IHA reimagines 2027 Inspired Home Show

The International Housewares Association is reimagining the floor layout of the next Inspired Home Show and has begun accepting space applications for the 2027 event.

“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,” said IHA President & CEO Derek Miller.

The South Hall of Chicago’s McCormick Place, where the show takes place, will feature the housewares industry’s core groupings: Clean + Contain, Dine + Décor and Wired + Well.

The North Hall will feature a Global Marketplace and a dedicated destination for global manufacturing and sourcing, including International Sourcing exhibitors, select Global Design Point Pavilions and dedicated networking and hospitality spaces.

The 2027 show will also include:

An Innovation District, which brings together the Inventors Corner, the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) Student Design Winners, and the Inspiration Theater.

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.

An Editorial Studio, which brings the News Center onto the show floor and transforms behind-the scenes functions into a destination for storytelling and a hub for content creation.

In addition, there will be a Pet Products Pavilion with the addition of a Puppy Park; the Candle Pavilion, which launched in 2025 in collaboration with the National Candle Association; and the SPLiCE Licensing Hub, which connects attendees with brands interested in licensing deals.

Booth space

In 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), the IHA said.

There will be no rate increase for IHA members requesting regular space, according to the IHA. 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.

Information about space applications can be found here.