Candle manufacturers looking to expand their retail customer base have a new resource with The Inspired Home Show®. The 2025 Show will feature a Candle Pavilion, curating collections from members of the National Candle Association (NCA). The pavilion is a partnership between the International Housewares Association (IHA), which owns and operates the Show, and NCA.
The Inspired Home Show 2025 will be held March 2-4 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex. The Show will feature more than 1,600 exhibitors in five expos throughout the North and South buildings.
“Gift and specialty retailers specifically are looking for trade events that offer a wide assortment of brands and products, and candle manufacturers are looking for access to those buyers—both can be found at The Inspired Home Show,” said Derek Miller, IHA president & CEO. “GMMs, DMMs, buyers and distributors from more than 125 countries attend the Show each year, making it one of the leading trade shows in the world.”
“We are pleased to be partnering with IHA to create an unprecedented candle pavilion at The Inspired Home Show,” said Steve Horenziak, president of NCA. “This prestigious event attracts an impressive audience of retail industry leaders and decision-makers, providing an unparalleled opportunity for NCA members to showcase their exceptional offerings. The popularity of candles continues to grow beyond the traditional gift and specialty channel, and this collaboration allows our members and retail partners to develop transformative relationships.”
The Candle Pavilion will be located in the South building within the Dine + Décor Expo, near other home décor categories. It offers exhibitors a turnkey kiosk opportunity for NCA members only to reach decision-makers with a high-visibility, cost-effective package. Along with the kiosk materials, the package includes IHA membership for one year and marketing assistance including pre-Show marketing & promotion; year-round Connect 365 listing; and buyer and news media lists provided post-Show. Pavilion participants also will be able to take advantage of additional product placement opportunities at the Show, including a New Exhibitor Preview Gallery, New Product Showcase, gia Excellence in Product Design Awards, News Center product display and the Pantone® ColorWatch display.
Exhibiting at The Inspired Home Show will provide candle manufacturers with unparalleled access to quality buyers, Miller said. Based on data from 2024 Show buyer registrations, 92% of verified retail attendees have purchasing power, and 92% of verified retailers are buyers or executives. With so much buying power walking the Show, 83% of 2024 Show exhibitors said they expected to receive new business as a result of their participation.
Candle manufacturers interested in exhibiting in the Candle Pavilion should contact IHA sales manager Joe Clark at [email protected] or the NCA at [email protected]. Additional information can also be found on the Show and NCA websites at TheInspiredHomeShow.com or Candles.org