For three action-packed days, McCormick Place hosted The Inspired Home Show, the largest home and housewares exhibition in the Western Hemisphere. With over 1,600 exhibitors representing more than 100 countries, the event sprawled across two buildings, showcasing an astonishing 300,000 products, including 20,000 new items from 2,000 unique brands. The sheer scale of innovation and creativity on display was overwhelming, offering attendees a glimpse into the future of household convenience and design.
One of the standout innovations was a folding leather suitcase designed to hold a suit and enough clothing for a four-day weekend getaway—an elegant and practical solution for frequent travelers. Equally impressive were the advancements in mobile refrigeration, with new car and camping refrigerators tailored for vans, SUVs, and Jeeps. These compact, stylish coolers for soda and beer also stood out, demonstrating how function and aesthetics can seamlessly blend.
The show had something for every aspect of home life, from throw rugs and drapes to brooms, bathroom fixtures, and backyard essentials. Walking through the exhibition felt like a deep dive into the world of domestic innovation, where even the smallest household items had undergone thoughtful reinvention.
A personal highlight of the event was meeting Iron Chef Cat Cora. Her knife demonstration was a masterclass in precision, reminding me just how much I have to learn in the kitchen. Culinary enthusiasts had plenty to marvel at, including dual-canister air fryers that allow for simultaneous cooking of different foods. The evolution of Sous Vide technology was also on display, with an AI-powered oven that takes precision cooking to the next level.
A visit to the Riedel Stemware booth introduced me to the remarkable variety of glassware designed for every type of wine. Learning about the science behind their designs reinforced how much of an art form proper wine enjoyment can be.
One day was simply not enough to absorb everything this incredible show had to offer. Beyond the spectacle of new products and celebrity demonstrations, The Inspired Home Show also emphasized community impact. After the event, more than 300 volunteers gathered to collect donated products for four Chicago-based charities: Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, Humility Resale, and K9s for Veterans. These organizations will distribute or auction off the latest home innovations, extending the benefits of the show beyond the convention halls.
For a deeper look into the show’s highlights, interviews, and featured innovations, visit Around The Town Chicago.Com and click on the right bar for “Into Da Loop”. This year’s event was nothing short of exhilarating, leaving attendees inspired by the endless possibilities for improving the modern home.
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