IBC Global Forum

The IBC Global Forum brings together strategic planning and pragmatic international information to facilitate sales and business development in key export markets. Extensive networking with housewares buyers, industry professionals and seasoned IBC members presents vast opportunities to increase your housewares industry network and sales.

2018 Global Forum Recap: Canadian Tire

Presented By: Doug Young Vice President, Merchandising – Living Division Canadian Tire Retail Doug Young, vice president of merchandising for Canadian Tire Retail, is responsible for merchandising and inventory management for the Living Division, which includes everything for inside the home including Kitchen, Home Décor, Organization, Cleaning, Essentials, Electronics…

2018 Global Forum Recap: Wayfair/CastleGate

Presented by: Evangeline Wiles Head of Account Management, U.S. Suppliers Wayfair/CastleGate Europe Evangeline Wiles has held management roles at Wayfair/CastleGate Europe for more than two years. She leads the account management and customer acquisition teams, helping Wayfair's U.S. suppliers enter the European market by providing a market entry strategy as well as…

2018 Global Forum Recap: Sodimac Colombia (Homecenter)

Presented by: Marta Cordoba Merchandise Manager, Housewares Division Sodimac Colombia (Homecenter) Marta Cordoba has worked for Sodimac Colombia (Homecenter) for 19 years, where she is the buyer for a wide range of product categories. She leads the team responsible for development of new lines of business and strategies for brick and mortar and online program…

2018 Global Forum Recap: Lakeland

Presented by: Samm Swain Buying and Merchandising Director, Lakeland Samm Swain has been with Lakeland for nine years and was promoted to her current role as buying and merchandise director in 2017. After previous positions at several other significant retail operations, she has 25 years of experience in buying and merchandising, primarily in home and housewares categories,…

2018 Global Forum Recap: London Drugs

Presented by: James Norris, Merchandise Manager London Drugs Vancouver, BC James Norris has been with London Drugs for 29 years, serving as a store manager for 12 years before rising to merchandise manager. He is responsible for non-electric housewares, hardware, laundry, cleaning, smart home and connected fitness. London Drugs was founded as a corner drug store in…

2018 Global Forum Recap: Thunderbird School of Global Management

Richard Ettenson, Ph.D., Professor and Keickhefer Fellow of Global Marketing and Brand Strategy at Thunderbird School of Global Management, offered a two-part Executive Education session that outlined key topics to consider when entering global markets. He engaged participants with questions and encouraged conversations, and included stories about successes and failures in…

2018 Global Forum Recap: IBC General Meeting

On the second day of the 2018 Global Forum, Mark Adkison, IHA’s Vice President, International, preceded the IBC General Meeting to update the membership on access to member resources found in the IBC Member Portal. Following these updates, Giancarlo Barzotti, IBC’s President, highlighted upcoming global programs offered to IHA’s membership, presented awards and acknowledged the…

2018 Global Forum Recap: Networking Dinner

Monday, September 24, 2018 marked day one of the 2018 IBC Global Forum. IBC president Giancarlo Barzotti welcomed participants and introduced the IBC Board of Directors. Paul Michalowski, IBC program chair, outlined the schedule for the two-day conference and invited participants to get acquainted by introducing themselves and their companies. The group included CEOs and…

2018 Global Forum Recap: Strategic Problem Solving

The IBC’s Strategic Problem Solving Sessions allow attendees to meet in peer groups to discuss questions and to find solutions to many of today’s exporting challenges. As in previous years, the networking sessions were once again a highlight and primary benefit of attending the 2018 Global Forum. The first session took place on Monday, September 24 from 5:00-6:00…