New timing for Hardware Show

In 2004 this fair will open for business at the early date of 18 to 20 April at MeCormick Place in Chicago. “Because of the buying cycles in our industry, the hardware and home improvement sector needs a show in the spring and we have responded by creating the AHMA Hardware Show to answer that need,” says William P. Farrell, president and CEO of the association. “The AHMA Hardware Show in April will expand to include not only hardware, but all products for improvement, maintenance, construction and repair of homes and businesses.”
With more than two million products on display from every key industry supplier, the new fair is intended to become the most comprehensive DIY and home improvement marketplace for the trade. It will showcase each major product category belonging to the industry. What is more, the product ranges will be combined in many specialised sections, designed to make life easier for buyers in their search for new suppliers. The new specialised show sections will include:
Lawn, garden, barbecue, outdoors
Plumbing, heating, air conditioning
Electrical, lighting
Paint, wallpaper, interior design
The organisers are expecting the attendance of representatives from every retail and wholesale channel, including DIY and home improvement stores, builder and contractor suppliers, hardware and garden centres, along with developers and interior designers. In addition, more than 10 000 international buyers will attend the show in Chicago in the spring of 2004. Buying teams from over 100 countries will be escorted by foreign trade offices.
The special events planned for the show should prove popular. They will include hands-on demonstrations of products and equipment, plus special training seminars and a comprehensive series of educational sessions that will focus on the very latest innovations in the $ 343 billion market.
Exhibitors at the new fair will benefit from lower rates on exhibition space and other services. And in the run-up to the fair it will be possible for exhibitors and buyers alike to interact by means of the AHMA’s presence on the internet. This service will also be available during and after the show.
Farrell also announced that the AHMA has selected ConvExx, an independent show management company, to produce the fair. The aim is to make available to exhibitors the industry’s premier show, which offers the highest level of quality at the lowest prices and is situated in Chicago, the preferred venue according to research. Chicago is not only…