Must See Tradeshows for New Product Innovation in 2014

by Mary Faller

The 2014 tradeshow schedule has been released for the world of innovative invention ideas, business owners, investors, and inventors. Specialized tradeshows for sporting goods, construction equipment, automotive, hospitality, pets, and many more categories will be held all over the United States this year. These tradeshows allow inventors and businesspeople alike to collaborate at one location, drawing attention to innovative ideas as well as exposure to potential partnerships. 


With over 25 major tradeshows throughout the year, there is an event for everyone. Inventors and businesspeople should determine which category their invention or business falls under and attend that particular specialized tradeshow for the best networking experience. However, for businesspeople who work with many categories, and indeed inventors whose idea could fit a number of potential markets, it is best to attend tradeshows that offer a little bit of everything. We have compiled a list of the top five tradeshows for networking in 2014.

INTERNATIONAL HOME + HOUSEWARES SHOW 
Chicago, March 15-18, 2014

Since consumers are always looking to improve their homes and companies are always looking to make housewares products simpler, the Housewares Show is an excellent venue to engage in networking opportunities. The International Housewares Association will host the Housewares Show on March 15-18 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. This tradeshow features a variety of categories, appealing to the widest possible market. The following are the categories of the Housewares Show:

• Clean, Contain, Sustain
• Bath and shower accessories
• Cleaning products/supplies
• Closet/clothes care
• Furniture
• Hardware supplies
• Home improvement/DIY
• Home organization
• Impulse products
• Luggage
• Outdoor living
• Pet supplies
• Retail promotions
• Seasonal products
• 
  
• Dine and Design
• Cooking and Bakeware
• Tabletop, kitchen essentials, and accents
• Gourmet food and specialty products
• Home décor
• 
  
• Wired and Well
• Electronics and home healthcare (personal care items)

With companies such as KitchenAid, Dr. Scholl’s, and Remington on the list of exhibitors, there is sure to be something for everyone at this upcoming tradeshow. More information regarding the Housewares Show and how to register/attend can be accessed at www.housewares.org/show/registration.aspx.

INPEX: INVENTION & NEW PRODUCT EXPO
Pittsburgh, June 18-20, 2014

INPEX, America’s largest invention and new product expo will host companies and inventors at their 29^th annual tradeshow June 18-20 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA. InventHelp's INPEX show offers a distinct venue where inventors can exhibit their inventions and try to meet up with companies interested in licensing, marketing or manufacturing new product ideas. Additionally, the INPEX Inventors University™and the Inventor Resource Center provide opportunities to learn about numerous inventing-related topics, as well as receive hands-on advice from experienced professionals in fields such as intellectual property, prototyping and manufacturing.

In addition to the industry representatives looking for inventions on the show floor, numerous companies hold private, corporate product searches at INPEX. InventHelp and INPEX are pleased to welcome the following companies that will conduct product searches at INPEX 2014:

• SkyMall®
• Allstar Marketing
• Hampton Direct
• Schroeder & Tremayne, Inc.
• Danco
• Plews & Edelmann
• Elmer's
• Reckitt Benckiser
• IRWIN TOOLS®

INPEX inventors with appropriate inventions will be able to present their ideas to the above companies. For more information about how you can participate at the next show, call 1-888-54-INPEX, visit the Invention Show website, or e-mail info@inpex.com.

NY INTERNATIONAL GIFT SHOW 
New York, February 1-6 and August 16-20, 2014

NY NOW, the market for home and lifestyle will host the NY International Gift Show February 1-6 as well as August 16-20 at the Javits Center in New York City, NY. This tradeshow has over 40,000 registered attendees and exhibitors including the likes of 1-800-FLOWERS, Aeropostale, GIFTQUEST, and Things Remembered. This tradeshow features four market collections, 2,800 exhibiting companies, 100,000 lines in the 400 categories at two venues. Inventors and companies will showcase innovative products in the following categories:

• HOME
• Accent on Design®
• Home furnishings and textiles
• Tabletop and gourmet housewares
• 
  
• HANDMADE
• Handmade designer maker
• Handmade global design
• 
  
• LIFESTYLE
• Baby and child
• Gift
• Personal Accessories
• Personal Care and Wellness
• 
  
• NEW
• New York’s newest products

For more information on the NY International Gift Show and how to register, visit www.nynow.com/Buyers/ShowRegistration.aspx.

NATIONAL SAFETY CONGRESS & EXPO 
San Diego, September 15-17, 2014

Safety, health, and environmental innovations are changing the way Americans live their daily lives by providing enhancements in health and protection services. With improvements in these categories, inventors and businesses could benefit from the networking possibilities of this tradeshow. The National Safety Council (NSC) will host the National Safety Congress & Expo September 15-17 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA. The NSC is the world’s largest annual event for professionals working in the safety, health, and environmental fields. For over 100 years, such professionals have looked to this event for new technology, education, networking opportunities, and innovative products. The National Safety Congress & Expo features educational opportunities through keynote speakers, technical sessions by professionals with hands-on training, and professional development seminars to provide professional networking and growth.

The Expo showcases over 900 companies (such as OSHA and the International Safety Equipment Association) with innovative product displays as well as a new product showcase for industry pioneers. This Expo is a great opportunity for inventors and professionals to engage in networking events to discuss the innovative products for the safety, health, and environmental industries. Additional information on this tradeshow as well as information on registering to exhibit or attend the show can be found at http://www.congress.nsc.org/NSC2014.

ERA D2C CONVENTION
Las Vegas, September 16-18, 2014

The Electronic Retailer Association (ERA) will host the Direct to Consumer (D2C) Convention September 16-18 at Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. The D2C Convention is the only trade association in the U.S. and internationally that represents leaders in the direct to consumer marketplace. Specifically, this organization includes members that maximize revenues through marketing on television, online, mobile, and radio. The D2C Convention features over 3,400 of the leading professionals in the industry. This show will help inventors learn to grow their business by networking with the experts of the industry.

The D2C Convention offers plenty of networking opportunities through various gatherings, mixers, parties, and other events throughout the convention. The Master Series post-session networking event allows individuals face-time with industry experts and potential buyers. The ERA recommends that executives building businesses, decision makers involved in DR marketing purchases, agencies providing creative and production services, media buyers who purchase television and radio time, and other professionals would benefit greatly from the networking opportunities available at the D2C Convention. Information regarding the ERA, D2C Convention, and how to register can be accessed at http://www.retailing.org/d2c/register. 

Networking events, conventions, and expositions, all provide companies, investors, business owners, and inventors (among others) with opportunities to grow their businesses and interact with colleagues and competitors in their particular industry. It is important to interact with these people to continue to improve through innovative experiences and products.

SOURCES:

http://www.inpex.com/

http://www.housewares.org/show/default.aspx

http://www.housewares.org/pdf/show/assigned/ExhibitorListbyCategory.pdf

http://www.nynow.com/

http://www.nynow.com/TheShow/AttendeeListWinter2014.aspx

http://www.congress.nsc.org/nsc2014/public/enter.aspx

http://www.congress.nsc.org/NSC2014/Public/Content.aspx?ID=2320&sortMenu=107000

http://www.retailing.org/d2c/

http://www.retailing.org/d2c/content/why-attend

http://www.retailing.org/d2c/content/about