To further connect with members, fellow industry professionals and consumers, the International Housewares Association (IHA) announces the debut of a strategic social media plan. IHA has initiated social networking memberships on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. In addition, it has posted Wikipedia pages for both the IHA and the International Home + Housewares Show (IH+HS) and started a blog on its Web site, www.housewares.org.

IHA's Facebook page includes Association information and photos, as well as a wall feed to facilitate communication with and networking among industry professionals. It also includes IH+HS event information and allows attendees to register for their badges through the page, access tools for pre-show planning, and read about the latest news in the industry. Facebook links directly to IHA's YouTube channel, which includes videos of IHA's events as well as others from the industry.

IHA has two different Twitter accounts. The first Twitter feed, housewaresAssoc, provides IHA members with important information about the industry and exhibiting at the IH+HS, including key dates, reminders and tips for having a successful show. The second feed, housewaresShow, was developed for the show's buyer attendees, focusing on pre-show preparation and show events, as well as providing industry information.

Like Facebook, IHA's LinkedIn group displays member networking opportunities and provides discussion boards to facilitate contact, but it has a strict focus on business relationships. Individuals can join both the IHA group and a subgroup for the International Home + Housewares Show. The LinkedIn page includes industry news, links to other companies within the industry and job openings. Status updates allow IHA to actively inform group members in real time.

On its Web site, IHA has begun a blog. Several authors will contribute to the blog discussing topics ranging from the latest consumer lifestyle trends to behind-the-scenes happenings at the International Home + Housewares Show to tips on doing business globally.

In addition, IHA has developed two Wikipedia sites -- one that explains the history and mission of the association, and a second that focuses on the show. Users can sign up for each of these tools through links at www.housewares.org/sm/.