Like many of you, no doubt, I returned home from the Las Vegas Market in January with aching feet and a serious case of jet lag. Not to mention a brain bursting with information about all the new product launches, innovations and redesigns our publications team took in during three full days of visiting showrooms.
As a relative newbie to the BedTimes team, I don’t have years of markets under my belt from which to draw comparisons. But one vibe came across loud and clear: This year’s market was the most upbeat show in a good while.
In showroom after showroom, exuberant exhibitors commented on the marked uptick in foot traffic. And they provided plenty of impressive new products to dazzle all those visitors—from new foam components in all kinds of feels, adjustable-friendly options galore and lines oozing with luxury to new pillows at every turn. Be sure to check out our Market Report in this month’s issue for more about trends and innovations—it’s the most comprehensive market coverage we’ve provided our readers in some time.
It was exciting to see optimism rule at World Market Center, thanks in large part to the improving U.S. economy and low unemployment. Rising employment, a healthier housing market, lower interest rates and a willingness by larger corporations to invest in infrastructure have added some much-needed oomph to the business environment. That, in turn, has bolstered consumer confidence. Yes, it’s been a long climb back from the 2008 recession, but we’ve come a long way and that steady climb continues.
By the time this issue lands in your mailbox, our staff will be St. Petersburg-bound for the International Sleep Products Association’s 2015 Industry Conference. In addition to sore feet, I returned home from Las Vegas with a pile of new business cards to add to my contacts list, and I look forward to spending time with some of these folks in a more intimate and relaxed setting.
For your convenience, this issue also includes a complete guide to the conference, taking place March 4-5 at The Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club. A time to share ideas and stimulate new thinking about today’s complex business challenges, the conference is filled with educational sessions featuring not-to-miss speakers. Among them are Rich Karlgaard, publisher of Forbes magazine and author of the highly acclaimed book, “The Soft Edge,” and John Spence, three times named as one of the Top 100 Thought Leaders in America. As always, we’ve built in plenty of time to catch up with old industry friends and network during receptions and breaks.
Betsi Robinson
Associate Editor
And in celebration of ISPA’s 100 years, we’re pulling out all the stops at a Centennial Celebration Dinner, complete with an entertaining retrospective highlighting the industry’s milestones throughout the years. It’s our way of saying thank you for standing by us—and with us—for all these years. To coincide with our celebration, this edition of BedTimes features the first installment in a four-part series of stories that chronicle the history of our industry, as well as key events in the history of ISPA. We hope you enjoy this month’s cover story as much as we enjoyed creating it.
We have a lot to celebrate. See you in St. Pete!
