ISPA Conference Draws 220-Plus
November 24, 2009
The 2009 ISPA Industry Conference and Exhibition drew more than 220 mattress industry manufacturers, suppliers and retailers for last week's two-day educational and networking event in Bonita Springs, Fla.
For the first time since its inception, the 2009 Conference included retailer participation as well. Despite the current economic conditions, attendance was strong, all educational sessions were fully attended, and the event was supported by 28 industry sponsors.
"When the economy is down, it's more important than ever to stay connected, to learn together, and keep ourselves and our businesses strong so that when business inevitably turns around, we are ready," said ISPA Chairman Don Wright. "The 2009 ISPA Industry Conference provided top-notch educational sessions and a variety of networking events that offered something for all attendees."
ISPA offered educational sessions on several pertinent topics. On Thursday, attendees learned how to understand and target today's 'grounded consumer'; how to use social media such as Twitter and Facebook, and received an update on ISPA's sustainability initiatives and efforts to promote responsible mattress disposal. On Friday, attendees learned how to meet customer expectations and "sell" the experience during a presentation by ISPA Vice President of Business Development Marty Walker.
"The ISPA conference was a very worthwhile experience," said Pat Judd, director of bedding for Raymour & Flanigan. "Speakers covered a comprehensive review on the opportunities in our industry from the changing consumer in these economic times, the growing spectrum of social networking, to the green market. In addition, the collection of attendees–from retailers to manufacturers–offered a refreshing opportunity to network among leaders in the industry. Overall, it was a great experience."
"ISPA offered a dynamic and engaging conference,"said Kevin Toman, president of Englander Sleep Products. "It's great to come together as an industry to collaborate and learn. This helps us grow individually and collectively. I am confident with the direction ISPA is taking, and the success of this past Industry Conference is a direct reflection of the association and our industry as a whole."
During the conference, many attendees took advantage of the opportunity to share their thoughts on ISPA programs and services and priorities for the Association during roundtable discussions.
"The feedback doesn't end at the conference," said Vice President of Marketing and Member Services Debi Sutton. "The surveys that we sent out to the membership and beyond was just the beginning of the process. We need continual input from our members to keep ISPA's programs and services pertinent and highly valued."
For the first time since its inception, the 2009 Conference included retailer participation as well. Despite the current economic conditions, attendance was strong, all educational sessions were fully attended, and the event was supported by 28 industry sponsors.
"When the economy is down, it's more important than ever to stay connected, to learn together, and keep ourselves and our businesses strong so that when business inevitably turns around, we are ready," said ISPA Chairman Don Wright. "The 2009 ISPA Industry Conference provided top-notch educational sessions and a variety of networking events that offered something for all attendees."
ISPA offered educational sessions on several pertinent topics. On Thursday, attendees learned how to understand and target today's 'grounded consumer'; how to use social media such as Twitter and Facebook, and received an update on ISPA's sustainability initiatives and efforts to promote responsible mattress disposal. On Friday, attendees learned how to meet customer expectations and "sell" the experience during a presentation by ISPA Vice President of Business Development Marty Walker.
"The ISPA conference was a very worthwhile experience," said Pat Judd, director of bedding for Raymour & Flanigan. "Speakers covered a comprehensive review on the opportunities in our industry from the changing consumer in these economic times, the growing spectrum of social networking, to the green market. In addition, the collection of attendees–from retailers to manufacturers–offered a refreshing opportunity to network among leaders in the industry. Overall, it was a great experience."
"ISPA offered a dynamic and engaging conference,"said Kevin Toman, president of Englander Sleep Products. "It's great to come together as an industry to collaborate and learn. This helps us grow individually and collectively. I am confident with the direction ISPA is taking, and the success of this past Industry Conference is a direct reflection of the association and our industry as a whole."
During the conference, many attendees took advantage of the opportunity to share their thoughts on ISPA programs and services and priorities for the Association during roundtable discussions.
"The feedback doesn't end at the conference," said Vice President of Marketing and Member Services Debi Sutton. "The surveys that we sent out to the membership and beyond was just the beginning of the process. We need continual input from our members to keep ISPA's programs and services pertinent and highly valued."
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