CONNECT Spring – organised by the IHA (International Housewares Association) – is providing the global housewares community with the opportunity to hear keynote speakers that would usually be highlights of The Inspired Home Show in Chicago. The virtual event starts next week, running from Tuesday March 16 to Friday March 26.
Keynote speakers including Tom Mirabile (principal and co-founder, Springboard Futures) discussing: The Now Normal: Minding What Matters (March 18) and Lee Eiseman, executive director of Pantone Colour Institute answering the question: How has the pandemic affected consumers’ desire for colour in their homes and lifestyles? (March 25)/
Topics for educational sessions include The Future of Smart in the Home and Post-COVID Retailing.
A series of presentations on the trends in the 2021 IHA Market Watch include: Space, Comfort, Time and Safety & Security. Registration for CONNECT Spring is open to all housewares professionals , who can sign up for all or individual. See TheInspiredHomeShow.com/connect/connect-spring.
Meanwhile, the IHA’s commitment to industry education and information has been cemented with the appointment of Peter Giannetti as director of editorial, content and education. Peter joins IHA after 14 years as editor-in-chief and 14 years before that as editor of HomeWorld Business, the US’ leading housewares trade publication.
“Our industry has relied on Peter for decades to provide objective reporting and relevant insights that help drive business success, and that is exactly what he will continue to do at IHA,” said Derek Miller, president of IHA. “His deep expertise in home + housewares and his unparalleled ability to deliver timely and relevant news and content will benefit the entire industry.”
* The Inspired Home Show 2022 will be held from March 5-8 in Chicago’s McCormick Place. See TheInspiredHomeShow.com
*Next month The IHA hosts Connect GROCERY, a virtual event in partnership with the Global Market Development Centre (GMDC)|Retail Tomorrow. It aims to connect exhibitors with grocery retailers and wholesalers that are interested in expanding their non-food categories. See gmdc.org/virtual-event-spring/
Top: Trends expert Tom Mirabile addressing the housewares industry at a previous show in Chicago.
