2006 ISPA Industry Conference & Exhibition - November 8-10 In Orlando

Furniture World Magazine

Today’s fast-paced and ever changing global market presents mattress manufacturers and their suppliers with many opportunities and a host of challenges. Understanding these trends and acting on them appropriately can make or break a company’s business strategy. A premier group of experts will discuss these global market trends at the International Sleep Products Association’s (ISPA) 2006 Industry Conference in Orlando this fall. The 2006 ISPA Industry Conference and Exhibition: Mattress Industry Best Practices – Competing in a Global Economy, will be held November 8-10 in Orlando, Florida at the new Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. It is a mattress industry event that will benefit all industry executives. Since the Conference coincides with the Veterans Day weekend, participants can even enjoy a holiday weekend with their families in the Orlando area following the meeting. “This conference offers great value for all of us in the mattress industry,” notes ISPA Chair Kerry Tramel of Lady Americana Associates. “While we all compete on a daily basis, it’s worthwhile to periodically come together as an industry to focus on the issues that affect us as an industry. The 2006 Industry Conference and Exhibition provides an excellent forum for us to grow collectively and individually.” In addition to multiple opportunities for networking and comparing the latest in industry products and services on the exhibit floor, attendees will learn about issues and trends affecting the bedding business and hear about ways to cut costs and improve plant efficiencies. This “hands-on” experience is a great way for attendees to improve their competitiveness and profits in today’s global market. Speakers will tackle a broad range of industry issues including: consumer needs and expectations; trends in national and regional economic forecasts; manufacturing efficiencies; legal and labor issues; and how to “turn your brand into market dominance.” Featured speakers at this year’s industry conference include: • Dr. James Smith - a widely recognized economic forecaster • Pat Cleary - Senior Vice President of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) • Thom Winninger - Keynote Speaker who is widely-recognized as “America’s Business Specialist” “Top quality speakers on a targeted educational program like this is yet another way that ISPA works to support and advance our industry,” said Tramel. “ISPA is also working effectively to reduce our costs through its advocacy efforts, and to increase the market for mattress sales through the work of its Better Sleep Council, who will provide an update on consumer and research activities at the conference” he added. In addition to the engaging business sessions planned for this year’s Conference, ISPA’s Events Planning Committee has scheduled time for participants to unwind with industry friends and acquaintances. Networking events such as the “Everglades Adventure” and “Poolside Oasis” themed receptions, new product exhibitions, and a golf tournament will give them plenty of time to catch up on the latest industry developments. For more information, please visit www.sleepproducts.org/IndustryConference , or call 703-683-8371. 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.