ALEXANDRIA, Va. — More than 50 new exhibitors have signed up for the International Sleep Products Assn.'s upcoming Expo in Indianapolis, according to the trade group.

The Expo, with almost 108,000-square-feet of exhibition space, is set for March 14-17 and will host exhibitors from around the world showcasing the latest developments in bedding equipment, components and services.

The Expo also will offer networking opportunities. ISPA officials said they will use social and digital media to promote activities and keep attendees informed and engaged in Expo activities.

"We are thrilled to be back in Indianapolis," said Ryan Trainer, ISPA president. "ISPA Expo is a fantastic and cost-effective ‘one-stop-shop' for our industry. We had a terrific Expo when we were in Indianapolis in 2004, and we expect another really good show in 2012."

"As always, we want to continue to improve the ISPA Expo experience for both our attendees and exhibitors and this year is no exception," said ISPA Chairman Gerry Borreggine, CEO of Therapedic. "For the first time ever, we'll offer a video ‘digital wall' where attendees can see real-time tweets, photos and Facebook updates. In this world of social media, it's important to offer fun, useful and exciting ways to keep our industry abreast of what's going on."

Educational sessions will include:

·An analysis of sales trends in the U.S. and foreign mattress markets since
the recession.

·An update on the Better Sleep Council's media and consumer messaging plans.

·Insights on how companies can leverage the business benchmarking surveys that ISPA publishes to improve their bottom line.

·A media expert's perspective on "What Motivates Women to Buy."

·A Better Sleep Council panel discussion on the importance of selling sleep.

·Insights on exporting U.S.-made mattresses to China and other countries.

·A report on the future of used mattress recycling and ISPA's efforts to encourage this process.

ISPA will host a pre-show reception for non-U.S. attendees, an educational networking breakfast for women in the industry, an "Olympic-themed" welcome reception at which the Insomniaczzz, a bedding industry band, will perform, and an industry breakfast featuring speaker Alan Hobson, a Mount Everest climber, world adventurer, best-selling author and cancer survivor, who will share practical steps on how to manage unexpected events in business and in life.