RICHMOND, Ky. — The Association for Linen Management (ALM) says its inaugural Elevate Conference in Nashville was a success. The March event attracted 118 professionals, including 68 laundry operators, 43% of whom were decision-makers.
ALM says the two-day event offered hands-on workshops, expert insights, and valuable networking opportunities, providing attendees with practical tools to enhance their operations and industry knowledge.
“We are thrilled with the success of Elevate’s inaugural event,” says Sarah Brobeck, president and CEO of ALM. “The engagement from our attendees has been incredible, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Elevate offered a platform for professionals to expand their skills and connect with peers.”
HANDS-ON LEARNING, REAL-WORLD APPLICATION
The conference kicked off with sessions on root-cause analysis to identify areas for operational improvement. Linen management participants took part in a beer supply-chain simulation, addressing inventory and ordering challenges.
Nathan Mein, general manager of TMC Laundry Cooperative in Houston, says, “Today’s class opened my eyes to the efforts that our partner owners put into reducing overtime and plant capacity, which ultimately helps save time and money.”
Laundry operators participated in a LEGO manufacturing line exercise, learning to streamline workflows using LEAN tools.
“The LEAN presentation and exercise was not only fun but particularly telling,” says Graham Skinner, RLLD, vice president of business development and technical support from UNX-Christeyns. “It made you physically and mentally see how to eliminate production constraints and reduce waste.”
The sessions focused on fostering collaboration.
Liz Remillong, vice president of CORE Linen, shares, “Everything we discuss today benefits the plant and operations, helping to improve both customer service and plant performance.”
NETWORKING, COLLABORATION
The second day focused on applying the concepts from day one to real-world scenarios.
Dan Sanchez, president of Sanchez Advisory Group, led role-playing exercises, helping linen managers gain buy-in from hospital stakeholders. On the operations side, Bob Corfield, CLLM, CEO of Laundry Design Group, facilitated a sequencing activity, encouraging operators to apply workflow management strategies.
“If they can come away with just those small, low-hanging-fruit improvements, it can help improve workstation ergonomics and process throughput,” Corfield says.
Networking was a key element of the conference. The Margaritaville Mixer encouraged attendees to connect in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.
“The networking is amazing … everyone is so willing to share their knowledge and experiences,” says Christine Arnold-Tun, RLLD, CLLM, assistant managing director of Belize Commercial Laundry and Linens.
The event concluded with the Tropical Paradise Reception, offering a chance for attendees to continue their conversations and deepen connections.
A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE
ALM says the Elevate Conference successfully combined expert-led learning, hands-on activities and networking.
“I think it was a great workshop, in that, one, you get to network with others who do your job, and also in the way that you get some simple take-homes that you can implement right away in your laundry facility, and your day-to-day life,” shares Chip Malboeuf, vice president of operations and engineering for ImageFIRST and ALM chairman.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Matt Poe at [email protected].
