history

Celebrating 80+ Years of Housewares History

The International Housewares Association and the Housewares Industry have a rich history dating back more than 80 years. In honor of IHA’s 80th Anniversary, here is a look back at some of the highlights: 1906 First house furnishing exhibition in the U.S. is held in New York’s Madison Square Garden. It is conceived by Isbon Scott, editor of House Furnishing Review,…

There’s No Business Like Show Business! Part 2

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator This is part two of a two part series. Read part one: There's No Business Like Show Business! Part 1 Pots, Pans and Prosperity: Biggest Gadget Show on Earth From 1939 to 1991, the National Housewares Manufacturers Association (NHMA), based in Chicago, mounted two shows per year. For nearly 40 years, its national housewares…

There’s No Business Like Show Business! Part 1

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator It’s January, and our calendars are focused on March, when our 121st Show will unite the industry. The current International Home + Housewares Show has evolved into a busy four-day gathering in Chicago, from a complex family tree of Show names, dates and predecessor sponsoring organizations. For 79 years, IHA has been…

From Hotels to McCormick Place: A History of the International Home + Housewares Show – Part 3

Author: Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator and Housewares Historian, IHA For parts one and two of this three part series, see: From Hotels to McCormick Place: A History of the International Home + Housewares Show - Part 1 From Hotels to McCormick Place: A History of the International Home + Housewares Show - Part 2 New Era on the Lakefront More than 900…

Innovation Insights: An Interview with Howard Lim, HOW Creative

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs + Services Learn how to develop and launch the right products for the right customer—with the right methods! The four days of the 2014 International Home + Housewares Show will be packed with events as well as educational sessions. To help you plan your time at the Show, we’re giving you a preview of the presentations that will take place…

Innovation Insights: An Interview with Martin M. Pegler, Retail Design International

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…

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…

Housewares History: Holiday Histories!

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator Ah, December….The biggest shopping month of the year. The race begins with a stampede on a Friday, the day after Thanksgiving known as Black Friday, as shoppers are surrounded by twinkling colorful lights and the jingling sound tracks that echo in our heads as we dash between parking lots. Did you know that retailers have…