ISPA welcomes record number of exhibitors

Led by STAR EXPO, 23 Turkish exhibitors attended the fair representing the biggest ever Turkish participation and second largest national attendance at ISPA EXPO 2016.

ORLANDO FL–ISPA EXPO 2016, held March 9-12 in Orlando, FL, has been its largest and most successful show ever. EXPO welcomed a record 4,330 attendees—a 22% increase over 2014—from 72 countries visiting 242 exhibitors covering over 137,000 square feet of exhibition space.

Star Expo fair services company organized the first national Turkish participation at the fair. Every edition of this important show would host a few Turkish exhibitors but this time Star Expo managed to take 23 exhibitors representing the second largest national participation after the USA. Mr. Eren Yilmaz of Star Expo said they were representing ISPA in Turkey and they would continue to organize Turkish participation in this important show. “We help the Turkish mattress industry official to get use of ISPA services from membership up to exhibiting in the show. We will be more active in the future,” Yilmaz stated.

Many of the Turkish exhibitors expressed their satisfaction about the performance of the fair.

“I think our record-breaking numbers reflect the enthusiasm and optimism that’s been building throughout the mattress industry,” said Ryan Trainer, ISPA president. “Our exhibitors and ISPA staff worked hard to make sure this EXPO exceeded expectations and provided something for everyone.”

Attendees saw the latest in machinery, components, services and technology, while also participating in networking events, receptions and top-notch educational sessions on topics ranging from differentiating your company from the competition, to bridging the generational gap in the workplace, content marketing tips and an update on mattress recycling efforts.

On Friday, March 11, during the Industry Breakfast, Greg Schwem, syndicated columnist and author of “The Road to Success Goes Through the Salad Bar,” challenged the audience to find humor in today’s corporate environment, while offering practical advice about real work issues.

Feedback from event attendees was overwhelmingly positive. “Park Place had a great experience at the ISPA 2016 show,” said Jason Kelley, Park Place president and CEO.  “We brought a record number of team members to the event and were able to see many new products and services. We also purchased new equipment that will add great long-term value to our production capabilities and will help us serve our customers well.”

“ISPA EXPO 2016 has been a great success for MFI!” quoted Lawrence Wollschlager, president and COO at MFI International MFG. “As in prior years, the EXPO has provided a great venue for seeking out new business opportunities, expanding our supplier base, and presenting fresh new ideas to our existing clientele. We look forward to future ISPA shows!”

“ISPA EXPO is the only place where the entire mattress industry gathers together- which is why we chose this year’s EXPO to be the first time we formally introduce ourselves as Innocor Foam Technologies™ and unveil our new line of innovative foam products,” Jeff Briney VP, Commercial/OEM Sales.

The mattress industry’s rocking band—the Insomnaiczzz—had attendees dancing and singing during the March 9 Welcome Reception, one of EXPO’s best networking venues. It provided the perfect opportunity to mingle with new business acquaintances and see old friends.

On the heels of this successful event, plans already are underway for ISPA EXPO 2018, to be held March 14-17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Bryan Smith Becomes ISPA Chair, Eric Rhea Appointed Vice Chair

The International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) has announced new leadership for the ISPA Board of Trustees. Bryan Smith, president and CEO of Southerland Inc., has assumed the position of ISPA Board Chair, and Eric Rhea, vice president, president – bedding group of Leggett & Platt, has been appointed Vice Chair. The terms for each position will run through March 2018.

“I’m excited to begin my term as ISPA Chair and to continue working with this group of seasoned industry leaders as we plan for the future of the Association,” said ISPA Chair Bryan Smith.

Kathy Roedel, executive vice president-chief services and fulfillment officer of Select Comfort Corporation and former ISPA Chair, retired from the company effective April 7, 2016.

“We would like to thank Kathy for her leadership and many contributions to the ISPA Board and our industry as a whole,” noted ISPA President Ryan Trainer. “She was instrumental in launching and shaping ISPA’s strategic planning process, and we wish her well in all future endeavors. I also want to congratulate our new officers, and thank them both for volunteering their time and effort to serve in these important industry leadership positions.  We greatly appreciate the commitment to ISPA that they and each of the ISPA Trustees bring to the Board.”

Established in 1915, the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the growth, profitability and stature of the mattress industry.  As the industry’s trade organization, ISPA represents nearly 700 mattress manufacturers and suppliers throughout the world.

ISPA provides many services that benefit its membership.  These include exclusive industry surveys and statistics, government advocacy support, educational offerings, the industry’s ISPA EXPO trade show, safety research through the Sleep Products Safety Council, consumer research and education through the Better Sleep Council, and BedTimes and Sleep Savvy publications.

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