The International Housewares Association (IHA) is partnering with the Society of Product Licensors Committed to Excellence (SPLiCE) to debut the SPLiCE Licensing Hub at The Inspired Home Show 2026, connecting retailers and product suppliers with brands interested in licensing deals.
“The Inspired Home Show is known as the place where the world’s home and housewares retailers and product suppliers unite,” said Derek Miller, IHA president and CEO. “While some exhibitors have brought licensors and already licensed products to the show in the past, we’re pleased to add this formal connection point for both exhibitor and buyer attendees to identify new licensing opportunities to help them grow, innovate and expand their brand’s reach.”
“At Dash, we’ve seen firsthand how licensing partnerships bring new energy to housewares,” said Evan Dash, Storebound CEO. “The addition of licensed properties to the housewares category elevates the entire industry. It opens doors for innovation, creates stronger connections with consumers and helps our products stand out in an increasingly competitive retail environment.”
SPLiCE is committed to enhancing brand licensing and protecting brands from misuse. As a community of licensors and brand owners, the association discusses best practices and is dedicated to helping member organizations protect, promote and enhance brand integrity to build brand unity.
SPLiCE member companies span more than 50 industry product categories, including over 500 global brands, accounting for more than half of licensed merchandise sales revenue ($369.6B). The board of directors consists of ten seats, nine of which are occupied by individual member representatives. As of October 1, the board includes Caterpillar Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, The Life is Good Company, McDonald’s Corporation, Monster Products, Inc., NBCUniversal, The Ohio State University, Philips, The Procter & Gamble Company and The Walt Disney Company.
“Since 2003, SPLiCE has consistently positioned itself as a collaborative community and leading think tank dedicated to elevating standards in brand licensing. Through benchmarking and studies, we consistently poll our membership for what is most meaningful to them, and over the past five years, Housewares/Home Décor and Gifts/Novelties have been in the top three key growth categories,” said Kimberly Kociencki, SPLiCE CEO. “The Inspired Home Show offers an opportunity for SPLiCE and its members to engage with new and innovative approaches from international manufacturers, licensees and retailers in a licensing context, as well as the educational aspects of the show. With our board of directors, we are absolutely thrilled to be working with Derek Miller and the team at IHA to bring this hub to fruition.”
The SPLiCE Licensing Hub will be located in the Dine + Décor Expo, situated in the South Hall of McCormick Place, at The Inspired Home Show 2026, taking place from March 10-12. Exhibiting licensors will receive a kiosk-style booth set-up as well as two exhibitor badges, access to exhibitor marketing services and a year-round listing in Connect 365, IHA’s digital marketplace.
More information about exhibiting in the SPLiCE Licensing Hub can be found at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/Exhibit/SPLiCE.
