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
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
Add new comment