By SSA Executive Director Tambra Jones
Last week sleep industry colleagues gathered in Hilton Head, NC last week for Furniture Today’s annual Bedding Conference. We came together to catch up, to learn together and support one another. The event always delivers exceptional networking opportunities – this year did not disappoint. The receptions, hallway chatter and meals always offer opportunities to dissect what we’re doing/needing/accomplishing in our businesses.
SSA in the house! Digital Marketing Consultant Julia Rosien, Chairman Pascal Roberge, Executive Director Tambra Jones and Board Member Jim Gutierrez
Keynote speaker Captain Chris Cassidy with his brother (and our industry friend Jeff Cassidy , Good Bed) - answered so many of our “fan-girl” questions after the opening reception. Lucky us! Tambra, Julia with Helena and Lisa from PureCare.
Cheers to some of our industry women in attendance! Cyndi Williams, Sheila Long O’Mara, Jodi Brookshire, Julia Rosien, Vanessa Gentile, Tambra Jones
The pre-conference event that King Koil sponsors is one of my forever activities. This year we visited a Boys and Girls Club in Hilton Head where we helped kids participate in a plethora of carnival games - including a Build-A-Bear experience. It was a lot of fun and we thank David Binke and his team for organizing and funding this year after year. I heard several “this is the best day ever”s from kids throughout the day. I am a forever volunteer - if you didn’t join this event this year - plan on it for next year!!
This event is always my favorite of the conference - thank you David Binke and King Koil for all you do!
Furniture Today’s own Bill McLoughlin helped shepherd the lunchtime activities
Tambra Jones with the mascots and her kids-for-the-day Allison and Luna
Who’s helping who here Julia Rosein??
Kids lined up with the juggler, the stilt walker and their treasures (their bear/bunny, caricatures, balloon art, and leis).
The Bedding Conf kicked off with an enlightening keynote by Astronaut/Navy SEAL Captain Chris Cassidy followed by a series of panel discussions. We celebrated ISPA President Ryan Trainer and his accomplishments at the dinner event. The entire industry will miss Ryan, but of course, we wish him every happiness in his next adventure… Thank you to the entire Furniture Today team for organizing the event and gathering us together in a fabulous location. We are looking forward to next year - wherever that will be!
The AI Panel
A glimpse at the tip-of-the-iceberg from this panel
The National Sleep Foundation presented some of the data they are collecting about sleep and how we can use this information in our own sleep-specific business models.
SSA Board Chairman Pascal Roberge was a contestant on the Game Show. Sadley his team did not win….
Thank you SSA member company Sleeptone for sponsoring a great lunch!
Although sad about his retirement, we celebrated the achievements of ISPA’s outgoing President Ryan Trainer at the dinner event
Standing ovation (pretty much…LOL)