
Students in the Retailing & Consumer Behavior major had the unique opportunity to attend the annual International Home + Housewares trade show in Chicago on March 20, 2017.

L to R: Students Kendra Trost, Paula Prolla, Alicia Godoy, Arialis Aranda, Lena Krubeck, Danielle Weber, Natalie Rondinelli, Tim Schumann
Along with over 50 students from universities across the country, this group networked with CEOs, vendors, inventors, and buyers. Discussions flourished about the future talent of the home and housewares industry, especially when the students received sage career advice from the industry’s young professionals at a round table session.

Pantone Color Trends
They also heard from color expert Lee Eisman of the Pantone Institute on the up-and-coming trends and colors for home and housewares products.

Trade show floor at McCormick Place in Chicago
On the trade show floor, the students learned about new and innovative products (such as a 3D pancake printer) making their way to a retailer- and home- near you.
And a definite highlight of the trade show floor was a cooking demonstration from famous television chef and personality, Paula Deen.

Paula Deen. Picture Courtesy of International Home + Housewares Association
Thank you to the International Home + Housewares Association for hosting this impactful College Experience day! What a wonderful opportunity to get a hands-on, in-depth peek into such an integral sector of the retailing industry.
Students interested in taking advantage of this high impact learning experience in 2018 can contact Dr. Nancy Murray.
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