Inspired Home Show Shifting To Mid-Week Schedule
The Inspired Home Show is once again evolving with the annual event shifting to a mid-week pattern beginning in 2026.
The long-standing event at McCormick Place in Chicago for years was held in early March opening on a Sunday and running for three-and-a-half days. This year’s event will maintain that familiar pattern over three days and will open on Sunday, March 2.
”The decision to move the show to a Tuesday – Thursday schedule was made after polling the industry and having conversations with key constituents to determine the most desirable day pattern,” said Derek Miller, president & CEO of the International Housewares Association, the show’s owner and operator. “It was clear that there has been a shift in our culture and workforce that directly impacts when we come to market.”
New dates for the following three years are:
- March 10 – 12, 2026
- March 9 – 11, 2027
- March 7 – 9, 2028
According to the IHA, the shift to a mid-week pattern is the result of “key strategic decisions” to evolve the association and the show. Statistics from polling showed that 68% of exhibitors and 84% of key retailers desired the shift or found it acceptable.
Moving to a mid-week format is the latest change for the event. Following the 2023 show, when the number of exhibitors was down compared to the 2019 event — the last full show prior to the COVID-19 pandemic — the IHA consolidated the event from three halls into two and moved to a three day show.
While shifting all core housewares categories to two halls, the show that has long been known for its focus on food prep, food presentation, and household cleaning and organization products has also expanded beyond those categories. The 2025 show will feature the Travel Gear + Luggage Expo; the Candle Pavilion, created in partnership with the National Candle Association; and the Pet Products Pavilion, created in partnership with the American Pet Products Association.