Buyer Connections + Education + Networking

Connect GLOBAL is a virtual education series is tailored to address the needs of housewares suppliers looking to learn more about the home and housewares industry across many global markets. A variety of global retailers, distributors and market experts presenting information on the industry from the perspectives of their markets, paired with networking opportunities provide key information on the global home and housewares arena.

Keynote: Export Business Development: Blue Tiger International

By Peter Giannetti Historic supply chain disruption caused by soaring demand that is outpacing shipping capacity has elevated the dependence by consumer goods exporters on third-party export facilitators, said Thomas Cook, CEO and managing director of Blue Tiger International, a global supply chain consultant and service provider. Cook culminated the three-day Connect…

Market Opportunities – Taiwan, China, Australia/New Zealand and Canada

IHA International Offices and Representatives: Taiwan, China, Australia/New Zealand, Canada On May 19, IHA representatives based in Taiwan, China, Australia/New Zealand and Canada summarized the top five trends in each region. Information on regional responses to global economic challenges and consumer preferences provided valuable guidance for suppliers. Presenters also…

Market Opportunities – UK and Europe

IHA International Offices and Representatives: UK and Europe On May 19, IHA representatives presented market reports from more than 10 countries in Europe and UK. These summaries of the top five trends in each region offered valuable insights about consumer preferences and economic factors impacting retail developments. Presenters also included contact information for…

KEYNOTE: Key Market Update: Burton McCall, UK & Ireland

By Debbie Teschke Burton McCall is an independent, 60-year-old, family-owned specialty distribution company centrally located in the heart of England. It has an established multi-channel network with exclusive distribution agreements in the UK and Ireland, according to Michelle Dickinson, managing director at Burton McCall Ltd, during her keynote address on the second day of…

Market Opportunities – Latin America and India

IHA International Offices and Representatives: Mexico, South America, Columbia, Ecuador and India On May 19, IHA representatives presented market reports from Latin America and India. They discussed the top five trends in each region and outlined economic trends impacting retail developments. The presenters noted eating habits and purchasing behaviors that differed from…

KEYNOTE: Key Retailer Update Mercado Libre — LATAM

By Debbie Teschke Mercado Libre, the largest e-commerce retailer in Latin America, offers housewares suppliers access to a market of more than 636 million people in a region with one of the world’s fastest-growing Internet penetration rates. Mariano Migues, cross border trade manager at Mercado Libre, opened Connect GLOBAL, this year’s virtual edition of the International…

Connect GLOBAL Offers Buyer Connections, Market Overviews, Networking Through Virtual Education Series

ROSEMONT, ILL (May 12, 2021)—Connect GLOBAL, a virtual presentation of the International Business Council’s Global Forum, will be held May 18-20, offering housewares suppliers overviews of key international markets through daily keynote presentations given by industry experts. Sessions are applicable for both suppliers new to the international arena or veteran sales executives…