Share this on

ISPA Nov. 4-6 conference to focus on consumer

By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, October 17, 2009

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Consumers will be in the spotlight at the International Sleep Products Assn.'s 2009 Industry Conference and Exhibition, set for Nov. 4-6 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs, Fla.

The event will offer the opportunity to see the latest products and services and to network and connect with customers, colleagues and business partners, according to ISPA.

Delivering the keynote presentation, “Redefining the American Consumer: New research introduces you to the 'grounded' consumer,” on Thursday, Nov. 5, will be Robbie Blinkoff of Context-Based Research Group and Jamie Rice of Carton Donofrio Partners. They will discuss the recession's effects on the purchasing behavior of U.S. consumers.

Other educational sessions include: “Marketing Through Social Media: Why you can't afford to ignore the social networking explosion,” featuring Lissa Coffey, Better Sleep Council spokesperson; Erik Qualman, global vice president of online marketing with EF Education; and social media consultant Jonathan Ressler.

A session on “Tapping the 'Green' Market: Who are 'green consumers' and what do they really want?” will feature Will Ander, retail consultant with McMillan Doolittle; Roger Cunningham, president of the BedStore, Knoxville, Tenn.; Joe Paviglianti of SOLinc; and John Zapata, senior vice president of distribution for Rooms To Go, Seff-ner, Fla.

Also scheduled is the roundtable discussion “Defining ISPA,” intended to help ISPA better understand its members and their needs as the association refocuses its programs and services.

On Friday, Nov. 6, after a networking breakfast and exhibits, there will be an educational session on “Meeting Customers Expectations: Selling the experience is what will keep her shopping,” presented by Marty Walker, vice president of business development with Ermcar.

A welcome reception will be sponsored by FXI Foamex Innovations and a poolside networking reception will be sponsored by Natura World. The ISPA golf tournament will take place on Friday, Nov. 6.

Other conference sponsors include American & Efird, Atlanta Attachment Co., Carpenter Co., Eastman House/Eclipse International, Enkev Group BV, Estes Forwarding Worldwide, Flexible Foam Products, Henkel Corp., Hickory Springs Mfg., Bedding Products Division, Intertek, The Israeli Processing Co., Jones Fiber Products, Latex International, Latexco, Leggett & Platt, OHM Systems, Radium Foam BV, SABA North America, SGS U.S. Testing, Simalfa, Springs Creative — Firegard, Stork Twin City Testing, Therapedic International, Tietex, Underwriters Laboratories and Wright of Thomasville.

For more information or to register, visit www.sleepproducts.org/IndustryConference.

Share this on

International Sleep Products Association Conference set for Nov. 4 to 6

Oct 9, 2009

Also by this author

Also by Furniture Today Staff

Featured Company

Wright Labels

Bill and Tom Wright founded Wright of Thomasville in 1961 on the idea that printing was a creative medium and the belief that "a promise made is a promise kept." The Wright brothers focused their attention on providing exceptional printing for the... more

Most Recent Resources

Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market

Here is a selection of products shown at this month's International Gift & Home Furnishings Market here.

Networking at the 13th annual F/T Leadership Conference

NAPLES, Fla. — Industry executives and guests took the opportunity to network and play golf during down time at Furniture/Today's 13th annual Leadership Conference here this month.