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In a move that will provide increased value to exhibitors as well as to U.S. and international buyer attendees, the International Housewares Association (IHA) announced today that the 2012 International Home + Housewares Show will open at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, and run through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13. IHA’s Board of Directors approved this additional time in response to ever-intensifying requests from multiple show stakeholders. Additionally, being mindful of minimizing incremental costs to exhibitors, the board approved a freeze of booth space fees to remain at 2011 rates.

“This additional show time will allow exhibitors to schedule ample time for appointments with key retailer partners in a more relaxed and unhurried atmosphere,” says Phil Brandl, IHA president. “It will offer all buyer attendees additional time to seek out new supplier partners while also giving time for meetings with current suppliers.”

The board considered input from several show audiences when making this decision:

-Many exhibitors across show categories express concern about the lack of time during the show to conduct in-depth strategic meetings with key retailer partners and were seeking dedicated time to achieve this goal.

-Independent retailers and key channel buyers with broad category responsibilities said they are not able to both visit their current suppliers and investigate new relationships with the show’s many new exhibitors.

-Many senior retail managers already schedule meetings on Saturday before the show with key supplier partners, but would prefer to be able to hold those meeting in suppliers’ show booths.

“It is clear from the feedback we are hearing from retailers large and small that the industry would benefit from a longer show,” says Bruce Kaminstein, CEO of Casabella Holdings LLC and IHA’s Chairman of the Board. “At this last show, an executive from a large national retail chain stopped by our booth on the last day and was complaining that the show was just too short for her to spend time with all her suppliers and still have time to seek out new vendors.”

According to Jacquie Fazekas, divisional vice president/DMM, JC Penney, the extra show time is good news. “This will make my team more effective during the show,” she says.

Along with buyer attendees, manufacturers’ representatives and news media attendees will be allowed on the exhibit floor on Saturday. Trade guests, however, will not be allowed on the show floor until Sunday, March 11.

The 2012 International Home + Housewares Show will be held at Chicago’s McCormick Place on the following hours:

Saturday, March 10, 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 11, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Monday, March 12, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 13, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.housewares.org.

Source: International Housewares Association