ISPA to Debut Pilot ‘Recharging Center’ Program in Las Vegas

Furniture World Magazine

With their ever-demanding schedules and deadlines, journalists attending the Winter 2008 Las Vegas Market will be treated to some well-deserved rest and relaxation, courtesy of the International Sleep Products Association and World Market Center. The International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) and World Market Center are teaming up to host full-service naps at a “Recharging Center” at the January 2008 Las Vegas Market. The Center will be open January 28 to January 31 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on February 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in suite B-230 on the World Market Center campus. Credentialed editorial journalists can book a 20- or 40-minute nap on their choice of sleep surface and be briefed on sleep and performance by industry experts. Journalists booking naps in Las Vegas will be invited to choose from more than a dozen different types of sleep surfaces – many of them being the very latest, premium models to hit the market – from innerspring to visco-foam and latex, to air, gel and magnetic mattresses. In addition, an ISPA “Pillow Menu” offered on-site will feature a mix of pillows, allowing journalists to personalize their sleep experience for greater comfort during their napping session. All products will be donated by ISPA member companies, representing some of the world's top mattress manufacturers. In addition to being offered a rejuvenating nap in a comfortable environment, journalists will have an opportunity to speak with Dr. Bert Jacobson, professor and head of the School of Educational Studies at Oklahoma State University, an expert in sleep deficiency as it relates to physical performance, social interactions, mood and loss of work production. Dr. Jacobson has also researched the connection between mattress quality and musculoskeletal discomfort, improved sleep quality, and stress symptoms; his work appears in respected academic publications such as the Journal of Applied Ergonomics, which will publish his work in its March 2008 issue. In addition, Nancy Shark, executive director of the Better Sleep Council (bettersleep.org), ISPA's consumer-education arm, will also be available to brief journalists on the importance of a new mattress to sleep, health and quality of life. ISPA President Dick Doyle said the ISPA Media Recharging Center will enable attending journalists to experience the importance of sleep on a quality mattress for a healthy and productive lifestyle. “The quality of your sleep affects the quality of your performance whether at work or at play,” Doyle said. “What better way to demonstrate this than by letting journalists experience the message at the Las Vegas Market?” Dana Andrew, vice president of marketing and public relations for World Market Center, said Las Vegas Market will be the first home furnishings market to debut this sleep sanctuary concept. “ISPA has chosen our Market to debut this exciting program, which truly demonstrates that Las Vegas Market is the new epicenter for the bedding and sleep products industry. We are happy to support ISPA members and generate exposure of the many new and innovative products being introduced in Las Vegas by top bedding manufacturers.” Andrew added, “We anticipate this recharging center to present true Las Vegas style hospitality while offering a unique respite for hard working journalists during the hectic days of Market.” To book a recharging session at the 2,600-square-foot ISPA Media Recharging Center, members of the media may contact Catherine Sarreal of Steinreich Communications LLC, at csarreal@scompr.com, or by phone at (201) 498-1600 ext. 107. Early bookings are recommended for best selection as sessions are limited to a first come, first served basis. Visit the Center during the first two days of the Market to determine if last-minute bookings may be accommodated. About World Market Center: World Market Center is an integrated home and hospitality contract furnishings showroom and trade complex in Las Vegas. When fully built, at 12 million square feet in 8 buildings, World Market Center will be the largest trade show complex in the world. The $3 billion, state-of-the-art campus will showcase furniture, decorative accessories, lighting, area rugs, home textiles and related segments, as well as the Las Vegas Design Center (LVDC) open year-round to the trade. World Market Center produces the semi-annual Las Vegas Market, held every January and July, and is the fastest growing home furnishings trade show in the world. World Market Center is now leasing the third building to a broad cross-section of the home furnishings industry. The Winter 2008 Las Vegas Market is scheduled for January 28 to February 1, 2008 at World Market Center’s Buildings A, B and Pavilions and tradeshow at the MGM Grand Hotel. For more information about World Market Center, and to find out about leasing or exhibiting opportunities, visit the website at www.LasVegasMarket.Com or call 888-WMC-SHOW (962-7469). About International Sleep Products Association: 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.