Wednesday, March 11
9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
Inspiration Theater, South Building S101A
When Growth Breaks Leaders: The Invisible Leadership Failure Point and How To Get Ahead of It
This session examines why growth rarely fails due to product or demand, but rather because leadership systems fail to evolve at the same pace. Most breakdowns happen quietly, long before financial results show stress. Operators who recognize this early can protect execution, decision quality and team performance.
Kristie Sams, Creative Planning Business Services
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Keynotes, South Building, S102
Top Trends — Survive or Thrive? Collaborative Insights To Sharpen Your Senses and Challenge Your Perceptions of the Modern Marketplace
There’s no question that industry, socio-political, economic and lifestyle shifts are reshaping the consumer landscape. But ultimately, maintaining a fluid awareness of purchaser attitudes, expectations and behaviors remains the best defense against the unexpected.
Tom Mirabile, trend strategist and expert resource to the IHA, will share essential new data revealing what consumers want, how they live, and why they buy. You’ll learn what’s driving positive feedback, shaping customer experiences and even causing consumer exasperation. Best of all, you’ll be able to compare these insights with your own perceptions to see where you’re on target.
Tom Mirabile, Principal, Springboard Futures
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
North Building, Level 3 – Exhibit Hall Entrance
House + Hound Headquarters
In partnership with Hinsdale Humane Society, House + Hound Headquarters combines onPeak’s Hotel Accommodation Desk with adoptable puppies to create a fun, engaging destination that encourages on-site hotel bookings.
- All attendees are welcome to visit and pet the puppies. Those who book 2027 hotel rooms at the onPeak desk will receive access to a special interactive puppy session.
- The Hotel Accommodation Desk is open during Show hours.
Sponsored by onPeak and PawsPik.
11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Inspiration Theater, South Building, S101A
Welcome to License-Ready: Best Practices for Winning Home + Housewares Partnerships
Concurrent with the debut of the SPLiCE Licensing Hub at The Inspired Home Show 2026, a panel of licensing experts will break down what it takes to be a partner licensors want to bet on: the signals, the safeguards, the speed-to-market best practices and the trade-show follow-through that gets deals over the line.
This session is designed for licensees, retailers and brand owners who want to better understand what it truly takes to be license-ready — from first conversation to long-term partnership — and to turn licensing from “interesting talk” into repeatable deal flow.
Karen Dertinger, The Ohio State University
Daniela Fleig, Philips
Kimberly Kociencki, SPLiCE
Lori Murphy, SVP Worldwide
12:10 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Inspiration Theater, South Building, S101A
Legislative Update: PFAS & More
The regulatory environment for cookware and housewares is evolving rapidly. What began with PFAS restrictions has expanded to encompass lead, cadmium, packaging requirements and more. Join The Cookware & Bakeware Alliance, FEC, The Cookware Sustainability Alliace and Latham & Watkins for a comprehensive state-by-state legislative briefing.
This session will cover:
- Emerging legislation on the horizon
- Recently enacted laws and their compliance deadlines
- State-by-state breakdown of regulations impacting your products
- Practical steps for compliance
- Actionable strategies for industry advocacy
Fran Attilio, Cookware & Bakeware Alliance
Steve Burns, Cookware Sustainabiity Alliance
Tobias Gerfin, Kuhn Rikon
Tom Lee, Latham & Watkins
12:10 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Keynotes, South Building, S102
Sense-Abilities — The Most Directional Color and Design Trends
To renowned color expert Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, success in today’s discerning marketplace is all about interpreting the lifestyles and emotional “tugs” that will lead consumers to purchase your products, goods or services. From reminiscent of the past or resonating for the future, Eiseman will present the most influential and directional forecast for color and design choices in the coming year while revealing Pantone’s 2027 Home Color Forecast.
Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute
3:10 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Inspiration Theater, South Building, S101A
Retail Trends Now: Signals from gia Winners + Expert Jury Industry Insights
The four members of IHA’s Global Innovation Awards (gia) expert jury share the most important retail trends shaping the market right now. Drawing on standout examples from gia award-winning retailers — combined with the jury’s own industry experience — you’ll get a clear view of the signals that matter, what they mean and how to connect with shoppers in the year ahead.
The session concludes with a live Q&A.
Denise Foley
Wolfgang Gruschwitz
Scott Kohno
Henrik Peter Reisby Nielsen
4:10 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Inspiration Theater, South Building, S101A
Tariffs in 2026 — Where Are We Now and Where Are We Headed
Tariffs have been a moving target for all importers. The panel will discuss where they are now and where they may be headed.
Craig Brightup, The Brightup Group
David Forgue, Barnes, Richardson & Colburn
Rafe Morrissey, Morrissey Strategic Partners
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
South Building, Grand Ballroom S100
Networking After Dark
All Show participants are invited to the Networking After Dark reception! Continue your discussions and networking with the entire Show community over cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, games and music!
Complimentary entry for all Show participants.
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Four Seasons Hotel
Housewares Cares Cocktail Reception
The mission of the non-profit Housewares Charity Foundation (HCF) is to raise funds for designated charities. HCF hosts a charitable event during The Inspired Home Show to unite our industry and to honor its leaders.
For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit the HCF website.
