International Home + Housewares Show to stay in Chicago

Rosemont-based International Housewares Association said Friday that itˆ is negotiating a long-term agreement with McCormick Place to keep theˆ International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago.

The decision to stay in Chicago was made after the Illinois General Assembly lastˆ week passed a new law to cut costs at the convention center.

"IHA's Board of Directors has long been in support of staff's research-based assessment that Chicago is the ideal location for its International Home + Housewares Show to be held, but only if the cost environment is competitive with other venues," IHA president Phil Brandl said in a statement. "This new labor reform will allow us to remain in the world-class city of Chicago and McCormick Place for the longer term. Chicago is an important part of the brand of the show, and this positive change makes it theright place for us to be."

The International Home + Housewares Show attracts more than 60,000 attendees and generates $82 million in spending in the city. It has been held in Chicago since its first show in 1939. The 2011 show will be March 6-8 and include co-location with The Travel Goods Show.