ISPA Announces Calendar Of 2005-2006 Events

Furniture World Magazine

The ISPA/SPSC Flammability SHOPtalk “Proposed Federal Standard – Implementation and Beyond” is slated for Sept. 14, 2005, in Las Vegas, NV. The workshop will provide a complete update on the pending Federal open-flame standard, and include information and tips on how to comply with this new standard. Representatives from the California Bureau of Home Furnishings will be on hand to offer updates on TB 603 compliance since its January implementation, and a testing lab panel will highlight additional information on testing to meet the existing and pending open-flame mattress standards. The 2005 ISPA Industry Conference takes place on Sept. 14-16, 2005, in Las Vegas, NV. This unique event will offer a variety of educational sessions of interest to all management levels in the mattress manufacturing and supply sectors. Keynote speakers such as Al Frink of the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration and Dr. Saul Hymans, Professor of Economics and Statistics at the University of Michigan, add to an exciting agenda of educational sessions on topics such as consumer research and marketplace issues, domestic costs of manufacturing and key operations issues. Many networking opportunities ranging from breakfasts to the Thursday evening party are also included in this year’s program. The Sleep Savvy Retailer Shoptalk will be held Nov. 7-9, 2005, in Chicago, IL. This event is offered exclusively to retailers who sell mattresses, and it is designed to bring Sleep Savvy’s educational efforts to a live forum for retail owners, managers, buyers, trainers and sales associates. This meeting will give retailers the tools to help them improve their mattress sales success. It also offers an opportunity to network with other retailers and learn from their experiences. The ISPA EXPO 2006 will be held on March 1-4, 2006, in San Antonio, TX. At the largest tradeshow in the world dedicated exclusively to the mattress industry, attendees will hear prominent keynote speakers, meet with colleagues from around the world, shop a vast array of bedding machinery, equipment, components and materials, and make valuable business connections. The latest products designed to meet the upcoming national standard will be on display as well. New to this EXPO is a Friday night party hosted by Sleep Savvy and BedTimes magazines which will take EXPO participants “Across the Border”. In conjunction with ISPA EXPO 2006, ISPA/SPSC will hold an FR SHOPtalk and burn facility tour. For more information or to register for these events, visit the ISPA Web site at www.sleepproducts.org and click on “Events.” 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.