International Home + Housewares Show Preview

It’s that time once again for us to descend upon Chicago to see all that’s new and wonder- ful in the housewares industry, and I am looking forward to it. I am usually exposed to bits and pieces of new products coming down the pike, but this is our chance to see it all come together and have it presented in attractive booth displays that will tell the complete company story.

Over in the South Hall, we will be telling our company story in our very own Gourmet Business Pavilion located at S2086. I hope you will all make time in your busy schedules to stop by and experience our interactive display intended to bring our publication to life.

You will have the chance to sample coffees and teas from all over the world, along with some specialty food accompaniments. We will also be demonstrating the latest brewing products that will be on display together with a collection of products that merchandise perfectly within the category.

In the last few months, you have seen us bring the pages in Gourmet Business to life with custom multimedia content designed to showcase a new dimension to our production capability that we hope has enhanced your experience. We believe that video unlocks exciting potential in educating a retail buyer about the features and benefits of products that are not readily identifiable to the naked eye. Our booth presentation – “Uncovering Design” – will showcase some unique products together with a dedicated video that demonstrates the functionality and benefits of specific product designs.

I also want to make you aware that we will be hosting a seminar each day at 1 p.m. in our booth to help you learn how the free app Qwiqq, with its new Constant Contact integration, can help you sell more through social media channels.

This show also marks a major milestone for our company because we will officially unveil our plans for the introduction of a new digital con- sumer publication designed to reach an audience that appreciates cooking and entertaining. The new publication will be titled Mu*lange, “where music, food and lifestyle come home,” and will feature our brand ambassador Chef Bernard Guillas preparing meals with well-known musical artists in their own home kitchens. Come see Chef Bernard on the GOHO stage on Monday at 2:30 p.m., as he prepares some of the recipes from our first featured artist, Doug Clifford, drummer from Creedence Clearwater Revisited.

Lastly, we would like to invite you to a wine and cheese party we are co- sponsoring with our friends at Vacu Vin, Sunday at 5:30 p.m. in their booth S216.

Enjoy the show!

David Spencer

Publisher, Gourmet Business

President, HousewaresDirect, Inc.

dspencer@gourmetbusiness.com