The All-Industry Event for Mattress Manufacturers, Retailers and Suppliers
As of 9/29/09
Registration Open
ISPA Suppliers Council Meeting
(open to all Industry Suppliers)
Agenda items to be covered include: a report on ISPA Board and Mattress Retailer Council meetings, ISPA EXPO 2010 status report, regulatory update, and a report on ISPA activities involving used mattress recycling and other environmental issues. The Suppliers Council will also hold elections for one at-large seat on the ISPA Board of Trustees
Welcome Reception in Exhibit Hall
Enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while you catch up with old friends and make new connections at this fun-filled conference opener!
Registration Open
Networking Breakfast and Exhibits
Conference Session Gifts
ISPA Welcome and Keynote
Redefining the American Consumer
New research introduces you to the ‘grounded’ consumer
Has the current recession permanently altered consumers’ spending patterns? Provocative new research from Context-Based Research Group and Carton Donofrio partners suggests fundamental changes in the way Americans think of themselves and the purchases they make. How might these changes affect the products we make, how they are marketed, and the retailer’s opportunities and risks in this new environment? Join us for an in-depth, interactive presentation about this thought-provoking research.
Robbie Blinkoff, Ph.D, Managing Partner & Principal Anthropologist, Context-Based Research Group
Jamie Rice, Chief Strategy Officer, Carton Donofrio Partners
Break and Exhibits
Business Session
Marketing Through Social Media
Why You Can't Afford to Ignore the Social Networking Explosion
Social networking has forever changed the way people use technology to interact with others. Innovative companies are listening closely and delivering products and services based on these two-way conversations. How can you tap into these opportunities to engage current customers and reach new ones? This discussion by experts in the field will help you understand how social networking is changing the landscape and how you can use it to grow your business.
Lissa Coffey, 2009 Better Sleep Council Spokesperson
Erik Qualman, Global VP Online Mktg, EF Ed.
Jonathan Ressler, Senior Vice President, Social Media
Networking Lunch and Exhibits
Business Session
Tapping the 'Green' Market
Who are Green Consumers and What Do They Really Want?
The green movement is clearly here to stay as more and more consumers base their purchasing decisions on how eco-friendly a product is or how committed a company is to environmental responsibility. Who are these consumers and how can you respond to their wants and needs? Join us for a lively panel discussion covering these questions and more as well as how this movement is permanently affecting the mattress marketplace.
Will Ander, Retail Consultant, McMillan Doolittle
Joe Paviglianti, SOLinc.
John Zapata, Sr VP of Distribution, Rooms to Go
Roger Cunningham, President, The Bed Store
Break and Exhibits
'Defining' ISPA Roundtable Discussions
As we refine our mission, voice your opinion and let us know how ISPA can best serve your needs.
Poolside Networking Reception (Waterfall Pool Deck)
After a busy day, join us for a festive reception under the stars!
Registration Open
A special session for spouses and guests
Join Lissa Coffey, lifestyle and relationship expert, for a fun and informative session about strategies to designed to help you be your healthiest and happiest.
Networking Breakfast and Exhibits
Business Session
Selling the experience is what will keep her shopping.
Mattress retailing is at a point in the industry’s lifecycle where selling the experience is becoming more important than the product assortment offered, says retail marketing and merchandising expert Marty Walker. The former vice president of visual merchandising and store design for Pier 1 challenges mattress retailers and their manufacturer partners to move beyond a traditional preoccupation with products and features to focus on what is truly important to the female customer: benefits, personal preferences, the process, choice, genuine service and celebrated purchase decisions. These are what will make the sale!
Marty Walker, Vice President Business Development, Ermcar Inc.
ISPA Annual Golf Tournament (includes lunch)
*Program subject to change