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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.

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel:Unrivaled Luxury in Downtown Chicago

By: Erin Magee, Meeting Coordinator, Trade Show Operations The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, one of Chicago’s most recently constructed downtown properties, is the contemporary debut of Radisson Blu in North America. From the exquisite architecture to the stunning gold-plated wall and 50-foot fireplace in the lobby, this hotel is true representation of the high-class brand. The…

Housewares Charity Foundation Celebrates its Sweet 16 Ann

Two Industry Veterans, Bufano and Jaffee, to Receive Honors Kathy Bufano, president and chief merchandising officer of Belk, and Keith Jaffee of O2 Cool, will be honored by the Housewares Charity Foundation (HCF) during its 16th Annual Housewares Charity Foundation Gala on Monday evening, March 4, during the 2013 International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago. Bufano will…

Discovering Design: Sagaform

Get to know the people behind the progressive, thought provoking designs from our fabulous Discover Design exhibit. We'll be bringing you the inspirations, influences and ideas that go into creating the wonderful products that you'll see in our newest exhibit at the 2013 Show! Get to know them before you see them with our Discovering Design series! Meet Ms. Ingerid Mohn, VP…

PUBLIC CHICAGO (Formerly the Ambassador East): A New, Modern Hotel that Embraces its Past

By Sharon Janota, Trade Show Operations Manager In October of 2011, Hotelier Ian Schrager premiered his new hotel brand, Public Hotels, in Chicago. Being the first hotel to open under the new brand, Public Chicago has taken residence in the former Ambassador East Hotel located in Chicago’s exclusive Gold Coast neighborhood. The hotel is walking distance to some of the…

Going Green Display: Focus on Sustainability

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator At the 2013 International Home + Housewares Show, programs in our Innovation Theater and at our Going Green display will present the latest thinking in how our industry is innovating new approaches in sustainable practices. The Going Green display, located in the Hall of Global Innovation in the Lakeside Center Level 3 Lobby, will…

Free Webinar: Trends in Cookware & Bakeware

Join us this Wednesday for "What's Cooking...trends and techniques in cookware and bakeware" For IHA Members & Specialty Retailers Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 Time: 1:00PM - 2:00PM CDT REGISTER > TRENDS IN COOKWARE & BAKEWARE Join IHA for this free webinar with Hugh Rushing, leader in the cookware industry. He has served as executive vice president of…

ACME Hotel Company Chicago: If you appreciate an eye for design and dig a high-tech vibe, you’ll feel right at home

By: Erin Magee, Meeting Coordinator/Trade Show Operations Newly opened in May 2012, The ACME Hotel Company Chicago offers its guests affordable room and suite accommodations in the heart of Chicago’s popular River North neighborhood. Formerly the Comfort Inn & Suites, the completely renovated property boasts modern design and technology focused rooms to keep with the…

Get the Dirt on Vacuum Cleaners: New Book on Vac History Reveals What’s Been Swept Under the Rug

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator Brush Up on Your Understanding of Floor Cleaning Ever wonder what or who put the hum in your vacuum cleaner? The just-released book “The Vacuum Cleaner, A History” by Carroll Gantz (McFarland & Company, Inc.) answers that question and many others. Beginning with brooms, rug beaters and a look at carpet weaving…

Slash Your Trash: Dig into Your Waste to Find Profits

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator Sustainability is vital to a company’s strategic positions, performance and brand image. At the 2012 International Home + Housewares Show, we learned about many directions and issues in sustainability. We heard from industry insiders at the Innovation Theater and the Going Green display about environmentally sustainable…