Call for Topics
CONTRIBUTE TO EXECUTIVE LEVEL EDUCATION SESSIONS
A key component of The Inspired Home Show is providing world-class education on the latest industry issues and topics to help attendees grow their businesses. We are seeking proposals for speakers at The Inspired Home Show’s Inspiration Theater during the Show in Chicago March 10-12, 2026.
Deadline for Submissions: December 1, 2025
Inspiration Theater
EXPERT-LED SESSIONS ADDRESSING THE INDUSTRY’S MOST CRITICAL TOPICS
The Inspiration Theater delivers valuable insights from leading experts on key issues shaping today’s home and housewares industry. From supply chain and intellectual property to omni-channel marketing, merchandising, product development and retail trends, sessions offer practical takeaways and forward-looking ideas.
Sessions relevant to inventors or entrepreneurs will also be considered for inclusion at the Inspiration Theater in 2026.
Located in Room S101B in the McCormick Place South Building (adjacent to the Keynote Ballroom S102), attendees will find ideas, innovation and inspiration at the Show’s education hub.
There is no cost for Show participants to attend and presentations are audio recorded for online listening after the Show.
Topics
- Trends in consumer behavior and purchasing
- Design of products, packaging and retail environments
- Social media management
- Branding
- Intellectual property protection
- Targeting international and emerging markets
- Trends in Internet of Things/Connected/Smart Home innovations
RFP Submission
Proposals should offer a program with one topic that includes one or two presenters OR a panel discussion that you would moderate with three to four panelists. You may submit up to two proposals.
Program Structure
- Inspiration Theater presentations must be educational in nature and relevant to housewares industry professionals. Presentations should not be sales oriented. Case histories are acceptable if the story has broader applicability and is not merely self-promotion.
- One or two presenters may share a podium or walk around during a presentation. A table and chairs are provided for panel discussions.
- Programs occur every hour over three days (Tuesday, March 10 through Thursday, March 12): 50-minute timeslots, with 10 minutes between programs for setup.
- There are no rehearsals and no speaker’s ready room.
- IHA does not offer an honorarium or reimbursement for travel or hotel expenses.
For questions, please contact Peter Giannetti.