IPSA Announces Major Bedding Industry Conference This Fall

Furniture World Magazine

Mattress manufacturers, suppliers and other industry professionals will gather in Las Vegas, Nevada, this fall for the 2005 ISPA Industry Conference, hosted by the International Sleep Products Association on Sept. 14-16, 2005. This year’s event, held at the Las Vegas JW Marriott Resort & Spa, includes top notch educational sessions covering a variety of important industry- related issues. A Flammability SHOPtalk discussing the latest news on the proposed federal standard for open flame ignition will kick off the conference. Managers across the mattress manufacturing spectrum will have the opportunity to grow professionally, network with industry leaders and improve their business through participation in this program. “The association is excited about the opportunities offered at the upcoming Industry Conference,” ISPA Chair David Orders said. “The program was designed with broad member input and developed to meet the specific needs of the membership. It will provide valuable opportunities for business growth, networking, and information on operational, finance and administrative efficiency." This year’s exciting program features Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Al Frink, who will speak about federal policies and steps the government is taking to improve anufacturing competitiveness for U.S. companies. Other speakers include: Dr. Martin Regalia, Vice President and Chief Economist, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who will discuss global economic indicators, BSC Spokesperson and sleep expert, Dr. Amy Wolfson; Economist, Saul Hyman, industry finance expert, Jerry Epperson and more for an interactive panel! “The ISPA Industry Conference is shaping up nicely to provide mattress industry executives with the information and networking experiences they need to remain successful and competitive.” said ISPA President Dick Doyle. In celebration of 90 years of service to the mattress industry, ISPA will host a special Welcome Reception on September 14. On September 15, a special Golf Oasis party will offer members a fun networking environment complete with golf related activities and prizes. For more information on the 2005 ISPA Industry Conference, visit the ISPA Web site at www.sleepproducts.org/IndustryConference. Established in 1915, the International Sleep Products Association, www.sleepproducts.org is the trade organization for mattress manufacturers and their component suppliers around the world. ISPA hosts the biennial ISPA EXPO trade show and publishes BedTimes and Sleep Savvy magazines. The Sleep Products Safety Council, www.safesleep.org is a non-profit organization established in 1986 by the mattress industry. SPSC’s mission is to provide consumer safety information, support scientific research, and promote activities aimed at reducing hazards associated with mattresses and other sleep products. ISPA/SPSC Flammability SHOPtalk ISPA will hold a Flammability SHOPtalk: Proposed Federal Standard – Implementation and Beyond, in conjunction with the 2005 ISPA Industry Conference on September 14. Gordon Damant and other technical experts from the Sleep Products Safety Council (SPSC) will be on hand to discuss FR materials, construction tips and potential pitfalls manufacturers can avoid when developing compliant mattresses. California Bureau of Home Furnishings Chief Brian Stiger will update attendees on the TB 603 enforcement efforts of California officials since the implementation of that legislation. Attendees will hear from a panel of burn labs as well as see the latest in FR materials from exhibitors throughout the event.