from August 7 to 10, 2021. The event was previously scheduled for March 13 to 16, 2021, following the cancellation of the 2020 instalment.

IHA president, Derek Miller said the board of directors, members and retail buyers were apprehensive about the ability to safely convene as early as March 2021.

“While the Show continues to be a critical part of their businesses, the health and safety of our industry is our first priority and moving the event to later in the year allows more time for authorities to successfully manage this crisis,” he said.

“We spoke to a number of key retailers, both domestic and international, and all of them have been very vocal about their desire to have a face-to-face Show in 2021 and are enthusiastic about holding the Show later in the year.”

IHA president, Derek Miller.

IHA chair and CEO of John Ritzenthaler Company, Howard “Chip” Steidle Jr said he is extremely pleased that the association was able to find alternate dates for the 2021 Show.

“Given the current trajectory of the pandemic and the ongoing nature of treatment and vaccine development, I can confidently say that this is the best option for our industry right now,” he said.

IHA will survey exhibitors and buyers in the coming weeks to collect current and relevant buying pattern data to determine appropriate timing for future Shows from 2022 onwards.