The International Housewares Association (IHA) is adding a new resource at The Inspired Home Show 2025 for candle manufacturers looking to expand their retail customer bases. The 2025 show will feature a Candle Pavilion curating collections from members of the National Candle Association (NCA) in a partnership with show operator IHA.
The Inspired Home Show 2025 will be held March 2-4 at Chicago’s McCormick Place and will feature more than 1,600 exhibitors in five expos throughout the McCormick North and South buildings.
“Gift and specialty retailers specifically are looking for trade events that offer a wide assortment of brands and products, and candle manufacturers are looking for access to those buyers — both can be found at The Inspired Home Show,” said Derek Miller, IHA president and CEO. “GMMs, DMMs, buyers and distributors from more than 125 countries attend the show each year, making it one of the leading trade shows in the world.”
“We are pleased to be partnering with IHA to create and unprecedented candle pavilion at The Inspired Home Show,” said Steve Horenziak, president of NCA. “This prestigious event attracts an impressive audience of retail industry leaders and decision-makers, providing an unparalleled opportunity for NCA members to showcase their exceptional offerings. The popularity of candles continues to grow beyond the traditional gift and specialty channel, and this collaboration allows our members and retail partners to develop transformative relationships.”
The Candle Pavilion will be located in the McCormick South Building within the Dine + Décor Expo, near other home décor categories.The pavilion offers exhibitors a turnkey kiosk opportunity for NCA members only to reach decision-makers with a high visibility, cost-effective package, according to IHA. Along with the kiosk materials, the package includes IHA membership for one year and marketing assistance, including pre-show marketing and promotion, a year-round listing in IHA’s Connect 365 online product catalog, and buyer and news media lists provided after the 2025 show. Pavilion participants will also be able to take advantage of additional product placement opportunities at the show, including a New Exhibitor Preview Gallery, New Product Showcase, gia Excellence in Product Design Awards, News Center product display and the Pantone Color Watch display.
Exhibiting at The Inspired Home Show will provide candle manufacturers with unparalleled access to quality buyers, Miller said. Based on data from 2024 Show buyer registrations, 92% of verified retail attendees have purchasing power; 92% of verified retail attendees are buyers or executives; and 83% of 2024 Show exhibitors said they expected to receive new business as a result of their participation, IHA asserted.
Candle manufacturers interested in exhibiting in the Candle Pavilion can contact IHA sales manager Joe Clark at [email protected] or the NCA at [email protected]. Additional information can also be found on The Inspired Home Show and NCA websites at TheInspiredHomeShow.com or Candles.org.
