IPSA Reports Successful 2008 Conference

Furniture World Magazine

The International Sleep Products Association’s (ISPA) reported that their 2008 Industry Conference and Exhibition, held November 12-14 in Orlando, Florida, was a success, with 248 attendees and a sold-out exhibit hall. To help attendees deal most effectively with the current difficult economy, 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,” noted 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 world-renowned 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 noted. “We need to make this industry marketing campaign a reality.” Conference attendees took advantage of social events to build friendships, to network, and strengthen business connections. The industry’s own Insomniaczzz band rocked the crowd during the closing reception with favorites from the past. “This conference offered a great deal for all of us in our industry,” noted Ron Passaglia, president and CEO of Restonic Mattress Corporation. “In such a competitive market, it’s unique and worthwhile to meet as an industry and to focus on the issues that affect us all. This was an excellent forum that allowed us to grow individually and collectively. Ultimately, we will all prosper.” “It’s important for all of us to come together as an industry to focus on the issues that lie before us,” noted ISPA President and CEO Dick Doyle. “Together, we can persevere through whatever lies ahead.” To see a sampling from the sessions presented at this year’s Industry Conference, visit www.sleepproducts.org/IndConfPresentations . The 2009 Industry Conference and Exhibition is slated for November 4-6, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Bonita Springs, Florida. 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.