When it comes to major conventions and trade shows, the music industry has South By Southwest, the publishing industry has Book Expo America, the comics industry has ComiCon, and then the housewares industry has the International Home and Housewares Show, held in Chicago every March. It’s the nexus for everything new and cool in the housewares industry, which includes everything from kitchen products to bedding to cleaners. For Food Network purposes, of course, I stuck to the kitchen side of the show.

All in all, it’s a pretty whirlwind affair, with so much cookware, cutlery, tableware, bakeware, appliances and more to see over three days. There are also plenty of star chef appearances—I ran into Paula Deen, Tyler Florence, Ellie Krieger, Michael Symon, and Morimoto. Tyler Florence even got up early enough to deliver the keynote speech at 7:30 am on the show’s first day—bless his heart! In addition to the kitchenware products, there are substantial food vendors who exhibit at the show. Paula Deen was signing copies of her new book at the booth for Peanut Shop of Williamsburg, the company that makes her line of food products. Her loving hubby Michael was by her side as she tirelessly signed books for a line of people that seemed to stretch on forever.

There was quite a lot of interesting stuff to be seen this year. Rachael Ray is keeping busy with loads of great new cookware and bakeware items, including some new color options in existing products. Paula Deen also has some pretty cool new cookware, bakeware and serveware items coming out, and Tyler Florence will soon have his own line of cookware and cutlery, which looks pretty amazing. Emeril is also coming out with some new small appliances, while also revamping his cookware line. And if you have kids who Paula fans, keep your eyes open for some special kid’s items she’ll be releasing this year. We’re excited to be bringing you some of these new products soon- make sure to sign up for our Food Network Store newsletters to receive all the latest info on new products, exclusive offers, and special sales.