POINT CLEAR, Ala. — Laundry and linen professionals from across the United States gathered here earlier this month on Alabama’s Gulf Coast for the Association for Linen Management’s (ALM) 2026 IMPACT Conference, an event focused on advancing operations, strengthening leadership, and building stronger industry connections.
“The energy and engagement we experienced at IMPACT 2026 was truly remarkable,” says Sarah Brobeck, president and CEO of ALM. “This conference continues to show what is possible when leaders and innovators from across the laundry and linen industry come together to learn, collaborate, and share new ideas.”
Hosted here at the Grand Resort, the conference brought together operators, linen managers, and supplier partners for several days of practical education, peer collaboration, and forward-looking discussion about the future of the industry.
EDUCATION
Education remained at the center of the IMPACT experience. Through a series of learning tracks and panel discussions, attendees explored topics including operational efficiency, workforce development, emerging technologies, and leadership strategies designed to help organizations strengthen their teams and improve performance.
Keynote presentations added powerful perspectives to the conversations.
Jessica Stollings, a nationally recognized speaker and researcher on generational dynamics in the workplace, challenged attendees to rethink how teams collaborate across age groups. Drawing on nearly two decades of research and experience working with organizations across the country, she shared practical strategies for turning generational differences into strengths.
Her sessions encouraged leaders to move beyond stereotypes and focus on building workplaces where knowledge, experience and new ideas flow easily between generations.
Attendees were also inspired by JJ Velazquez, whose keynote on rising beyond adversity delivered a deeply personal and moving message.
Velazquez shared how he transformed his life after spending more than two decades wrongfully incarcerated, emerging with a commitment to purpose, resilience and service to others. His message resonated strongly, reminding participants that leadership is rooted in perseverance, perspective, and the determination to keep moving forward even in the face of significant challenges.
LEGACY CIRCLE
One of the conference’s most memorable moments was the introduction of ALM’s IMPACT Legacy Circle, a new recognition honoring professionals whose careers have made lasting contributions to the laundry and linen industry.
The 2026 IMPACT Legacy Circle honorees include:
- Greg Gurtler, Gurtler Industries — Widely respected for his forward-thinking leadership and commitment to industry progress, Gurtler’s influence spans product innovation, operational improvement, and long-term support of industry associations.
- Greg Gicewicz, Fillmore Laundry Services — Recognized for his leadership in healthcare laundry, compliance, and infection prevention, Gicewicz has consistently worked to educate and guide the industry toward higher performance and accountability.
- Ed McCauley, UHS — Known for his steady executive leadership and focus on operational growth, McCauley’s long-standing service to industry organizations has helped strengthen healthcare textile services while encouraging innovation and professional engagement.
- Ron Seaman, Florida Linen — Respected for his steady leadership and operational insight, Seaman has strengthened organizations and the professionals within them. His impact continues to be felt through the teams he has guided and the standards he has helped elevate.
- Graham Skinner, Christeyns — Skinner’s influence, expertise, and commitment to advancing professional standards have made a lasting mark across the field and on the professionals who serve within it.
During a special session, the inaugural honorees reflected on how the industry has evolved and shared insights with the next generation of leaders.
NETWORKING
Networking opportunities were also a central part of the multi-day event.
From the fast-paced IMPACTful Connections networking sessions to evening receptions, including the Generations Welcome Event and the White Party overlooking Mobile Bay, attendees had multiple opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas, and explore new partnerships.
As the conference concluded, participants left IMPACT energized and equipped with new ideas they can bring back to their organizations, ALM says.
“Each year, IMPACT creates opportunities for meaningful connections and fresh perspectives that strengthen our entire community,” Brobeck concludes. “We are excited to carry that momentum forward as we look ahead to IMPACT 2027 in Austin, Texas.”
The 2027 IMPACT Conference is scheduled to take place Feb. 28-March 3.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Matt Poe at [email protected].
