ISPA EXPO 2008 Reports Successful Show

Furniture World Magazine

The International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) reported that ISPA EXPO 2008, held March 12-15, in Baltimore, MD, was successful on many levels. With 185 exhibitors from around the world, the nearly 3,100 attendees from 69 countries saw the very latest in machinery, components, services and technology in one convenient location. Attendees also benefited from seeing 57 first-time exhibitors this year representing all product and service areas. Attendee buying power was at an all-time high despite the challenges of a struggling economy. In fact, most exhibitors noted the strong turnout of serious buyers. “ISPA EXPO was a great opportunity for us to meet with our existing customers and many serious potential customers in just a short period of time,” noted Michael Crowell, vice president of marketing with Flexible Foam. He added, “The EXPO went extremely well for us and we are excited about the direction and leadership that ISPA is taking within the industry.” "I am very pleased that ISPA was able to facilitate such a strong value-added event for the mattress industry," noted ISPA President Dick Doyle. "Our final numbers confirmed what we heard from many of the attendees -- that the array of products and services was excellent, and the quality of buyers exceeded all past shows." Eric Delaby, vice president of sales for Deslee Textiles USA Inc., added, “We had a great show and traffic was strong. The ISPA EXPO offered me the opportunity to communicate with nearly all my customers and manufacturers in one convenient location. We also had the chance to meet with potential new buyers, exchanging new ideas and new concepts.” He added, “The ISPA EXPO allows me to network, shop and maintain industry contacts in one convenient way. We will back in Charlotte in 2010!” "As ISPA's mission states, we are dedicated to protecting and enhancing the growth, profitability and stature of the mattress manufacturing industry," added Doyle. "I am honored to serve with the many leaders and fine professionals who work tirelessly to achieve this mission through their involvement in ISPA. EXPO is just one of many offerings we make available to help build this great industry." EXPO attendees also participated in top-notch educational sessions on topics ranging from flammability to industry statistics to mattress consumer buying habits. Some of the sessions were reformatted and held on the showroom floor, which meant attendees had more time to spend with exhibitors. Wednesday night during the “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” Welcome Reception, the Insomniaczzz had everyone singing and dancing along to an electrifying set of select hits. And Pulitzer Prize winner and author Dave Barry kept everyone in stitches of laughter during his highly entertaining presentation during Friday’s Industry Breakfast For more information on future ISPA EXPO’s and other ISPA-hosted events, such as the Industry Conference & Exhibition November 12-14 in Orlando, FL, visit the ISPA Website at www.sleepproducts.org and click “Events.” Established in 1915, the International Sleep Products Association, is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the growth, profitability and stature of the mattress manufacturing industry. ISPA represents over 700 mattress manufacturers and their suppliers throughout the world.