ISPA announced that the 2009 ISPA Industry Conference and Exhibition exceeded expectations this year, when over 220 mattress industry manufacturers, suppliers and retailers attended the two-day educational and networking event. For the first time since its inception, the 2009 Conference included retailer participation as well. Despite the current economic conditions, attendance was strong, all educational sessions were fully attended, and the event was supported by 28 industry sponsors.
ISPA Chair Don Wright presided over the conference, acknowledging the difficulties that the industry is experiencing during the recession, and calling on everyone to tap into “the power of us—what we can do collectively through our association to find the opportunities that these challenging times present.”
“When the economy is down, it’s more important than ever to stay connected, to learn together, and keep ourselves and our businesses strong so that when business inevitably turns around, we are ready,” Wright noted. “The 2009 ISPA Industry Conference provided top-notch educational sessions and a variety of networking events that offered something for all attendees.”
To help attendees navigate today’s turbulent market, ISPA offered educational sessions on several pertinent topics. On Thursday, attendees learned how to understand and target today’s ‘grounded consumer;’ how to use social media like Twitter and Facebook, and received an update on ISPA’s sustainability initiatives and efforts to promote responsible mattress disposal. On Friday, attendees learned how to meet customer expectations and “sell” the experience during a presentation given by Vice President of Business Development, Marty Walker.
Pat Judd, Director of Bedding for Raymour & Flanigan noted that “The ISPA conference was a very worthwhile experience. Speakers covered a comprehensive review on the opportunities in our industry from the changing consumer in these economic times, the growing spectrum of social networking, to the green market. In addition, the collection of attendees – from retailers to manufacturers – offered a refreshing opportunity to network among leaders in the industry. Overall, it was a great experience.”
“ISPA offered a dynamic and engaging conference,” noted Kevin Toman, President of Englander Sleep Products. “It’s great to come together as an industry to collaborate and learn. This helps us grow individually and collectively. I am confident with the direction ISPA is taking, and the success of this past Industry Conference is a direct reflection of the association and our industry as a whole.”
During the conference, many attendees took advantage of the opportunity to share their thoughts on ISPA programs and services and priorities for the Association during roundtable discussions.
“The feedback doesn’t end at the conference,” noted Vice President of Marketing and Member Services, Debi Sutton. “The surveys that we sent out to the membership and beyond was just the beginning of the process. We need continual input from our members to keep ISPA’s programs and services pertinent and highly valued.”
Established in 1915, the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the growth, profitability and stature of the mattress industry. As the industry’s trade organization, ISPA represents over 600 mattress manufacturers and suppliers throughout the world.
ISPA provides a wide range of services that benefit its membership. These include exclusive industry surveys and statistics, advocacy support, educational offerings, the industry’s ISPA EXPO trade show, safety research through its Sleep Products Safety Council, consumer research and education through its Better Sleep Council, BedTimes and Sleep Savvy publications, the ISPAEarth™ Industry Sustainability Initiative, and more.
To learn more, visit www.sleepproducts.org or contact info@sleepproducts.org.