The International Housewares Association (IHA) and the Travel Goods Association (TGA) have announced a collaboration to bring TGA’s 2023 live event to the Inspired Home Show 2023 from 4-7 March in Chicago.
A new Travel Gear and Luggage category will be located in the Clean + Contain Expo, next to the Discover| Design Expo in the North Building of McCormick Place.
Michele Marini Pittenger, TGA president, commented: “After nearly three years without a Travel Goods Show, our vendors – and our buyers – are incredibly excited to get back to face-to-face engagements. By holding our annual event as part of The Inspired Home Show in 2023, we will be able to engage not only with major travel good buyers, but also expand our reach into new retailers of every shape and size that the Chicago show attracts.”
Derek Miller, IHA president and ceo, added: “As The Inspired Home Show continues to solidify its position as the premier face-to-face event for the home, expansion into travel goods and accessories is a logical enhancement of our show floor offering.
“Bringing the Travel Goods Association to Chicago enhances the scope of opportunity for our retail attendees by aligning with a category that has long been adjacent to the home department, and in fact continues to fall within the home buying team’s responsibilities across many major retailers.”
In addition to TGA’s dedicated area on the show floor, IHA will add a 15th category to the annual gia Excellence in Product Design Competition for this group. Five finalists for the new Luggage, Travel Goods & Accessoriescategory will be selected and announced in January 2023. The winner will be unveiled during the annual gia Dinner and Awards Gala on Saturday, March 4th in Chicago.
All attendees of The Inspired Home Show will have access to Travel Gear + Luggage. Admission to The Inspired Home Show is complimentary in advance of the show for demonstrated retail buyers.