March 2011 Issue

The International Home + Housewares Show is an event I look forward to every year. This is my eleventh show. I know there are dozens of people out there with more years under their belt, walking the aisles and discovering the next great thing. I am truly excited about this year's show as I am representing a new media after more than a decade covering the specialty gourmet industry.

Although this is a new project for me, it's still like putting on a great pair of comfortable walking shoes and heading into the aisles with the same team I have had the honor of working with for years.

We'll be having lots of fun this year, debuting a new booth and introducing a new media concept to the trades. Gourmet Business’ booth S2086 will feature gift basket seminars, a small vendor showcase, retailers’ nominations for the best performing products over the past two years, as well as merchandising displays.

These displays will feature product both from the show and with specialty food and kitchenware vendors that are new to the marketplace, including Reisenthel, Koppers Chocolate, J&M Foods and the Tunisian Olive Oil Consortium. Cooking and product demonstrations will be presented throughout the day by students from Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP). C-CAP works with public schools across the country to prepare underserved high school students for college and career opportunities in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

So be sure to come by and introduce yourself, sign up to have our e-zine delivered directly to you monthly and hear more about our latest innovations.

See you in the aisles!