Join Us for CHESS 2026: A Premier Event for Home and Housewares Leaders!
CHESS 2026 Set to Inspire Home and Housewares Leaders in Chicago
Chicago, IL — The highly anticipated CHESS 2026 conference is scheduled for September 29-30, 2026, at the Hilton Rosemont, conveniently located near Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. This year’s event promises to be a pivotal gathering for industry leaders, focusing on the evolving landscape of home products and retail strategies.
Under the new leadership of CEO Michael Fiddelke, Target is making waves with a bold strategy aimed at reinforcing its reputation as a trend-forward mass merchant. Keynote speaker, Jennifer Sirhal, who joined Target in November 2025 as senior vice president of merchandising for home, will shed light on the crucial role that home products play in this ambitious plan. With over 20 years of experience in merchandising and brand development, Sirhal’s insights are expected to resonate deeply with attendees.
“CHESS 2026 offers a unique opportunity for home and housewares leaders to step away from the everyday and immerse themselves in learning and connecting on the industry’s most critical topics,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the International Housewares Association (IHA). “Attendees will leave better prepared to navigate a rapidly changing marketplace through exclusive insights and networking opportunities.”
The conference will feature a robust education program, including sessions led by industry experts covering a wide range of topics such as tariffs, shipping, consumer trends, and the retail landscape. A significant focus will be on the balance of opportunities and limitations presented by artificial intelligence (AI). Attendees can expect dedicated sessions on agentic commerce and generative AI, exploring how companies can adapt their teams to leverage this transformative technology effectively.
Networking will be a cornerstone of CHESS 2026, providing attendees with invaluable opportunities to share ideas and collaborate in a face-to-face environment. This aspect of the conference is seen as a critical benefit, fostering connections that can lead to innovative solutions and partnerships.
Registration for CHESS 2026 is now open to IHA member companies, with additional details and discounted room rates available on IHA’s website.
As the countdown to September 2026 begins, industry leaders are gearing up for what promises to be an enlightening and transformative experience at CHESS 2026.