The Inspired Home Show has opened exhibitor applications for its 2027 edition while unveiling a redesigned exhibition layout aimed at creating a more connected and discovery-driven marketplace. Organized by the International Housewares Association (IHA), the event will take place March 9–11, 2027, at McCormick Place in Chicago.
The new configuration is designed to strengthen interactions between exhibitors, buyers and suppliers by bringing together key product categories and expanding dedicated areas for innovation, networking and global sourcing.
“From startup brands and independent stores to global suppliers and leading retailers, The Inspired Home Show unites the home and housewares industry for top-to-top meetings, all under one roof, over just three days. For 2027, we’ve made some enhancements that will create a more connected, experiential and globally focused Show — delivering more opportunities for discovery, engagement and meaningful business connections across both halls,” said IHA President & CEO Derek Miller.
New floor plan brings categories together
The South Hall will consolidate the show’s three core product categories—Clean + Contain, Dine + Décor, and Wired + Well—into a single destination designed to encourage product discovery and cross-category business opportunities.
Meanwhile, the North Hall will become the Global Marketplace, bringing together international sourcing exhibitors, Global Design Point pavilions and dedicated networking facilities, including the International Business Center.
New experiences focus on innovation
The 2027 edition will introduce several new activations, including the Innovation District, which combines the Inventors Corner, the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) Student Design Winners, and the Inspiration Theater into a single innovation-focused area.
The Discovery Park will replace the former Debut incubator with a park-inspired space highlighting emerging brands and first-time exhibitors.
Additional content hubs will offer keynote sessions, trend presentations and product showcases, while new networking lounges, meeting spaces and an Editorial Studio will support business connections and media coverage throughout the event.
Returning features and exhibitor updates
Several initiatives introduced in previous editions will return, including the Pet Products Pavilion, now featuring a Puppy Park, the Candle Pavilion, and the SPLiCE Licensing Hub, dedicated to licensing opportunities.
For exhibitors, IHA also announced a new priority-based booth assignment system that will consider exhibitor seniority, booth size, requested configuration, premium location availability and overall floor plan efficiency.
The 2026 edition of The Inspired Home Show brought together more than 1,000 exhibitors, thousands of brands and attendees from over 100 countries. According to IHA, U.S. buyers attending the event represented more than 100,000 retail locations and nearly US$75 billion in buying power.
“2026 participants consistently told us how much they appreciated the opportunity to meet face-to-face with decision-makers from the biggest players in the industry, but also to discover new, emerging brands from all over the world. The diverse mix of buyers, sellers and media professionals makes the Show an essential platform for relationship-building and business growth,” said Miller.
