Show Cancellation Update
2020 Show Cancelled Amid Coronavirus (COVID-19) Concerns Have You Registered?The Inspired Home Show 2020 Cancelled Amid Coronavirus (COVID-19) CONCERNS
March 5, 2020
Dear Home + Housewares Professional,
By now, I am sure that you have heard that The Inspired Home Show 2020 has been cancelled due to the ongoing threat of Covid-19 (Coronavirus). Being a global event, the health risk of having our international community come together next week was simply too great.
In the weeks leading up to the cancellation decision, the IHA Board of Directors and IHA staff watched the situation closely and listened to our industry’s constituents – members, exhibitors, retailers, distributors, reps and consultants. Although some wanted to continue, the overwhelming majority asked (and many demanded) that we cancel the Show due to the Coronavirus threat. By March 2, we were swept away by a tide of cancellations from both exhibitors and retailers that clearly made the most difficult decision ever made by IHA fairly easy – the Show simply couldn’t continue on as it had for more than 80 years.
Everyone here at IHA, on the Board and throughout the industry was devastated by this news. The Show is so meaningful not only for the tremendous commerce activities being done, but also for the networking that is facilitated – our industry simply doesn’t come together to this degree in any other place than in Chicago each March.
At IHA, hard work remains in front of us as we deal with the ramification of this decision. Unpacking an event of this size with the sheer magnitude of personnel, companies, events, freight, etc. is incredible. Our immediate focus is on determining the financial impact on the industry and Association – once we are able to provide an analysis to our Board of Directors, we can make decisions regarding exhibitor refunds.
Thank you for your support during this time. The number of emails, texts and phone messages received by IHA staff has been overwhelming, and it is encouraging that the majority of those are in support of the decision. We do need your continued support and are very appreciative of your patience as we begin our work towards the 2021 Show. We’ll be back in touch soon with additional updates.
Sincerely,
Derek Miller
President
International Housewares Association
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Is it true that The Inspired Home Show has been cancelled for 2020?
Yes, due to ongoing concerns about the spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and after numerous discussions with exhibitors and attendees, our Board of Directors determined that for the safety and well-being of the industry, the Show should be cancelled.
Are the events cancelled as well?
All events associated with The Inspired Home Show are also cancelled, including the Influencer Conference, Independents’ Day, gia Dinner and Awards Gala, and the Housewares Charity Gala.
Exhibitor Questions
How are refunds being handled for Exhibit Space?
Will exhibitors be reimbursed for third-party arrangements?
How will my Advance to Warehouse freight be returned?
All exhibitors will need to submit their outbound shipping information forms by Thursday, March 12, 2020 to Chi.Trans@Freemanco.com. The appropriate forms will include Quick Facts, Outbound Shipping Forms, and Terms and Conditions. An email from Freeman with this information has been sent directly to the Exhibitor Show Contact.
For additional questions please contact:
| Freeman Services Representative | 1-773-379-5040 or email Chi.Trans@Freemanco.com |
|---|---|
| South Hall Booths | Bryan Dunican 773-379-5040 Bryan.Dunican@Freemanco.com |
| North Hall & Lakeside Booths | Moises Garcia 773-379-5040 Moises.Garcia@Freemanco.com |
I submitted product for a Show display. Will it be returned to me?
Each planned product display will be handled individually by the IHA contact indicated below.
- gia Product Design – Products that have been selected as gia Product finalists will be held for judging and award distribution. After judging concludes, Connie Chantos will be in touch with options.
- New Product Showcase – If you would like your product returned, please contact Connie Chantos with your shipping account number by April 10, 2020. After this date, products will be donated to an IHA-approved charity on your behalf. Note: These items are currently in transit between Freeman and McCormick Place and it may be up to two weeks before we are able to ship them back
- Celebration of Coffee Display – If you would like your product returned, please contact Lindsay Pearson-Wessels with your shipping account number by April 10, 2020. After this date, products will be donated to an IHA-approved charity on your behalf.
- Discover Design Gallery – If you would like your product returned, please contact Lindsay Pearson-Wessels with your shipping account number by April 10, 2020. After this date, products will be donated to an IHA-approved charity on your behalf
- Pantone ColorWatch – IHA and Pantone will be reviewing options for delivering the annual color forecast vignettes and we will be in touch once additional information is available. Please contact Vicki Matranga with any questions.
- Influencer Conference – If you would like your product returned, please contact Leana Salamah with your shipping account number by April 10, 2020. After this date, products will be donated to an IHA-approved charity on your behalf.
- Independents’ Day – If you would like your product returned, please contact Connie Chantos with your shipping account number by April 10, 2020. After this date, products will be donated to an IHA-approved charity on your behalf.
- IHA Market Watch – We are reviewing these products for possible inclusion in ongoing PR efforts related to the IHA Market Watch Report. We will contact selected exhibitors directly to discuss next steps. Questions can be directed to Leana Salamah.
- Press/Media Room – We are reviewing these products for possible inclusion in ongoing PR efforts. We will contact selected exhibitors directly to discuss next steps. Questions can be directed to Debbie Teschke.
Can I get a list of registered buyers?
We will be releasing the list of registered buyers to our exhibitor community via Exhibitor Connect later this month.
Can I get a list of registered media?
The pre-Show media list is currently available through your exhibitor portal. We will be updating and finalizing this list over the next two weeks.
Attendee Questions
Will the cost of badge registration be refunded for attendees?
Badge registration costs for attendees will be refunded to the credit card used for the original purchase. These will be done processing by mid-March and may take up to two weeks to appear on a statement.
Can I get a list of exhibitors and contact information?
Please visit Housewares Connect 365 for a complete list of exhibitors as well as a searchable database of exhibitors, products and contact information.
Travel-Related Questions
If I booked my hotel through the official housing provider, OnPeak, how do I cancel my reservation?
Can I get a refund for my hotel reservation?
If you booked your hotel through the official housing provider, onPeak:
- If deposits were taken at your hotel and your cancellation fell within the allowable timeframe, your deposit will be refunded.
- For the few reservations that were cancelled after the allowable cancellation period, applicable charges may apply.
If you elected to book outside of the official room block, you will have to work directly with the hotel on any cancellation fees.
Can I still keep my hotel room or retain my discount?
All hotel reservations made through onPeak have been cancelled on your behalf. You will need to contact your hotel directly to re-instate your hotel reservation.
Will IHA be reimbursing flight cancellation fees?
IHA is not liable for costs related to travel to Chicago. Please contact your specific airline carrier to inquire about their change/cancellation policy.
The Inspired Home Show 2021
What are the dates for the 2021 Show?
When can I book my hotel for the 2021 Show?
The 2021 official room block will open in mid-March; an exact date will be communicated soon. If you want to be notified when 2021 booking is available, please provide us with your e-mail.
