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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.

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…

gia Global Honorees: Sweden

Every year, the International Housewares Association (IHA) welcomes retailers deemed the best in their country to Chicago, where they compete on a global stage for the coveted Global Innovation Awards (gia). This year, one of the outstanding gia Global Honorees was NK Glas, Porslin & Kök of Sweden – a homewares store within the famed NK (Nordic Company) Stockholm department…

Protect Against Greenwashing: The Importance of Testing

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator Environmental claims: What does green really mean? Sustainability is vital to a company’s performance strategy and brand image. At the 2012 International Home + Housewares Show, we heard from industry insiders at the Innovation Theater and the Going Green display about environmentally sustainable materials, reduced use of…

HECNA Global Forum Preview: Casa Palacio Explains What It Takes To Break Into The Mexican Market

The 2012 HECNA Global Forum is coming up September 19-21 in Scottsdale, AZ. Learn about the annual meeting, which features industry-savvy specialists discussing relevant export topics and providing education on market entry, global product development and marketing strategies. This is the 2012 HECNA Global Forum Preview Series! Casa Palacio If selling to the Mexican…