Goodbye, 2022

Ah, December. Here at last. 

For many of us, it’s a month filled with colorful lights, gifts, family gatherings and comfort food. It tends to be busy, busy, busy. But a generally happy, too-much-of-a-good-thing kind of busy.

After the chaos of the early part of the month, the end of the year slips in and taps us on the shoulder. Some people take that time to set resolutions for the new year. I typically assemble a kind of wish list for the year, but I think this time around I’m going to spend some time looking back before plunging ahead.

On the last day of every month in 2022, I jotted down a few notes recording the good, the bad and the lessons learned in the previous 30-ish days. I hope that by looking back on monthly reflections from 2022, I’ll have a better sense of what I want and need in 2023.

It’s probably no surprise then that one of my favorite parts of every December issue is our Q&A with leaders in the bedding industry, compiled this year by Dave Perry. I love reading their take on the year that was and learning what hopes they have for the year to come. It solidifies a lot of what I know about the industry and yet also sometimes surprises me. Take a look at this year’s industry outlook and don’t miss the sidebar article where they finished this sentence: I will sleep better next year if …

How would you answer the questions we posed?

While 2022 has been challenging in a variety of ways, the High Point Market put a nice exclamation point on the year. Exhibitors felt enthusiastic and hopeful. And Dave Perry and Waynette Goodson outdid themselves with coverage of the show. In addition to visiting showrooms to get new product news, they also filmed videos, attended events and put together more in-depth pieces. If High Point reflects a return to more normal show, then I can’t wait to see what the January Las Vegas Market holds.  

Other exciting events also are on the horizon. The International Sleep Products Association’s Industry Conference will return March 15-16. I’m looking forward to gathering with everyone to reconnect, listen to great speakers and have a little fun. Then Interzum Cologne resumes its in-person show May 9-12 in Germany. It’s always fantastic to see what innovations suppliers bring to the show.

So, here’s to the year ahead. I wish everyone a happy, healthy and rewarding 2023.

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