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IHA’s blog features informative posts written to keep the housewares industry educated and informed about key strategic issues and IHA member services.

IBC Global Forum Kicks Off in Chicago

The IBC Global Forum is underway with attendees and speakers coming from over 10 countries. The Global Forum is a gathering of housewares industry professionals who are eager to learn and share best practices on selling products internationally. The conference began today with a presentation by Jeff Murphy of Wilton Brands who explained the basics of international…

Setting up for Success with Social Media

When Melissa Maker looked critically at her Toronto-based cleaning business in 2006, she knew that with the internet and social media cementing itself in people’s daily lives and with YouTube being recognized as more than just a platform for musicians, she could leverage what was happening in this brave new world of technology to increase her brand visibility and ultimately,…

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…

Is Your Company Prepared for SOLAS?

If your company ships ocean containers, you need to prepared for SOLAS. Effective July 1, 2016, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will be enforcing a new regulation in the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS). This new regulation mandates that shippers provide a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) for every container as a condition for loading onto a ship for export. VGM…

Inspiring the Industry – Leatrice Eiseman

For anyone involved in retail or a creative industry, or simply anyone with a love of color, Pantone and Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman need no introduction. The author of nine books on color, a color consultant to industry and a regular speaker around the globe at retail trade shows, as well as the originator of color training programs held twice a year, Eiseman has been inspiring…

Sessions on International Sales Issues, Global Markets

Housewares suppliers new to the international arena or veteran sales executives wanting to grow their global business will benefit from IHA’s 2016 Global Forum, to be held June 8-10 at the Warwick Allerton Hotel in Chicago. Overviews by key housewares buyers covering China, Denmark, Honduras, Indonesia, Norway and Sweden along with sessions on critical international business…

Webinar: How to Submit Your Space Application

Learn how to navigate your way through the 2017 International Home + Housewares Show space application! Join us for an informative webinar that will walk you step by step through your space application for the 2017 Show. This live webinar will allow you to ask real time questions, understand your payment options and highlight deadline dates. Wednesday, May 25, 2016 12:00 -…

Growing Global Sales

Once a year, international business professionals from the housewares industry gather at the IBC Global Forum to increase their global sales through education and networking. For more than 20 years, the International Business Council (formerly HECNA) has put together a strong, multi-day event to provide attendees with the tools needed to succeed in the global economy. And…

Take a Bite of 2016: A Savory, Sustainable Palette

Food-driven consumers are keeping excitement growing for chefs as well as for those who find themselves in a position to continue to educate but now have a decade of food-inspired consumers who are craving not only great recipes but also inspirational ingredients as new food trends emerge. “With what's going on in the world, it's very interesting to see that food is trending…