Business

‘A great equalizer’: Inspired Home Show brings sellers, buyers of all sizes together

Posted February 19, 2025 9:54 am

By Vincent Pierri

Honey-Can-Do CEO Steve Greenspon in the company’s warehouse in Berkeley. “What I found is that IHA members are incredibly generous with their time and knowledge and just willing to help out other people,” he said. “I know that 99% of the times I’ve reached out for support or advice, people get back to me.” Courtesy of Vincent Pierri

From shifting consumer behavior to AI-driven supply chains, The Inspired Home Show next month will offer industry professionals expert insight into key trends shaping the home and housewares market.

The Rosemont-based International Housewares Association’s annual showcase will be held March 2-4 at McCormick Place in Chicago. It’s one of the world's largest housewares events, drawing nearly 30,000 professionals from more than 120 countries last year.

While the show, now in its 125th edition, is a major highlight, many association members believe the organization’s true value comes from its year-round resources, networking opportunities, and ongoing support that help grow their businesses.

“The IHA is one of the reasons my company is still thriving,” said Bill McHenry, association member and owner of Crystal Lake-based Widgeteer. “The support of my fellow IHA family during some challenging times made it easy to not give up.”

Community support

Bill McHenry, founder and owner of Crystal Lake-based Widgeteer, right, with his wife, Nancy McHenry, and son James McHenry. “The IHA is one of the reasons my company is still thriving,” said Bill McHenry, an IHA member. “The support of my fellow IHA family during some challenging times made it easy to not give up.” Courtesy of Widgeteer

That sense of community — built on connections, education, and shared expertise — is what many members value. And it’s at the heart of IHA’s mission, says President and CEO Derek Miller.

“Outside of the show, IHA organizes a senior-level education and networking event every fall,” Miller said. “We also have eight regional groups that allow members to share their experiences, discuss topics of special interest and grow personally and professionally.”

A nonprofit with nearly 90 years of history, IHA provides members with executive connections, industry data, global business tools, and year-round support.

Miller said IHA also plays a vital role in advocating for its members, keeping them informed, and offering guidance on challenges such as tariffs and other economic pressures, helping members connect and adapt to geopolitical trends.

“We have a government affairs representative who is closely monitoring the tariff issue,” Miller explained. “Right now, it’s too soon to tell just how much these might impact our members. But we have been providing updates and will continue to monitor the situation and advise as appropriate.”

Collaboration over competition

Steve Greenspon, CEO of Honey-Can-Do, says although fellow International Housewares Association members can be competitive, they genuinely support each other’s success. He’s pictured here in the company's 500,000-square-foot warehouse in Berkeley. Courtesy of Vincent Pierri

Steve Greenspon, CEO of Honey-Can-Do, says that although fellow members can be competitive, they genuinely support each other’s success.

“What I found is that IHA members are incredibly generous with their time and knowledge and just willing to help out other people,” he said. “I know that 99% of the times I’ve reached out for support or advice, people get back to me.”

Greenspon launched Honey-Can-Do in 2008 with just two employees. Today, the storage and organization brand sells to major retailers from a 500,000-square-foot warehouse in Berkeley.

He says IHA membership gives him direct access to customers he might never reach on his own.

“Literally every single retailer in the housewares industry goes to the show,” he said. “We explain our products and focus on building relationships. We made one of our best connections at the very first show we attended.”

Bringing together tens of thousands of sellers and buyers under one roof could easily foster an us-versus-them mentality, but McHenry says the IHA is dedicated to fostering collaboration.

“The IHA has a retailer committee focused on strengthening the relationships between vendors and retailers,” he said. “I just think that's amazing. It shows that there’s no cockiness within our organization. We all want to learn — we all want to improve on what we have.”

Steve Greenspon launched Honey-Can-Do in 2008 with just two employees. Today, the storage and organization brand sells to major retailers from a 500,000-square-foot warehouse in Berkeley. Courtesy of Vincent Pierri

Leveling the playing field

But what about the little guys? Do IHA and The Inspired Home Show have anything to offer growing companies or startups?

“For smaller companies, the benefits are as strong for them as for anybody else,” Greenspon said. “The show is a great equalizer. You will be on an even playing field with the largest competitors. They have the opportunity to show their products to the Walmarts and the Amazons as much as anybody else.”

The Inspired Home Show is a trade-only event, but IHA membership is open year-round. For more details, visit housewares.org.

For more information on the show, visit theinspiredhomeshow.com.

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