Executive Networking

Learn from IHA’s annual CHESS conference, which provides insight and education from political, business and industry experts on a variety of topics to help members build their business!

Preparing for Risks in Unpredictable Times

Rarely have business leaders faced so many uncertainties about the future in domestic and global issues. Yet business leaders must make decisions and plan for the future in our turbulent geopolitical environment. The 2016 CHESS conference, October 6-7, in Rosemont, IL, offers top-level presentations for housewares industry executives. On Thursday, October 6 economist Bernard…

How Business Can Win Big in the Age of Aging

Boomers and Millennials—Understanding the Needs of Key Consumer Groups IHA’s 2016 CHESS conference, October 6-7, in Rosemont, IL, offers top-level educational presentations for housewares industry executives. One of the valuable programs on Friday, October 7 will be Peter Hubbell’s analysis of how to reach Baby Boomers and Millennials. Hubbell, CEO of BoomAgers, the New…

Preview: IHA’s Annual CHESS Conference

Navigating Transitional Times…Through Political, Economic and Market Shifts October 6-7, Rosemont, IL It's important for industry leaders to stay up-to-date on positive business practices and to learn how to navigate through today's uncertain environment. IHA’s annual CHESS conference (Chief Housewares Executive SuperSession) for industry decision-makers will offer insights…

CHESS 2016 to Examine Navigating Transitional Times

Political Pundit Charlie Cook, Retail Analyst Dana Telsey Lead Keynote Sessions The November presidential election will bring a change to the political, economic and cultural landscape in America with a ripple effect around the world. Housewares executives can gain insight into what to expect from these changes as experts in politics, retail and economics explore “Navigating…

2015 CHESS Conference Highlights – The Future of Retail: Implications for the Housewares Industry

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator Dana Telsey, Retail Analyst, CEO and Chief Research Officer, Telsey Advisory Group (TAG) Joe Feldman, Senior Managing Director, Telsey Advisory Group (TAG) The second day of CHESS kicked off with a bird’s eye view of the retail environment, guided by Dana Telsey and Joe Feldman of the Telsey Advisory Group (TAG). Based in New…

2015 CHESS Highlights – China Rising: How to Prepare for What’s Ahead

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator John Manzella is a world-recognized speaker on global business, competitive strategies and the latest economic trends. His op-eds have been nationally syndicated and his views have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, New York Times and other major media. He is president of Manzella Trade Communications, a strategic…

2015 CHESS Conference Highlights – Brand Shift: The Future of Brands and Marketing

Chief Housewares Executives Gather at Annual Strategic Senior-Level Conference Concept to Consumer: Innovative Strategies for Reaching Your Market By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator CHESS facilitator Dan Raftery introduced futurist David Houle for the Day One keynote presentation. Houle, who has advised more than 3000 business owners, is the co-author, with Owen…

2015 CHESS Conference Highlights – Concept to Consumer: Innovative Strategies for Reaching Your Market

Chief housewares executives eager to hear the latest from the front lines of the industry learned from experts who addressed IHA’s 2015 CHESS conference on October 6 and 7. The two-day conference, held at the Loews Chicago O’Hare hotel, attracts top executives at IHA-member companies who look forward to the varied and fast-paced program. Seven presentations and panel…

CHESS 2015 Executives to Discuss Innovation’s Opportunities + Obstacles

Innovation is the lifeblood of product success and the innovation continuum is in constant motion and flux. How do successful housewares suppliers define innovation and implement it throughout all aspects of their business? Three housewares executives will explain how they manage innovation’s opportunities and obstacles during the annual “Housewares Hot-Seat” panel discussion…