(Editor: Leona) 

The International Sleep Products Assn. will celebrate 100 years of service to the mattress industry at its March 4-5 Industry Conference.

As part of the conference, which takes place at the Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Fla., ISPA will host a Centennial Dinner Celebration.

“To achieve 100 years of service to the mattress industry is a phenomenal feat, and we are delighted to participate in the conference to help celebrate this milestone for the mattress industry and the association,” said Bob Steelman, vice president of sales and marketing for Carpenter Co.

The two-day conference begins Wednesday, March 4, with the ISPA golf tournament at noon, followed by the ISPA women’s networking reception and evening welcome reception.

Day two features opening keynote speaker Rich Karlgaard, the publisher of Forbes magazine. He will share the findings from his latest book, “The Soft Edge,” in which he argues that in addition to shrewd strategy and superb execution, a third element is required to achieve lasting success.

Also on the schedule is Phil Johnston, senior vice president of Strategic Services Group for Marcus Thomas LLC, who will discuss how new and emerging technologies are enabling and empowering consumers. He will also moderate an industry panel with panelists Stephen Stickler, vice president of Ashley Sleep; Michelle Montgomery, vice president of sales and marketing for Simmons Bedding; and Sean Bergman, chief marketing officer for PureCare.

Speaker Emily Holdman, vice president of adventure.es, will follow with a focus on what the new breed of entrepreneurs do to innovate, stay nimble and respond quickly to opportunities. She’ll examine how these practices can serve even seasoned executives in approaching the future.

The closing keynote will be delivered by John Spence, business adviser and strategist, who has been named three times as one of the Top 100 Thought Leaders in America. In his latest book, “Awesomely Simple,” he captures the lessons learned from decades of consulting with more than 500 business clients.

The conference culminates Thursday evening with the Centennial Celebration in the Vinoy Renaissance Grand Ballroom, featuring a program about the history of the association and the mattress industry. An informal party after dinner will feature a performance by mattress industry band the Insomniaczzz.