Travel Goods Association

The Travel Goods Show and the International
Home + Housewares Show to Co-Locate in 2011

Princeton, NJ — June 12, 2009 — The Travel Goods Association (TGA) Management and Board of Directors have announced that The Travel Goods Show, the largest annual trade show in the world for travel products including luggage, backpacks, business cases, duffels, and travel accessories, will move to Chicago in 2011 in order to co-locate with the International Home + Housewares Show at McCormick Place.

The International Home + Housewares Show is the world's premier exposition of products for the home, and is sponsored by the International Housewares Association (IHA).

"It is important to note that The Travel Goods Show is not being merged with the International Home + Housewares Show," says Michele Marini Pittenger, TGA's president. "Both shows will continue to be completely separate and autonomous, with separate exhibit halls, badges and events, with The Travel Goods Show retaining the high quality exhibits and enhancements it is known for in the industry."

Because the shows will be held concurrently at the nation's largest convention center, TGA and IHA can combine forces to streamline costs and increase attendance for buyers and the media for both shows. Last year the International Home + Housewares Show drew 60,000 attendees, including 23,000 buyers and 300 working media.

The Travel Goods Association is the national organization that represents manufacturers, distributors, retailers, promoters, sales representatives and suppliers of travel products including luggage, casual bags, business cases, computer bags, backpacks and travel accessories. TGA acts as the voice of the industry on important trade issues in Washington, D.C., provides its members with information on the latest legislative issues affecting their businesses, offers discounted shipping programs, provides training and certification for retail sales associates, and promotes the industry to consumers and the media. TGA publishes Travel Goods Showcase, the largest trade magazine devoted to travel products whose 21,000 readers include retailers, consumer press and trade media. Every year more than 40,000 products and 2,000 lines from over 200 leading companies are on display at The Travel Goods Show.

The International Housewares Association is the 71-year-old voice of the housewares industry, which accounted for (US)$301.2 billion at retail worldwide in 2007. The not-for-profit, full-service association sponsors the world's premier exposition of products for the home, the International Home + Housewares Show, and offers its 1,700 member companies a wide range of services, including industry and government advocacy, export assistance, State-of-the-Industry reports, point-of-sale and consumer panel data through Housewares MarketWatch, executive management peer groups, a unique Web-based community at www.housewares.org and group buying discounts on business solutions services.