Educational & Industry Program

The following is an overview of educational sessions that took place at ISPA EXPO 2008.  Mark your calendar for
ISPA EXPO 2010, March 3-6, Charlotte, North Carolina

Pre-Conference Seminar: 1633—What to Expect One Year Later

Tuesday, March 11, 2008
2:00PM - 4:00PM
Sponsored by:
 

For CEOs, Plant Managers, Production Managers, Purchasing Managers, and Technical Staff
Much has been learned since the 1633 Federal Mattress Standard went into effect last year.  Benefit from the knowledge of flammability experts who will share practical information about documentation, quality assurance and the inspection process. Get the latest updates on legislation and regulatory issues that are likely to impact you. Hear from a manufacturer who has already been visited by the CPSC who will share his experience so you can be better prepared. Be sure to come armed with your questions for our panel of experts.


Wednesday March 12, 2008
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM    Learn How ISPACare^TM Can Reduce Your Health Care Premiums

Want to save on your bottom-line expenses?  Stop by the ISPA Welcome Center for an informative presentation on the new ISPACare^TM Member Health Program.  Lean how you can save 10-15% or more on your helath care premiums compared to what you currently pay for similar benefits. This new program provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, and group life/disability insurance — with a wide choice of deductibles, office visit co-pay options, coinsurance levels, and prescriptions drug packages.

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Thursday, March 13, 2008
7:45 AM - 9:00 AM   Repairing the Relationship Between  Manufacturers, Retailers and Consumers
Kurt Ling, President, Customer Kinetics, Atlanta, Ga. 

Manufacturers want to sell more beds to retailers. Retailers want to sell more beds to consumers. Consumers would buy more beds if the relationship structure between all three weren’t broken. “Manufacturers aren’t focused on what dealers need and dealers aren’t focused on what consumers need,” says Kurt Ling, former Simmons vice president and now a consultant to both manufacturers and retailers. Ling has spent his career helping companies discover innovative solutions and has been named to Fast Company magazine’s Fast 50 list of innovators, dreamers and doers.

What must change to mend this broken relationship? Join Kurt for this eye-opening morning session.

Thursday March 13, 2008
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM  Understanding Today's Mattress Shopper: Latest Research Findings from the Better Sleep Council
(this session will be repeated from 3:30 PM - 4:40 PM)

Nellie Gregorian, Fluent Research principal, will share highlights and insights from the latest benchmark consumer research study from the Better Sleep Council (BSC).  The orginal research, initiated in 1996 and conducted every four years, explores the compicated relationship consumers have to sleep and sleep products.  You will learn what consumers had to say about topics such as the mattress purchase cycle and drivers, the retail experience, and how they feel about the connection between their mattress and the quality of life and health.  Better understanding of your customers leads to better marketing, and ultimately expanded sales! 

Friday, March 14, 2008
7:30 AM - 10:00 AM  Industry Breakfast and Keynote - "The Wit and Wisdom of Dave Barry"


For 25 years, Dave Barry's side-splitting column appeared in more than 500 newspapers worldwide.  He will delight you with his commentary (read: “pokes merciless fun at”) on major issues, including the international economy, the future of democracy, society and exploding bathroom fixtures.  Start your day off laughing with friends and colleagues at the Industry Breakfast.
In addition to the keynote presentation, the Industry Breakfast is a valuable opportunity for bedding industry colleagues to network and exchange information.  It’s also a time for ISPA to recognize its leaders and acknowledge those who have given outstanding service to the association through its awards program.

Friday March 14, 2008
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM  ISPA Industry Statistics —A Valuable Resource in Your Business Planning

Be the first to hear the latest mattress industry forecast figures, just off the press!  Listen as statistical experts review the highlights and what it may mean for your business in the months and years to come. Understand what goes into preparing the forecast and how to use this valuable data to your best advantage. Also learn more about all of the benchmarking and management tools published by ISPA to aid in your business planning efforts.