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David Perry

First Bedding Conference sparked spirit of camaraderie

What happens when you assemble an A-plus lineup of retailers, producers and suppliers, address key industry issues, celebrate retail successes, tackle challenges and provide plenty of networking opportunities?

You have the kind of rousing success we enjoyed with our inaugural Bedding Conference at the end of last month, held at the Ritz-Carlton in Henderson, Nev. (Check out BeddingToday.com for more coverage) Frankly, we covered so much ground at the conference that it will take us a while to fully report on and reflect upon the proceedings.

One of our greatest successes, according to a veteran bedding producer, was the spirit of camaraderie that came alive from the opening reception. This Top 10 producer said that kind of spirit hadn’t been seen in many years.

We began in the courtyard at the Ritz, which features an English garden theme. The hotel is one of the anchors of the Lake Las Vegas community, perched on the lake’s edge and built with an Italian villa theme.

The bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip were 17 miles away, glittering in the distance across the valley. But we were in our own world at the Ritz, and a lovely one at that. The Ritz consistently delivers an exceptional experience.

In those accommodating surroundings, we turned the spotlight on bedding. Significantly, all three legs of the industry’s stool — retailers, producers and suppliers — were well represented. Producers and retailers always like to get together, but many times it’s at furniture markets. Our setting was more relaxed and congenial, built around receptions, shared meals and an educational program that was spiced with breaks that provided more networking time.

Our event gave bedding suppliers insights into the real world of bedding retail, where their products must ultimately succeed.

A number of our speakers made provocative points. Those points were challenged and debated by the men and women who have made our industry the dynamic, growing one it is. Since all our major constituencies were in attendance, feedback on the issues we raised was immediate. There were plenty of reality checks in place.

Networking is always a strong component of our industry conferences, and that was especially true at this event. One major retailer said our gathering marked the first occasion he could recall where all of bedding’s diverse constituencies had come together in that fashion.

In dozens of conversations over three days, we exchanged ideas, compared notes on business (always one of the first topics to come up), renewed old friendships, made new ones, and celebrated the special spirit of togetherness that marks our industry.

There is an almost magical kinship that we share in the bedding industry. It enveloped us all in the splendid Italian villa on the shores of Lake Las Vegas.  (to add public comments click on "Add your Comment" below, or to email Dave directly click here.)