CHESS Conference

Attend the annual CHESS conference to network with senior housewares executives and to learn from dynamic professionals presenting on topics relevant to the growth of the housewares industry.

Housewares Hot Seat Panel: Reclaiming Control in the Digital Jungle

Digital commerce has unlocked dramatic new growth opportunities for housewares, but it also has unleashed new dangers. From the spread of counterfeit products to fake reviews to slashed postal rates on China-direct consumer shipments, the housewares industry is on guard as it works to adapt to a vast digital marketplace without the boundaries, checks and balances of traditional…

The Art of Perception

In what is likely to be the most eye-opening presentation at CHESS, art historian (and former lawyer) Amy E. Herman will train us in new ways to see. Herman applies techniques for analyzing painting, sculpture and photography to real-world needs for acute perception, objective observation and precise communication. Herman’s clients include first responders, military personnel,…

Trends Shaping the Future of the U.S. Retail Landscape

Preparing for the future of your business requires a deep understanding of what’s happening in the present. At IHA’s annual senior-level conference, CHESS presents top experts in their fields who share the latest information that can help industry leaders map their strategies. Don Unser, president of NPD’s retail group, will outline macro trends in the U.S. retail industry…

Sell More Made in USA to Reduce Motivation for More Tariffs

The increasing advantages of producing in the U.S. for the North American market are driving retailers and manufacturers to reshore. Companies announced the reshoring and foreign direct investment (FDI) of approximately 170,000 manufacturing jobs in 2017, up 50 percent from 2016 and 2,800 percent from 2010. Most of the reshoring is in consumer goods. The recent tariff changes…

How Brands Must Evolve to Thrive in the Digital Age

Consumer-facing brands have the opportunity to grow sales through digital commerce channels, but face substantial challenges and risks. If a brand’s digital business professionals do not craft a clear digital commerce strategy, they ultimately empower others at their expense. This session will focus on housewares manufacturers and how their role in retail is changing. …

Retail Evolution and the Housewares Industry

With the overused terms “experiential” and “omni-channel” dominating the retail landscape, Dana Telsey and Joe Feldman will examine key retail trends and explore the ways companies are evolving their strategies, investments and partnerships to drive growth. 8:05 am Wednesday, October 3, 2018 Presenters: Dana Telsey Chief Executive Officer & Chief Research…

Internet Profits: How to Benefit from New Opportunities with Digital Marketing and More

The 2018 CHESS conference will present 10 information-packed presentations by experts in many fields. On Wednesday, October 3, digital marketer Brian Carter will share tips on how to maximize returns on marketing investments with Facebook, Google, Amazon, Instagram and other platforms that have displaced traditional media channels. Carter’s energetic presentation will keep the…

Regulatory Update: The Latest on U.S. International Trade Policy

The most recent round of proposed tariffs on imports from China affects $200 billion of goods, impacting the housewares industry for both finished product and raw materials. This session will address the current state of tariffs and U.S. trade policy with China, and discuss how the housewares supply chain can weather this volatile regulatory environment. John will also address…

Building Your Talent Bench for the Future

How is your team performing today? How are you grooming them to lead your company’s growth in the future? Jacquie Fazekas believes that developing future talent today is one of the most critical strategic initiatives a housewares company should have. In this session, she will offer leadership “Watch-outs,” tips to avoid the effects of poorly groomed and motivated talent, and…