ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Leaders from the healthcare sector convened in Atlanta Nov. 13-14 for TRSA’s 13th Annual Healthcare Conference, attracting around 200 attendees eager to explore the latest developments facing commercial laundries.
The conference provided crucial insights into the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the market and trends shaping healthcare services.
The event began with a keynote address by Economic Futurist Andrew Busch titled, “AI Unleashed: Growth Opportunities.” Busch analyzed the current U.S. economy and discussed how the recent 2024 election results will influence future conditions.
He highlighted significant trends affecting workplaces and daily life, including population migration and weather volatility, and emphasized AI’s potential to create opportunities in the linen, uniform and facility services industry.
Following the keynote, attendees participated in two panel discussions.
The first panel, “AI and Automation Initiatives in the Commercial Laundry Industry,” featured insights from industry leaders, Larry Erickson with Kannegiesser ETECH and Mads Andresen, CEO of Inwatec ApS, discussing their perspectives, while the second, “Industry Executive Perspectives on the Healthcare Services Sector,” included from major healthcare laundries: David Potack, CEO of Unitex Healthcare Laundry Services; Chad Poeppelmeier, vice president of healthcare at Cintas; and Mark Carter, president and CEO of Up To Date Laundry Inc.
After lunch, breakout sessions addressed various topics, including AI’s role in workplace safety and the latest updates on Hygienically Clean certification. Attendees also discussed reusable versus disposable products, highlighting strategies to enhance competitiveness.
Following the breakout sessions, attendees listened to presentations on TRSA’s Healthcare Industry Trends Survey and post-COVID challenges.
Liz Remillong, vice president of strategic alliances for CORE Linen Services, led this discussion, along with healthcare linen customers Sharon Clark, purchasing project manager at the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, and Monica Hollo, national director of linen and laundry at Prime Healthcare.
Sara Gunderson of Gunderson Uniform & Linen raved about the customer panel and hearing participants’ perspectives. She wished that the conference had dedicated even more time to the customer panel.
Kevin Schwalb, TRSA’s vice president of government relations, wrapped up the day with an update on essential standards and regulations for healthcare operators.
The second and final day of the conference featured a plant tour of the NOVO Health Services facility in Atlanta. The Hygienically Clean certified plant services the acute-care market in the greater Atlanta area.
Dave Fox, senior operations manager for Standard Textile, summed up the conference as a solid event with good attendance and participation, adding, “The panel sessions were a great format and the smaller group breakouts, seemed to encourage more questions and participation.”
The 2025 Healthcare Conference will be held Nov. 19-20 in Boston.
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