ORLANDO, Fla. — More than 130 industry representatives attended the American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA) 2016 Education Conference last month at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes, the group reports.
The educational opportunities focused on infection control issues as they relate to working with clients, selecting client products and processing issues in the plant.
“Our conferences offer an intense 1.5 days of education that help members stay competitive in marketing reusable textiles,” says Nancy Jenkins, executive director of ARTA.
According to the association, many attendees shared the sentiment that meetings like the one in Orlando are needed in the industry.
Infection control professionals in attendance particularly agreed.
“Hospital staff do not talk about these issues as they relate to laundry,” says Tiffany Silman of Chesapeake Regional Healthcare in Virginia. “This conference has opened my eyes, and I’m taking the information back to my teammates.”
The 130-plus attendees came from all over the country and as far away as Israel. Highlights of the meeting included a tour of Disney’s new plant, FLO, and two receptions—a Welcome Reception hosted by MIP/Encompass and a Sponsor Reception hosted by ARTA’s Platinum and Gold Sponsors.
ARTA offers member in-person education on an annual basis. The next event is set to coincide with Clean 2017 in Las Vegas. ARTA will exhibit at Clean, host a member breakfast and offer education. The association’s next education conference is set for 2018.
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