The Chicago event

This year again the organisers of the National Hardware Show are expecting about 3000 exhibitors to come from all over the world and occupy an exhibition area of 121 000 m2. They are reckoning on around 70 000 trade visitors, 20 per cent of them from abroad, from more than 100 countries altogether.
The fair is organised according to product categories and spreads through three buildings at McCormick Place. Presented in the South building are hardware and related products along with sanitary fittings, electrical installations plus heating, ventilation and air-conditioning. Lawn and garden implements together with outdoor furniture can be seen in the North building. Situated in the East building is the category of building materials within the framework of the National Building Products Exposition. More than 300 manufacturers and suppliers are represented here. Their spectrum of products ranges from masonry, roofing and guttering to adhesives, tools and DIY products and through to doors, floor-coverings and fencing systems. Housewares are also on display in the East building, along with paint and decorating articles. The international pavilions are also situated in this hall.
The International Hardware Week, which is directed and sponsored by the American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA), offers a number of special exhibitions and special categories. These include the display of new products with over 1 500 novelties and the Packaging Exposition, where the latest designs for product packaging and merchandising are exhibited. More than 800 exhibits are expected here this year. The Retail Concept Center, regarded as the source of new ideas for store construction and shop-fitting, intends to provide stimulation again this year. Industrial trends for retailers of building materials and builders are shown in the Resource Center.
In the field of further training this year there is an international forum dealing with worldwide electronic commerce. Subsequent to the forum the AHMA will be sponsoring a reception to offer participants and international guests a platform for networking.
More than 70 000 trade visitors from all over the world are expected in Chicago.