Bedding industry sets market events
Las Vegas - Bedding buyers can attend a number of special events and presentations at the market here to learn more about key issues facing the industry - and to help with a worthy cause.
The sixth annual Ante4Autism event is set for a 7 p.m. start on Sunday, Jan. 26, the Las Vegas Market's opening day, at the Golden Nugget. It features a Texas hold-em tournament that benefits Autism Speaks.
Doug Krinsky, the Restonic sales executive who launched the event and remains the driving force behind it, is expecting another strong turnout this market. He noted that Symbol Mattress and APJL Consulting stepped up this year as $5,000 diamond sponsors for the event. Platinum sponsors, at $2,500, include Leggett & Platt, Mattress Matters and the High Risk Pregnancy Center in Las Vegas. Restonic is a $1,000 gold sponsor.
"The prevalence of autism continues to rise and we must figure out why," said Mike McQuiston, executive vice president of Symbol Mattress and a cohost of the event. "All the proceeds of the event go to Autism Speaks to fund research into the cause of autism."
The evening includes a silent auction and a raffle. The buy-in for the tournament is $125.
Two educational events are set at the market on Monday, Jan. 27.
A session on mattress recycling sponsored by the International Sleep Products Assn. is set for 2 p.m. in World Market Center B-954. ISPA President Ryan Trainer is encouraging mattress retailers, manufacturers and recyclers to attend the session to learn more about new mattress recycling laws passed last year in Connecticut, Rhode Island and California.
"Our industry worked hard in 2013 to make the mattress recycling bills that were enacted more practical and efficient," Trainer said. "The purpose of these laws is to harness existing infrastructure to minimize the environmental and financial impact of discarded mattresses. In 2014 we look forward to working with each state's regulatory agencies and stakeholders to implement the new laws. We urge market attendees to join us to learn the latest information about this process."
Another educational session follows Monday afternoon, when the Specialty Sleep Assn. sponsors a presentation by James Kohm, the associate director for the Enforcement Division of the Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Kohm will address enforcement of the FTC "green guides" for manufacturers and retailers making "green claims" regarding products said to be ecologically friendly, and will educate furniture and bedding manufacturers on how to comply with and make such claims according to the FTC guides, SSA officials said.
His presentation is set for 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in WMC room C-174.
"We are sponsoring this FTC presentation at the Las Vegas market as a public service to the entire home furnishings and mattress/bedding industry," said Dale Read, SSA president.
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