Creating strategies for success in a post-pandemic home and housewares marketplace will be the focus of this year’s presentations in the Innovation Theatre at The Inspired Home Show 2022 being held from 5 to 7 March at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Innovation Theatre sessions will explore topics such as how to improve the omni-channel experience; how product integrity feeds sustainability; privacy issues with smart products; and strategies for overcoming supply chain challenges.

Sessions on Saturday, March 5 begin at 11:30am and run through 3pm, leading off with Scott Allen of FitForCommerce, an OSF Digital company, discussing Turn Up Your Omnichannel Performance to a New Decibel. A strong digital and omnichannel strategy is necessary for providing a seamless shopping experience for consumers.

Other Saturday sessions include:

  • Fran Groesbeck of the Cookware/Bakeware Alliance, formerly the Cookware Manufacturers Association, will explain why product integrity has never been more important. Like a carbon footprint, all elements of the product journey must be built from a principle of designing, creating and selling products built with integrity.
  • John LeBaron of Pattern, one of the top five largest Amazon sellers (in revenue terms), will walk through how to build 360-degree ecosystems that accelerate brands to the next level.
  • Thomas Cook of Blue Tiger International will discuss challenges the supply chain faces in managing landed costs. He’ll address tariffs and tariff mitigation, freight and transport rate trends, shortages and demand planning, staffing and management, and more.

Sunday sessions include:

  • Peter Greene of Numerator will explore trends in pandemic-related impulse purchase and how those items have or have not been integrated into everyday life, and how that will affect future buying decisions?
  • Leigh Ann Schwarzkopf of Project Partners Network will share new insights into retail reconnaissance and how to bring new speed and focus to one’s perspective on the competition.
  • Corey Apirian of Davinci Micro Fulfillment discusses why retailers and brands need the ability to fulfill closer to customers and deliver products in minutes and hours, not days or weeks.
  • Privacy and Other Legal Issues in the Smart Home. Michael R. Graif of Mintz, Levin, Coh, Ferris, Govsky & Popeo. P.C., explores legal issues in the smart home, including privacy and cybersecurity, and how companies can use data advantageously to better tailor their products to their customers in compliance with the law.

Monday sessions include:

  • Jordan Brannon of Coalition Technologies and Adam Semien of Big Commerce will lead an ROI-driven conversation on how ecommerce has changed, addressing shifts in marketing ROAS, content consumption, and new technologies.
  • Joe Derochowski of The NPD Group reviews current trends and opportunities for the industry to grow for both short-term and long-term post-pandemic.
  • Redefining the Customer Experience. The Global Innovation Award judges Wolfgang Gruschwitz, Scott Kohno, Henrik Peter Reisby Nielsen and Anne Kong discuss key elements of a successful retail operation in 2022, offering updated expert advice on functions from store planning and marketing to visual merchandising and use of digital technologies.
  • Hunter Morris of Boogie Board explains why consumers need enhanced analog experiences when it comes to work, play and the home; one where technology supports wellbeing and conveniences aren’t sacrificed.