AAAAI Conference a Big Hit for the Certification Program, Dyson, Rabbit Air, and Royal Heritage
The asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recently exhibited at the annual American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Conference (AAAAI) in Atlanta, GA. With over 7,000 physicians in attendance, AAAAI is an amazing opportunity to educate and interact with physicians from around the world who specialize in treating asthma and allergies.
Products carrying the asthma & allergy friendly® Mark have been scientifically tested and are proven to be more suitable for people affected by asthma and allergies. Recognition of the Mark has grown consistently over the last 10 years in the eyes of the consumer, and more companies have joined the program to capitalize on this hard-earned distinction as one of the few to have earned the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Mark.
An added benefit for companies that have joined the program is the chance to speak with physicians and consumers at various industry-specific events. AAAAI was a great opportunity for companies who have joined the Certification Program to be able to speak with physicians from around the world and educate them on what it means to be Certified. Showcasing the effectiveness of their products, such as evidence that the Dyson Hot + Cool Link cleans more than 99% of allergens from the air, leads to greater brand awareness in the eyes of physicians, and increases the likelihood that they will recommend these products to their patients for a healthier home.
New Certification Booth Unveiled Next to the New Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Booth
The new booth for the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program features icons of various certification categories including air cleaners, bedding, toys, and washing machines, with a depiction of various products throughout the home that might be triggers for asthma or allergies.
Above: asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program Booth at the AAAAI Conference in March 2017
Dyson, a leader in household electronics with multiple lines of Certified products, also participated in AAAAI for the first time with a spot at the new Certification Program booth to showcase their Dyson Hot + Cool Link air purifier. This certified air cleaner is their top of the line model, and has a built-in heater and fan along with a HEPA filter.
Physician Surveys Provide Insight on Awareness and Trust of the Certification Mark
The Certification Program team utilized iPads to conduct physician surveys with top allergists and immunologists from across the United States who lined up to access the questionnaire. Doctors were asked about their likelihood to recommend Certified products to their patients affected by asthma or allergies, their recognition of the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Mark, and knowledge of the science and testing behind the Mark. The results were overwhelmingly positive, with very high scores in likelihood to recommend certified products to their patients.
Physicians who completed the survey were also asked to choose products and companies that they associated with being asthma & allergy friendly®. By far, companies which participated in the AAAAI Conference, including Dyson, Rabbit Air, and Royal Heritage, were top choices by docs.
Above: Courtney Sunna, VP of Sales for the certification program, provides education to physicians and conducts surveys at AAAAI
Physician Reception
On Saturday, March 4th, a select group of 100 allergists and immunologists were invited to attend the Certification Program’s annual Physician Reception, a private event hosted by Allergy Standards Ltd. (ASL) and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Dr. John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards Ltd. and Dr. Cary Sennett, CEO of AAFA gave keynote speeches on the growth of the Certification Program into new product categories, and the rigorous scientific testing required for approval.
Jessica Bahn, Marketing Manager of Dyson, and Jeffrey Tauber, CEO of Royal Heritage Home also spoke about the successes their companies have had with the Certification Program over the years.
Above: Jessica Bahn, Marketing Manager, Environmental Control for Dyson, speaks on behalf of the asthma & allergy friendly Certification Program
Due to the success of this year’s AAAAI, the Certification Program is already looking at more ways to partner with existing clients and encourage new clients to submit their products for testing.
For more information about partnering with the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program, visit www.aafa.org/certified.