Applications for exhibition space at The Inspired Home Show 2027 are now open, with organisers revealing a redesigned show layout aimed at creating a more connected and engaging experience for both exhibitors and visitors.

The annual housewares event, organised by the International Housewares Association (IHA), will return to Chicago’s McCormick Place from March 9-11, 2027. The revamped format will bring together the show’s core product categories – Clean + Contain, Dine + Décor, and Wired + Well – within the South Hall, creating what organisers describe as a more dynamic, discovery-led marketplace.

Meanwhile, the North Hall will become a dedicated Global Marketplace, serving as a hub for international manufacturing and sourcing. The space will feature International Sourcing exhibitors, Global Design Point Pavilions and networking facilities including the International Business Center, registration area and café.

Derek Miller, President and CEO of the IHA, said: “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.”

Several new activations will debut at the 2027 event. These include the Innovation District, which will bring together Inventors Corner, the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) Student Design Winners and the Inspiration Theater, creating a destination focused on innovation and fresh ideas. Discovery Park will also launch, transforming the Debut incubator area into a dedicated showcase for emerging brands and first-time exhibitors.

Additional new features include Industry Content Hubs, offering educational and networking opportunities, alongside Connection + Dwell Spaces designed to encourage meetings and informal discussions. An Editorial Studio will also move media activity onto the show floor, creating a dedicated hub for content creation and industry storytelling.

Returning for 2027 are several popular initiatives, including the Pet Products Pavilion, Candle Pavilion and the SPLiCE Licensing Hub. The Pet Products Pavilion will feature a new Puppy Park, allowing buyers to see pet-focused products demonstrated in real-world settings.

The IHA has also introduced a new priority-based space allocation system, which will consider factors such as exhibiting seniority, IHA membership, previous booth size, expansion requests and overall floorplan efficiency when assigning stands.

There will be no increase in regular stand rates for IHA members, while exhibitors who apply and pay before July 10, 2026 will receive an early application discount. Premium exhibition space will also be available for the first time.

The announcement follows a successful 2026 edition of the show, which welcomed more than 1,000 exhibitors, thousands of brands and buyers from over 100 countries. According to organisers, attending US buyers alone represented more than 100,000 retail locations and almost $75 billion in purchasing power.

Mr Miller added: “The diverse mix of buyers, sellers and media professionals makes the Show an essential platform for relationship-building and business growth.”

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