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ISPA Expo: Music, laughter, springs, foam and a challenge

David Perry, Executive Editor -- Furniture Today, March 30, 2008

Before the month gets away from us, it's time to share some thoughts on what we saw (and heard) at the big International Sleep Products Assn. Expo in Baltimore a few weeks ago:

Springs were singing. Leggett & Platt unveiled a number of new innerspring units and asserted that it is innersprings, not specialty sleep foams, that are the most advanced technology on the market today. And L&P also unveiled marketing messages and materials to support its innerspring lines. It was an impressive showing.

The band was singing. We're talking about the Insomniaczzz, a band of industry veterans. They were a grand slam in the baseball terminology that marked this Expo, held in the shadow of Camden Yard. The industry loved seeing this unexpected, fun side of its members.

The fire alarm was ringing. The Expo had just gotten under way when a fire alarm went off. Everyone exited the show floor. We got the all clear to return several minutes later. What if there had been a real fire? "Everything would have smoldered for 30 minutes," one wag commented. (If you don't know why that is funny, you aren't up to speed on the federal mattress flammability standard, which includes a 30-minute burn test.)

Foams were expanding. Latex International introduced a new temperature-regulating Talalay latex, while Foamex brought out new foams in environmentally friendly formats. Carpenter offered foam "springs" and highly engineered foam cores. Hickory Springs was talking about Preserve, which it calls "the world's first bio-based foam."

A challenge was issued. ISPA Chairman Charlie Eitel of Simmons challenged the industry to get behind a proposed national mattress marketing campaign. He pledged a $5 million commitment by Simmons for each of the next five years, if the industry gets on board. We commend Eitel for his courage in pushing this ambitious idea.

Consumer insights were shared. Kurt Ling had some intriguing insights into what consumers think about the mattress purchasing experience. He singled out delivery issues as being more important than you might think.

The Rusty Scupper was rocking. Hickory Springs hosted its market party at this fun restaurant, which overlooked the harbor. The Insomniaczzz were back in action. It was a festive night in a charming setting.

Laughter filled the air. Humorist Dave Barry had everyone chuckling at the Industry Breakfast. I sat near Don Wright of Wright of Thomasville, who laughed long and loudly. He had good reason to be happy: He was the lead vocalist for the Insomniaczzz and was basking in the band's great reviews.

My congratulations to Dick Doyle and Team ISPA for staging another successful Expo.

Contact David Perry at dperry@reedbusiness.com

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