Exhibitors in The Inspired Home Show 2020 will receive a 100% refund for paid space fees and corner charges in the form of a credit toward space and corner charges for the 2021 Show, provided their 2020 Show accounts were paid in full, the International Housewares Association announced today. IHA’s board of directors approved the refund today.

The refund credit will apply to all exhibitors who canceled after the Oct. 31, 2019 cancellation deadline or who were still contracted to exhibit at the 2020 Show at the time of Show cancellation. Exhibitors will also maintain their seniority status for space assignment purposes.

After careful consideration regarding the ongoing spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) overseas and recent cases in the United States, the International Housewares Association’s Board of Directors has decided not to hold The Inspired Home Show 2020, scheduled to take place March 14-17, 2020 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

“For the last several weeks, we have been watching this situation very carefully, with our primary concern being the safety and well-being of the home + housewares industry,” says Derek Miller, IHA president. “The IHA Board of Directors made this decision after consulting with industry constituents including exhibitors and retailers.  In the end, the global nature of our event, combined with the worldwide concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak and ongoing travel restrictions make it impossible for us to hold The Inspired Home Show next week.”

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak and after consultation with Chinese pavilion organizers and exhibitors, the International Sourcing Expo will not open at The Inspired Home Show 2020, the International Housewares Association announced today. Derek Miller, IHA president, says the decision was made to protect the health, safety and well-being of the industry from concerns about exposure to the virus.