Trade Show Archives - InspiringKitchen.com

Jun 08
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NRA sign

2022 National Restaurant Show Trends and Innovations

Posted by | Chicago, Foods, Restaurants, Trade Show, Trends | 6 Comments

The National Restaurant Show took over Chicago’s McCormick Place last week showcasing the latest restaurant innovations. This four-day event that brings together over 60,000 food service professionals came back to life after the pandemic as it introduced us to the latest trends in the industry.  What do you think of the 2022 National Restaurant Association trends?

NRA exhibit floor

Exhibitors and attendees alike were happy to be seeing colleagues once again and talking shop. There was definitely an energy throughout the halls to get back to business as we knew it. This is a very big show which means lots to see and explore.… Read more

May 28
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17 Finds from the 2019 National Restaurant Show

Posted by | Chicago, Foods, Restaurants, Trade Show | No Comments

eli's cheesecake from the National Restaurant Show

2019 is the 100 year anniversary of the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show. Record attendance with more than 65,500 exhibitors, restaurant operators, retail foodservice professionals, equipment dealers, food distributors and many others. This massive show takes over three halls at McCormick Place in Chicago. Given the demand, in 2020, their will be a fourth exhibit hall! 

17 Finds from the 2019 National Restaurant Show

Chicago’s own, Eli’s Cheesecake, created a 1,200 pound cheesecake that was cut during the opening ceremony. Chef Rick Bayless and LT. Governor, Juliana Stratton were present. 

Chef Rick Bayless, LT Governor Juliana Stratton

As I walked the show, my goal was to find new products, cooking tips, tabletop ideas and overall trends.… Read more

Apr 03
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Favorite Finds from the International Home and Housewares Show

Posted by | Chicago, Housewares, Housewares Show, Trade Show | No Comments

After five days of exploring the 2019 International Home and Housewares Show, I can honestly tell you that I still love going to this show! With more than 60,000 attendees and 2,200 exhibitors, there is so much to see and learn about. The show is held at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center in three of its enormous halls. 

What never ceases to amaze me is the creativity of products shown. Yes, all the major brands are there but so are small, soon-to-be-well-known (in my opinion) companies from all over the world. If you have ever wondered how a product comes to life, consider that someone had a need and made it happen. … Read more

Jun 18
1

2018 Sweets and Snacks Expo Favorite Finds and Trends

Posted by | Chicago, Snacks, Sweets, Trade Show | 12 Comments

2018 Sweets and Snacks Expo Favorite Finds and Trends – Summary of the unique finds from the trade show including vegetable chips and puffs, dark and white chocolate additions, protein packed snacks, spicy and sour treats and so much more.

When you go to a trade show where the name is the Sweets and Snacks Expo, how excited would you be? The opportunity to sample a vast assortment of candy and salty snacks from well-known and new brands is bound to make anyone happy. The catch is only those who work in the channels that support this industry are able to attend.… Read more

Apr 03
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2018 International Home and Housewares Show Favorite Finds

Posted by | Chicago, Housewares, Trade Show | 2 Comments

2018 International Home and Housewares Show Favorite Finds – Sharing trends found at the show in coffee, baking, design, kitchen gadgets, cookware and creative ideas.

The 2018 International Home and Housewares Show lived up to its annual extravaganza with more exhibitors and trends than ever. So many creative concepts from colors to innovations to technology infused to eco friendly! A big focus on coffee this year as well which couldn’t have excited this coffee lover more.  

Latte art from Nespresso. My self-portrait! See how it was done. 

2018 International Home and Housewares Show Favorite Finds

Note the spatula wall from Tovolo which is what I wrote about in the About section on how Inspiring Kitchen came to be:

Coffee/Espresso

Espro makes the French press with two sets of filters to prevent coffee grounds from getting into your coffee. … Read more

Mar 20
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6 Tips for a Successful Housewares Show Experience

Posted by | Chicago, Housewares, Tourism, Trade Show, Travel | 16 Comments

6 Tips for a Successful Housewares Show Experience – What to know when planning to attend the International Home and Housewares Show including where to stay for an easy commute and other valuable suggestions.

For housewares brands and fans, it’s all about those 4 days in March that we look forward to each year. The International Home and Housewares Show puts on a spectacular four-day extravaganza in Chicago with more than 2,200 vendors and 60,000 attendees. Held at McCormick Place, it is a vast assortment of new to global housewares brands, manufacturers, retailers, designers and media all looking to get the word out on the latest trends and perennial favorites.… Read more

Feb 21
1

Why Steel Matters When Designing A Vehicle at Chicago Auto Show

Posted by | Auto, Trade Show | No Comments

Why Steel Matters When Designing A Vehicle at Chicago Auto Show – An education on the different types of steel used in manufacturing cars and trucks.

I’m in car shopping mode. What could be a better way to see all my options but in one place at the Chicago Auto Show opening this weekend at McCormick Place.  As I recalled last year’s experience, I was reminded of the design elements that intrigued me when I visited each showroom. It had me thinking about how manufacturers design and build their products.Why Steel Matters When Designing A Vehicle at Chicago Auto Show

If you think about it like baking a cake, there are ingredients required to create the best cake possible.… Read more

Apr 11
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Even More Favorite Finds from 2017 International Home and Housewares Show

Posted by | Favorite Finds, International Housewares Show, Trade Show | 9 Comments

After spending four days walking the International Home and Housewares Show at Chicago’s McCormick Place, over 2,200 exhibitors from around the world and 400 NEW companies, sharing all my favorite finds was going to take two posts. So, in part two of my summary, you will learn about the following:

  • Millennials are making an impact on trends.
  • Eco-friendly products are gaining momentum.
  • Colors are most welcome, wanted and defined in the housewares world.
  • Housewares Industry professionals are extremely generous.
  • McCormick Place and its three massive halls are huge. 16,000 steps a day. Next year, wear better shoes!
  • Too much to share in one post.
… Read more
Apr 06
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International Home and Housewares Show 2017 Favorite Finds

Posted by | Favorite Finds, International Housewares Show, Trade Show | 11 Comments

If I told you that the International Home and Housewares Show sold out almost three months before opening day, would you be surprised? How about if you knew that there were over 2200 exhibitors from around the world (and 400 NEW companies) in attendance? The Show’s home for four days is in Chicago at McCormick Place. With over 62,000 attendees from 125 countries walking the show, there are a number of for-sure things that you will leave with:

  • The creativity in housewares is endless!
  • Technology is strongly entrenched in our kitchens making “SmartHomes” available to everyone.
  • Millennials are making an impact on trends.
… Read more
Feb 14
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In the Driver Seat at the Chicago Auto Show

Posted by | Trade Show | No Comments

If you were looking for a new car, where might your first stop be? A dealership? Online? How about the 2017 Chicago Auto Show?! I’m in car shopping mode so am genuinely interested in what I am going to learn at the show.

This past week I had the pleasure of attending the Women in Automotive Luncheon in preparation for the Chicago Auto Show. Both events occurred at McCormick Place making it not only a day of education but a walk through a maze of vehicles that offered everything from power to design to technology to luxury to family focused features.… Read more