With the current economic downturn, it's good for us to come together as an industry to focus on the issues that affect us.
Gerry Borreggine, President, Therapedic International

Insomniaczzz band lead vocalist Don Wright. The band is made up completely of bedding industry pros. The band performed at the recent ISPA conference in Orlando.

The International Sleep Products Association's (ISPA) 2008 Industry Conference and Exhibition was held November 12-14 in Orlando, Florida. Association executives report a sold-out exhibit hall and 248 attendees despite the challenging economy.

To help attendees deal most effectively with the current difficult economy, ISPA's featured speakers discussed the global economy, how "green" trends will affect the mattress industry, the mattress industry's new sustainability and recycling initiatives, mattress manufacturing industry trends, and general business cost-saving actions. The closing session provided an interactive opportunity for executives to discuss their experience and to get answers to their questions about the new consumer product safety law and 16CFR Part1633.

"This event offered something for everyone," noted Gerry Borreggine, President of Therapedic International. "With the current economic downturn, it's good for us to come together as an industry to focus on the issues that affect us. We all are facing much uncertainty concerning the future. But, when we come together and share ideas, it allows us to feel stronger about meeting the challenges that lie ahead."

One highlight of the conference was a presentation given by the advertising agency Leo Burnett USA outlining preliminary plans for an industry-wide National Marketing Campaign, designed to communicate the link between a new mattress, a good night's sleep and a healthier lifestyle. Mattress retailer executives Dale Carlsen of The Sleep Train and Barrie Brown of Mattress Giant voiced their support for advancing this industry campaign. "We all stand to gain by helping consumers better appreciate the vital role new mattresses play to sleep, health and overall quality of life," Carlsen noted. "We need to make this industry marketing campaign a reality."

Conference attendees took advantage of social events to build friendships, to network, and strengthen business connections. The industry's own Insomniaczzz band rocked the crowd during the closing reception. Band members include keyboardist Paul Block of Galkin Systems Group, lead vocalist Don Wright of Wright of Thomasville, rhythm guitarist/vocalist Gerry Borreggine of Therapedic Sleep Products, drummer David Orders of Park Place Corp., trumpeter/vocalist Sandy Van Dyke of Hickory Springs, lead guitarist Jeff Miller of BRK Group, and bassist/vocalist/acoustic guitarist Jimmy Malkwiecz of Wickline Bedding.

"This conference offered a great deal for all of us in our industry," noted Ron Passaglia, president and CEO of Restonic Mattress Corporation. "In such a competitive market, it's unique and worthwhile to meet as an industry and to focus on the issues that affect us all.

"It's important for all of us to come together as an industry to focus on the issues that lie before us," noted ISPA President and CEO Dick Doyle. "Together, we can persevere through whatever lies ahead."