Mattress Community Returns to Las Vegas for 2005 ISPA Industry Conference

Furniture World News

More than 250 representatives of mattress manufacturing and supplier companies convened at the J.W. Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa, on Sept. 14-16, 2005, for the ISPA/SPSC Flammability SHOPtalk and the 2005 ISPA Industry Conference. Attendees participated in unique educational and networking opportunities throughout the event. “This year’s Industry Conference offered those in attendance an important mix of valuable education sessions and fun-filled networking opportunities to help everyone to advance his/her own business as well as the overall industry,” said ISPA Chair David Orders. The Flammability SHOPtalk included updates on the status of the upcoming Federal open-flame mattress standard from SPSC technical representatives and status of TB603 implementation from California Bureau of Home Furnishings Chief Brian Stiger. Attendees also received tips on successful compliance testing from a panel of test lab personnel. Many also took advantage of the chance to see the latest in FR material technology by visiting the 26 tabletop exhibitors on-hand for this event. The Industry Conference provided informative educational sessions on subjects such as trade in today’s global economy, reaching today’s consumer, manufacturing costs and issues and much more. Highlights included special keynote speaker Al Frink, Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing & Services, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, who discussed how to stay competitive in today’s global economy. Global experts covered reaching Latin American and Asian markets including tips on business formalities and practice. And Better Sleep Council spokesperson Dr. Amy Wolfson discussed how sleep affects women (the target consumer for today’s mattress sales efforts). “Las Vegas was again good to the mattress industry this year,” said ISPA President & CEO Dick Doyle. “It was great to see our members coming together for information, networking, and learning how to stay competitive in today’s dynamic marketplace.” Sponsors of the 2005 ISPA Industry Conference included: DuPont Advanced Fiber Systems; Innovative Waste Management; Intertek Testing Services; Kaneka Corporation; SGS Consumer Testing Services; Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. 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.