IHA News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Deborah A.Teschke
Manager, Media Relations & Communications
847-692-0110

DESIGN AND INNOVATION STAR AT THE 2006 INTERNATIONAL HOME & HOUSEWARES SHOW

New Designs To Delight The Tabletop Consumer

ROSEMONT, IL (February 7, 2006)— Buyers seeking innovation in tabletop will be attending the 2006 International Home & Housewares Show in record numbers and finding that design has become a driving force in new products for the table. Among the Show’s 2,000 exhibitors, nearly 300 companies will be new to the Show, including a large number of tabletop design leaders, according to Phil Brandl, president of the not-for-profit International Housewares Association, which owns and operates the Show. The Show will be held March 12-14 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

The Show’s tabletop roster will be a who’s who of suppliers who will feature their freshest introductions. New to tabletop this year or returning after a brief absence are such world-renowned design-focused suppliers as Alessi USA, Arzberg Porzellan, Block China and Crystal, Claude Dozorme Cutlery, Designs For Living, Furitechnics USA, Guzzini, Kahla Porcelain, La Cafetiere, Laurie Gates Designs, Outset, Reef, Sagaform, Waechtersbach USA and World Kitchen.

“We welcome these companies to the tabletop section of the 2006 Show. Their presence underscores the importance of the Home & Housewares Show as a global marketplace for the industry. Our retailer audience appreciates the opportunity to find a broad range of key tabletop suppliers in one location,” Brandl said.

In addition, design will take the spotlight in many Show activities and displays. The Designed Table, an on-floor destination in the Tabletop area, will host talented design student teams from midwestern schools, who will employ exhibitors’ latest styles to create breath-taking table settings. Industry professionals will judge their efforts on Sunday. Retailers will want to stop by for fresh ideas for store displays.

The 2006 International Home & Housewares Show will feature 2,000 exhibitors from around the globe displaying products for every room inside the home and out, including gourmet specialty foods and outdoor living products. The Show is categorized into four “show-within-a-show” expos: Dine & Design, Clean, Contain & Outdoor Domain, Wired & Well and Global Crossroads.
To register for a no-charge trade-only attendee badge prior to the Show or for more information about the Show and a list of all exhibitors, visit www.housewares.org.