BedPost

Tweet your heart out, ladies and gentlemen! #ISPAEXPO

Have you ever seen one of these before at a trade show or event?

If you haven't, allow us to introduce you to one another.

Digital wall, this is (insert your name here.)
(Insert your name here,) this is the Digital Wall.

There--now that we have the niceties down, let's get down to the fun part of what the world of social media and this digital wall will have to offer at the upcoming ISPA EXPO 2012, shall we?

Social media is one of the most efficient ways to reach your audience on a global level. In two seconds, you can send out a tweet or write on a friend's wall about what ever it is that you're experiencing. Thanks to the interwebs, we are all connected by just a few clicks. Pretty cool stuff.

If you're attending the upcoming ISPA EXPO, be sure and start tweeting #ISPAEXPO and connect with your friends, colleagues and potential customers. And guess what? We'll be able to pull those tweets on that glorious digital wall that you see above. Same goes for Facebook as well. If you haven't done so already, be sure and "like" us here.

Poke, post pictures, like our witty and thought-provoking updates (we're so modest,) on our Facebook wall, and behold! You'll see all those wonderful posts on the digital wall in real-time!

OH! And speaking of other fun, cool and new things that we'll be offering at this year's EXPO, be sure and read next week's BedPost entry on the collaboration we have with Dream Water...

Until then, sweet dreams, errr, we mean, "tweet dreams!" :)

Indy and ISPA EXPO...a match made in heaven

After the buzz and excitement of the Super Bowl festivities that welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors downtown over a 10-day stretch, nearly 70,000 hospitality workers and more than 8,000 local volunteers are in need of some restful sleep. (Including yours truly) But who better to turn to for advice on how to get a better night’s sleep than the International Sleep Products Association? With all the activity, the timing couldn’t be better on the March 14-17 ISPA EXPO 2012.

And rest assured, the Hoosier hospitality that Indianapolis is known for will be back in full force come March 14^th.

For those who haven’t been to Indianapolis since the 2004 ISPA EXPO, and for those venturing to the Circle City for the first time, you will be greeted with renovated accommodations and a further revitalized downtown. You are about to be awakened by award-winning eats and local brews, a vibrant arts and cultural scene, and ample urban green space and bike paths. And to walk into a convention center that was updated and doubled in size in 2011 to now be among the 20 largest convention centers in America.

All things Indy, including entertainment and dining options, can be found at www.visitindy.com, but here’s a sampling of what’s in store during the March gathering:

Sun King Brewing Company took home 8 medals at the Great American Beer Festival last year. New Day Meadery offers honey ciders and wines locally sourced and crafted from the owners’ honey bee farm. Looking for a great steak? St. Elmo’s. A tasty sandwich? Shapiro’s and Goose the Market. Fresh, local ingredients? R Bistro, Patachou, and Recess. Gourmet pizza? Bazbeaux. Gourmet hot dogs? King David Dogs.

Discover local acts or see national talent perform at landmark Hilbert Circle Theater- home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Repertory Theatre, or in the Mass Ave arts and theater district. Visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Indiana State Museum, NCAA  Hall of Champions, and for those bringing kids - the world’s largest and best Children’s Museum.

During break time or to access cultural districts and attractions, check out the new 7.5-mile Cultural Trail, a bike- and pedestrian-friendly urban path that has garnered international attention, or the new Georgia Street promenade adjacent to the Indiana Convention Center. Or stroll along the Central Canal in White River State Park.

With all there is to see and do in Indianapolis, it may be quite a challenge to get that recommended 8 hours of sleep while you’re here…

- Guest blogger Lisa Wallace,
 Communications Manager, Conventions & Meetings

Hey Indianapolis, are you ready for us?

Move over Super Bowl...the 2012 ISPA EXPO is gearing up and ready to call Indy "home" for a week in March! According to recent reports recapping the event, many, MANY people made Indy their home this past weekend.

Organizers say more than 1 million people visited the Super Bowl Village over 10 days, including more than 150,000 on game day! It doesn't stop there...everyone who attended the Super Bowl sang the city's praises for their kindness and hospitality.

Judy Battista, a New York Times sports writer tweeted: "take a bow, Indy. You were spectacular hosts. Hope the game is back here soon."

From what we've heard, Indianapolis put in a lot of hard work, winning praise for its cleanliness, friendliness and the compact downtown that made it easy for visitors to walk to events and restaurants. All we can say is, "We can't wait!"

As the days and weeks get closer to our event, we'll post more about the sights, sounds and libations of Indy. For the time being, we suggest taking a look at the Indianapolis Visitors and Convention Center Association (ICVA) website. LOTS of great info, right at your fingertips! And in a few weeks, we'll actually have a guest post on here from staff at IVCA, so keep coming back!

Until then friends, sweet dreams--and Indy, don't worry about catching up on sleep, we're bringing TONS of mattresses to your convention center in just five short weeks! Naps for everyone!!!