Sweet Homestyle Chicago - Getting Ready for 2011 Housewares Show

A favorite time of year is early March.  You may think this is sheer lunacy as I'm based in Chicago, and there is nothing remotely enjoyable about freezing eyelashes, grey street snow, and wind-chill factors.

The reason for my joy is housewares.  Yes, housewares.

Each March, at McCormick Place in Chicago, we spend three amazing days at the International Home + Housewares Show sponsored and organized by the International Housewares Association (IHA). IHA is a full-service trade association dedicated to promoting the sales and marketing of housewares since 1938.

Who attends the Show each year?

• 60,000 professional attendees
• 2,000 exhibitors - from over 35 countries
• 15,000 U.S. buyers
• 6,000 international buyers from 100 countries on 6 continents: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa

The 2011 International Home + Housewares Show offers an opportunity to see first-hand consumer lifestyle and product trends for all areas of the home, both inside and out, under one roof. It's a perfect time and place for The Savvy Host and SavvyHostMarket staff to explore innovations in serveware, bar basics, gourmet gadgets, cooking tools (including grilling!) and all types of entertaining essentials.  SO many of the products our friends and customers RAVE about are found at this Show!

Housewares products are categorized into 4 "show-within-a-show" expos:

• clean + contain - including promotion in motion: retail promotions + continuities
• dine + design
• wired + well
• global crossroads (international pavilions)

In addition to the product exhibits, there are also so many demonstrations and other learning spaces to explore.  The Cooking Theatre - co-sponsored by All-Clad Metalcrafters LLC, KitchenAid, Wilton Products, and Whole Foods Market will feature continuous presentations from many celebrity chefs during Show hours all three days. Chefs scheduled to appear include Rick Bayless, Paula Deen, Tyler Florence, Cat Cora and Guy Fieri.  You know I'll be checking out these culinary creatives for ideas to add to good food gatherings!!

AND, in case like me, you didn't make it to San Francisco this month, the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT) will present a wider look at what’s new in gourmet specialty foods with a broad range of new and award-winning products at the Show. I can't wait to see (& sample!) the new offerings at the Specialty Food Marketplace - always looking for new items to add to the Gourmet Pantry section of SavvyHostMarket!

While the Show is not open to the public, it is open to trade professionals.  I highly recommend this show to any professional in the home arena.  You cannot afford to miss the 2011 International Home + Housewares Show - a MOST unique opportunity to experience the best and latest in homestyle - you won't even notice the Chicago cold!