As the Internet of Things becomes more tangible for consumers and more and more household products become “smart” what does that mean for the housewares industry? A panel of manufacturers, consumer editors and technology experts will explore what the future of the connected home looks like as it moves beyond the early adopter stage during a seminar on Sunday morning, March 16 at the 2014 International Home + Housewares Show.
The just-added program, “The Internet of Things at Your Door: The Connected Home Goes Mainstream” will begin at 7:30 a.m. in Room S100/Grand Ballroom, South Building.
Moderated by Rich Brown, executive editor of CNET, the panel will include Ohad Zeira, director of product management, WeMo, Belkin International; Lori Gonzalez, vice president and general manager, Jarden Consumer Solutions; Melissa Beam of Mindsview Innovation and Sharon Franke, director, kitchen appliances & technology at Good Housekeeping.
Attendees will learn how they can take advantage of the growing Internet of Things trend and provide tangible benefits to their end consumers. Other topics to be discussed include: Is 2014 the year the connected home goes mainstream or are their other hurdles; is there a saturation point of what is “smart”; what are the benefits of making “smart” products for both the consumer and the manufacturer; and what are the challenges of being connected.
The 2014 International Home + Housewares Show will be held March 15-18 at Chicago’s McCormick Place and feature nearly 2,100 exhibitors from around the globe. Badge registration is available at www.housewares.org. More information about all Show seminars and events is available in Housewares Connect 365 on IHA’s website at www.housewares.org/
