2027 Show to feature reimagined configuration that unites industry’s core categories
Applications are now open for the 2027 edition of The Inspired Home Show. The annual event in Chicago is organised by the International Housewares Association (IHA). The 2027 show – to be held Tuesday-Thursday, March 9-11 at Chicago’s McCormick Place – will feature a reimagined show floor that unites its core product categories to deliver a more dynamic, discovery-driven and engaging marketplace experience for both buyers and exhibitors.
“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,” said IHA president & CEO Derek Miller. “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.”
The first set of enhancements involve a new show configuration. To maximise McCormick Place’s South Hall and create stronger connections across categories, the show will bring together the industry’s core groupings — Clean + Contain, Dine + Décor and Wired + Well — into one vibrant and high-energy destination.
The North Hall will be established as a Global Marketplace and a dedicated destination for global manufacturing and sourcing. This includes International Sourcing exhibitors, select Global Design Point Pavilions and dedicated networking and hospitality spaces, including the International Business Center, registration and a café.
In 2027, participants will also be able to enjoy integrated activations that will enhance the Show experience. New activations will include:
- Innovation District, which brings together three powerful Show elements – theInventors Corner, the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) Student Design Winners, and the Inspiration Theater – to create a high-energy destination centered on fresh thinking and creative ideas.
- Discovery Park, which transforms the Debut incubator for smaller brands or new-to-the-Show exhibitors into a park-inspired destination celebrating newness.
- Industry Content Hubs – including the Pantone® ColorWatch Display, Buyers Club & New Product Showcase, and Keynote Theater – which will create spaces for learning, networking and discovery.
- Connection + Dwell Spaces – including the New Exhibitor Showcase & Lounge, gia Retail Winners & Lounge, Business Center, and a Café – which provide built-in opportunities for meetings, conversations and recharging.
- Editorial Studio, which brings the News Center onto the Show floor and transforms behind-the scenes functions into a destination for storytelling and a curated hub for media and content creation.
Also new for 2027, booth space will be assigned using a new priority-based system that considers seniority (based on exhibiting consecutive years, IHA membership, and booth size in 2026 and 2025), booth size and configuration (including expansion requests), premium availability (limited high-visibility locations), and overall floor plan efficiency (traffic flow, utilities and safety).
There will be no rate increase for IHA members requesting regular space. Members who apply and pay before July 10, 2026 will also receive an early application discount of $2 per square foot.
IHA members may also apply for premium exhibit space, a new offering for the 2027 Show. Premium space will be available at a higher base rate than regular space, but the early application discount will also apply.
Non-members may also apply for space, but early application discounts and premium spaces are not available.
Visit HERE to apply for space now.
