ATLANTA — Though the Clean Show will provide many opportunities for social interaction, those looking to network in less formal settings may want to attend one of the social events being hosted by various industry associations.
Events are scheduled at various venues around the city, either before or after show hours. In some cases, tickets are required.
TRSA KICK-OFF TAILGATE
On Wednesday, April 15, the Textile Rental Services Association will host a kick-off tailgate event at the College Football Hall of Fame from 5:30-7:30 p.m. TRSA has traditionally held a reception the night before the opening of the Clean Show; in years past, this reception has drawn more than 400 people.
Tickets include food and beverages—heavy hors d’oeuvres and a full bar—as well as an all-access pass to the venue. Dress code is casual, and TRSA encourages attendees to wear their favorite college team apparel.
TRSA’s 2013 reception was at the House of Blues in New Orleans. Ken Koepper, director of marketing and PR for TRSA, says this year’s event “contrasts dramatically in the sense that the venue will be a larger part of the experience.”
“Participants will socialize and enjoy the interactive exhibits in the Hall,” says Koepper. “In addition to viewing traditional exhibits, their customized tickets will provide them access to video content and other multimedia features about their favorite [college football] teams.”
He says all textile service operators, including on-premises laundry managers and owners, are invited to attend. Tickets for TRSA operator members are $95 after March 31, and $115 on-site. For associate members and non-member operators, tickets are $150 after March 31 and $175 on-site.
Registration is available at www.trsa.org/cleankickoff.
ARTA/HLAC ‘BREAKFAST AT CLEAN’
The American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA) and the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) will present “Breakfast at Clean” on Friday, April 17, from 7:30-9 a.m., in Room B315 of the Georgia World Congress Center. ARTA hosts a breakfast at every Clean Show; 2013 was the first year the two associations decided to co-host, and about 125 professionals attended.
Attendance is open to everyone in the industry; tickets can be purchased at www.arta1.com, and are $25 in advance or $30 at the door for ARTA members and HLAC-accredited laundries. For non-members or non-accredited laundries, tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.
Those planning to attend must RSVP while registering online, or may do so by contacting Nancy Jenkins, ARTA executive director, at [email protected].
Attendees will be updated on ARTA’s planned activities for this year and next, and will also get an overview of new HLAC standards.
“Because HLAC is not a member organization, this is really the only venue for accredited laundries to meet and greet each other,” says Jenkins. “It’s also a great opportunity to connect before hitting the show floor.”
DLI/TCATA RECEPTION
A joint reception presented by the Drycleaning and Laundry Institute (DLI) and the Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA) will take place Friday, April 17, at Ventanas, the rooftop venue at the Hilton Garden Inn, at 5:30-7 p.m. The free event is for TCATA and DLI members only. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
David Cotter, CEO of TCATA, says the reception will be a good opportunity for additional networking with others in the industry, and for member professionals to discuss challenges.
Though DLI has been hosting a reception at Clean for many years, in 2013 the two groups decided to host the reception jointly. That event drew an estimated 450 textile care professionals.
“It was an overwhelming success,” Cotter says. “So we said, let’s do it again.”
ALM FAMILY GAME NIGHT
The Association for Linen Management (ALM) will host a members-only “ALM Family Game Night” on Friday, April 17, at 5:30-7 p.m at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, the association’s headquarter hotel. The event is free, and members are welcome to bring a guest.
The reception is designed to allow ALM members to connect, and industry leaders will be recognized during the event.
Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served, and a cash bar will be offered. Games and a giveaway will also be featured at the casual-dress event.
Linda Fairbanks, ALM executive director, says the event is “a chance to thank our members, recognize the hard work they’ve done throughout the year and allow them to enjoy being together and celebrate their year’s success.”
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Matt Poe at [email protected].