(Alexandria, VA) – The International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) is pleased to announce that Barbara Nelles has accepted the position of digital editor for ISPA’s two industry publications. She joined ISPA in 2009 as senior writer for BedTimes and Sleep Savvy magazines and was later named associate editor of both publications.

Barbara T NellesAs digital editor, Nelles will continue the ongoing success of both magazines by developing and expanding their digital footprint. Her professional background includes more than 10 years of experience as a journalist and editor. Nelles understands and stays current with social media trends and recognizes the importance of “social validation” to any website.

Commenting on her promotion, Nelles said, “I’m so thankful for this opportunity and look forward to working closely with the entire ISPA team as we grow the digital reach and influence of the association through its publications.”

Nelles’s new role includes managing the redesigned Sleep Savvy site at www.sleepsavvymagazine.com. The modernized site launches in March, offering a content-rich library with a searchable database of relevant and “evergreen” stories. The new site still will feature the magazine’s complete digital edition and will be optimized for every screen, from smartphone and tablet to desktop. The new site also will offer the incorporation of premier social media platforms.

“Barbara brings a wealth of technical knowledge to the Sleep Savvy website and offers a unique perspective from her experience as a seasoned writer and editor. She is integral to our team’s efforts to sustain Sleep Savvy as the leading publication for mattress retailers,” said Mary Best, editor in chief. “We’re delighted she’s leading this exciting endeavor.”

Sleep Savvy magazine is dedicated to improving the selling environment for mattresses and related sleep products with editorially unbiased information and ideas designed to make a unique contribution to the bedding industry’s growth, profitability and image. The magazine, printed eight times a year, is published by ISPA and its educational arm, the Better Sleep Council, for bedding buyers, retail CEOs, store managers and sales associates.
Nelles will also manage the BedTimes website, which serves as an important source of breaking news for the industry, as well as a robust, searchable archive of articles.

Jane Kitchen, BedTimes editor in chief, stated, “Barbara has already helped develop the BedTimes website into the rich platform it is today. I’m thrilled that she will be dedicating her time to our online presence, and I look forward to her increasing our live coverage from markets and other events, as well as keeping the industry abreast of breaking news as it happens.”

BedTimes magazine is the only monthly magazine devoted to the mattress manufacturing industry. Published by the ISPA, BedTimes has been bringing the industry news and information to improve their businesses since 1917 and each month reach thousands of dedicated readers around the globe. Throughout the year, BedTimes covers major bedding markets and trade shows — including ISPA EXPO, interzum Cologne and the Las Vegas and High Point markets –with coverage in print and online.  Each December issue features the Supplies Guide, the only comprehensive listing of suppliers for the industry. Find the Supplies Guide online at www.bedtimessuppliesguide.com.

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Established in 1915, the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the growth, profitability and stature of the mattress industry.  As the industry’s trade organization, ISPA is the voice of the mattress industry, representing mattress manufacturers and suppliers throughout the world. ISPA provides a wide range of services that benefit its membership.  These include exclusive industry surveys and statistics, advocacy support, educational offerings, the industry’s ISPA EXPO trade show, safety research through its Sleep Products Safety Council, consumer research and education through its Better Sleep Council, BedTimes and Sleep Savvy publications, and more.

To learn more, visit www.sleepproducts.org or contact [email protected].