ISPA Conference Draws 248

November 25, 2008  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on November 2008 The International Sleep Products Association’s (ISPA) 2008 Industry Conference and Exhibition, held Nov. 12–14 in Orlando, Fla., drew 248 attendees and a sold-out exhibit hall.

ISPA’s featured speakers discussed the global economy, how “green” trends will affect the mattress industry, the mattress industry’s new sustainability and recycling initiatives, mattress manufacturing industry trends and general business cost-saving actions. The closing session provided an interactive opportunity for executives to discuss their experience and to get answers to their questions about the new consumer product safety law and 16CFR Part1633.

“This event offered something for everyone,” said Gerry Borreggine, President of Therapedic International. “With the current economic downturn, it’s good for us to come together as an industry to focus on the issues that affect us. We all are facing much uncertainly concerning the future. But when we come together and share ideas, it allows us to feel stronger about meeting the challenges that lie ahead.”

One highlight of the conference was a presentation given by the advertising agency Leo Burnett USA outlining preliminary plans for an industry-wide national marketing campaign, designed to communicate the link between a new mattress, a good night’s sleep and a healthier lifestyle. Mattress retailer executives Dale Carlsen of The Sleep Train and Barrie Brown of Mattress Giant voiced their support for advancing this industry marketing campaign.

“We all stand to gain by helping consumers better appreciate the vital role new mattresses play to sleep, health and overall quality of life,” Carlsen said. “We need to make this industry marketing campaign a reality.”

To see a sampling from the sessions presented at this year’s Industry Conference, visit www.sleepproducts.org/IndConfPresentations

ISPA’s 2009 Industry Conference and Exhibition is slated for Nov. 4–6 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Bonita Springs, Fla.