Post-pandemic hygiene awareness, urbanization, and the demand for practicality continue to drive the growth of the global home product industry. Coupled with the projected $334.16 billion cleaning market by 2029, the global home product industry is growing.
With the growing market, various international exhibitions in the home product industry are also emerging. These international exhibitions play a significant role in shaping home product trends each year. Among these international exhibitions, The Inspired Home Show, formerly known as the International Home + Housewares Show – Chicago, is widely regarded as the most prestigious event in the industry.
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Get to Know the International Home + Housewares Show – Chicago
The International Home + Housewares Show – Chicago is the world’s largest annual trade show for home products and kitchenware, now known as the Inspired Home Show. Not many people know that the official name of this global event has changed to The Inspired Home Show since 2022.
This name change reflects the broader scope of lifestyle products and home inspiration. Broadly speaking, this event is a must-attend for anyone involved in the home product business, from design to sales. The event takes place annually at McCormick Place in Chicago.
In 2026, the event will take place from March 10-12. As in previous years, numerous manufacturers, retailers, and designers will gather to showcase the latest innovations in home appliances, kitchen appliances, decor, and other lifestyle products.
Whether you fall into one of the following categories:
- Home product brand owners.
- Importers, distributors, and agents.
- Online and offline retailers.
Then, you must attend this prestigious international event. If you’re wondering why, it’s obviously so you can benefit from the event’s stated objectives.
The main objectives of this global event are:
- Showcase Innovation: Be the first destination for new products, trends, and technologies in the home appliance industry.
- Business Connections: Connect manufacturers with buyers (retailers) from around the world.
- Market Insights: Provide insights into consumer trends and the future of the home appliance industry.
This event is sure to present a variety of business opportunities you need as a home appliance industry player;
- Cross-border networking.
- Opportunities to find distribution partners.
- Private label and brand collaboration opportunities.
We’re sure after this you won’t be asking why, right? Perhaps you’re already rushing to plan your trip to Chicago next year?
Tips for Optimizing Your Event Visit
We know you’re excited to hear about the various benefits you can gain, but make sure to have these things ready:
Prepare Promotional Materials and Business Cards
It’s time for your brand to be recognized. Don’t waste this opportunity, make sure everyone around the world knows your brand at this event.
Visit Priority Booths
Research is crucial. There are many cool booths at this event, but three days isn’t enough time to promote and visit them all.
You need to be smart about which booths to visit. Choose booths that truly interest you and can inspire your brand development.
Document Trends and Follow Up
Because time is limited, have your camera or smartphone ready to document global trends that will inspire you. Then, after arriving home, be sure to follow up so the relationships you’ve built can be nurtured and developed into real collaborations.
Why is Chicago an Iconic Location?
There are many cities in America, but the organizers of The Inspired Home Show chose Chicago as the venue. Of course, there’s a reason for this. Chicago is known as the center of exhibitions and business in the United States.
This city attracts attendees from all over the world. With all the supporting infrastructure, including a convention center, hotels, and adequate, state-of-the-art transportation, Chicago is truly the perfect location for this great event.
Global Trends Emerging from This Event
Over the three consecutive days of the International Home + Housewares Show – Chicago, you’ll be invited to see various interesting things, such as:
Household Product Innovations
You’ll see a variety of household product innovations, some of which may surprise and amaze you. Some of the household products you can find:
- Health & Hygiene: As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, increased post-pandemic awareness has kept the household cleaning product market growing. The demand for household products in the health and hygiene sector is growing.
- Urbanization & Practicality: Global population growth is increasing the demand for efficient, time-saving, and practical household appliances.
- Halal Products: Consumption of halal products in several countries, especially those with Muslim majorities, continues to strengthen. With significant growth projections, this indicates significant potential for halal household products.
- Innovation & Technology: The emergence of smart household electronics and technological solutions is key to meeting the needs of modern consumers.
Changing Consumer Lifestyles
The trend of smart living and home automation in this modern era has increased the emergence of multifunctional and space-saving products. The younger generation today prefers living in apartments with limited space, as it is more effective and efficient.
With limited space, they naturally need suitable household products. Ideally, a single product should even have multiple functions.
Modern Aesthetic Design
Functionality alone is no longer enough. Modern consumers—especially younger demographics—expect products to look good as well.
Color selection, minimalist forms, and clean design concepts are now essential elements of successful household products.
Conclusion
The International Home + Housewares Show – Chicago, officially known as The Inspired Home Show, is more than just an exhibition—it is a global trend incubator for the home and lifestyle industry. From hygiene-focused innovations and smart household technologies to modern aesthetics and space-saving solutions, this event consistently sets the direction for global market trends.
For brand owners, distributors, and retailers, attending this show means gaining early access to emerging trends, building strategic international partnerships, and strengthening competitive positioning in a rapidly growing global market. Supported by Chicago’s world-class infrastructure and the event’s unmatched scale, The Inspired Home Show remains the ultimate platform for turning ideas into global opportunities.
If you want your products to shine on the international stage and stay ahead in the home product industry, this is not an event to watch from afar—it’s one you need to be part of.