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The World’s Leading Home + Housewares Show

March 10–12, 2026 | McCormick Place | Chicago, IL

The World’s Leading Home + Housewares Show
March 10—12 | McCormick Place | Chicago, IL

Call for Topics

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Call for Topics

free executive level education

A key component of the 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 for The Inspired Home Show, to be held at McCormick Place in Chicago March 10-12, 2026. If you are interested in submitting a proposal, please read below for more details on each of these educational areas.

Deadline for Submissions: December 1, 2025

Inspiration Theater

Offering Presentations that Address Topics in new product development and launch.

The Inspiration Theater is located in Room S101B in the McCormick Place South Building, adjacent to the Keynote Ballroom S102 to form a convenient industry education and inspiration hub near the Show registration area.

Although no longer a stand-alone theater, topics that are educational in nature and relevant to inventors or small entrepreneurs will be considered for inclusion in the programming at the Inspiration Theater.

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 products

RFP Submission

Proposals should offer a program with one topic with 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 trade professionals in the housewares industry. 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 set up.
  • There are no rehearsals and no speaker ready room.
  • IHA does not offer an honorarium or reimburse for travel or hotel expenses.

For questions, please contact Peter Giannetti.