Digital commerce has unlocked dramatic new growth opportunities for housewares, but it also has unleashed new dangers. From the spread of counterfeit products to fake reviews to slashed postal rates on China-direct consumer shipments, the housewares industry is on guard as it works to adapt to a vast digital marketplace without the boundaries, checks and balances of traditional retailing. This panel of housewares leaders will examine what can be done to reduce the risks and reclaim control of your sales and marketing futures.
10:15 am
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Moderator:
 |
Peter Giannetti, Moderator Editor-in-Chief HomeWorld Business | Gourmet Insider Peter Giannetti has reported on the housewares industry for more than 20 years and is a frequent speaker on housewares news and trends. Giannetti also oversees editorial operations for HomeWorld Business’ sister publication, Gourmet Insider, covering the independent gourmet housewares channel. |
Panelists:
 |
John Collins
John Collins is president and chief marketing officer of Neatfreak, which designs, manufactures and distributes innovative home organization and laundry products globally. Prior to becoming a partner with Neatfreak Group, JC was a senior executive in the sporting goods industry with world-recognized brands including Nike Inc. He is IHA’s 2018-19 Chairman of the Board and also served as a board member of the Canadian Hardware & Housewares Manufacturers Association. |
 |
Thomas Nichols
Thomas Nichols is president and CEO of Pretika, which he founded in 2000. The company is a science-based innovator, marketer and vertically integrated manufacturer of branded consumer and professional FDA-cleared aesthetic skincare and haircare appliances. Nichols is a member of IHA’s board of directors and also a member of IHA’s Government Affairs Committee. |
 |
Jayme Smaldone
Jayme Smaldone is the founder and CEO of Mighty Mug, the innovative coffee mug that grips to your table when knocked into but lifts naturally. With more than 3 million units sold and over a quarter of a billion media impressions, Mighty Mug is focused on bringing innovative and patented items to the global marketplace. Smaldone is also an executive at Alfay Designs, which designs and distributes a wide array of Farberware-branded products. Over the past 6 months, he has worked diligently to raise awareness for an odd mail subsidy that gives foreign companies a major advantage over domestic retailers, both big and small. Coverage of his work to level the playing field for American businesses has been featured in Bloomberg, Planet Money, C-Span and The Wall Street Journal. Smaldone is a member of IHA’s Government Affairs Committee and is an active member of the Young Entrepreneurial Council (YEC). |
CHESS—Chief Housewares Executive SuperSession—is IHA’s annual senior-level conference for industry leaders. This strategic education and networking event of the year allows attendees to access high-profile industry experts directly and share information and ideas with other housewares and home goods decision-makers. Held every fall, CHESS attracts more than 150 chief officers of IHA’s most prominent member companies. The program includes Keynotes, panel discussions, general sessions and networking opportunities—the most valuable part of the 2-day event according to past participants.
