Inspired Home Show, Expo West cancelled due to coronavirus outbreak

The International Houseware Association’s board of directors has reached a conclusion regarding whether or not the Inspired Home Show will go on.  

It was decided that the show, scheduled to take place March 14 to 17 in Chicago, would be canceled due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19 overseas and recent cases popping up in the United States.

“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 and housewares industry,” Derek Miller, IHA president, said. “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.”

Both the IHA board of directors and staff will be working to measure the impact on the industry and association, and will share additional information regarding refunds once the analysis has been completed, the organization said.

This news comes on the heels of Natural Products Expo West, which is produced by New Hope, being postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

In a message to attendees and exhibitors, New Hope wrote, "It is now clear, despite continued advice from local government and health authorities that the City of Anaheim remains open, that the majority of our community want the show, but they do not want it now."

Prior to making the announcement that the show was postponed, New Hope said that some members of the buying community would no longer be participating, such as Kimberton Whole Foods, H-E-B/Central Market, Costco, Advantage Solutions, MOM's Organic, Harris Teeter, National Co+op Grocers, Whole Foods Market, Fresh Direct, Cambridge Naturals and Advantage Solutions. They anticipated a 40% to 60% drop in attendance.