ORLANDO, Fla. — The Clean Show, hosted by Messe Frankfurt, is the premier event for the laundering, drycleaning, textile care and textile rental industry in North America.
On Aug. 23-26, attendees of Clean ’25 here at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) will be able to discover the latest equipment, products and technologies, along with attending timely educational sessions and enjoying networking opportunities.
It’s the first time Messe Frankfurt, which acquired the show in 2019, will present in Orlando, and the first time Clean has visited this popular Florida city since 2005.
“Orlando, as a destination city, is able to accommodate our show needs, and perhaps offer some extra incentives after the show that other cities do not have,” says Greg Jira, group show director for Messe Frankfurt Inc. based in Atlanta.
“Also very interesting is the fact that because Orlando has so many hotels, the commercial laundry scene is something that’s ‘closer to home.’ The associations could do plant tours much easier in that area. It’s really geared to the commercial laundry aspect just because of the pure tourist volume size in the area. We’re very excited to be back.”
Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, says the OCCC stands out for its customer experience, prime location and capacity to host some of the largest and most influential events in the world.
“With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, the OCCC offers unmatched flexibility and state-of-the-art infrastructure to support a wide range of events,” she shares. “Beyond its size and capabilities, what truly sets the OCCC apart is its commitment to exceptional service, sustainability and community impact.
“Connected to more than 5,200 hotel rooms and conveniently located near world-class dining and entertainment, the Center consistently creates an environment where innovation, collaboration and unforgettable experiences thrive.”
INNOVATION AWARDS
New this year at The Clean Show is the Innovation Awards, which will be presented to honor exceptional performance in the fields of research, new products, and technologies, as well as applications for the textile care industry.
“(Messe Frankfurt) runs this type of program at the majority of the other shows we have,” Jira shares. “It’s an area where we can highlight some of the new things out there in the industry.
“Coming off of Texcare International in Frankfurt, it was a natural. This is one of the innovation cycles that are coming out.”
The awards have been designed to make cutting-edge developments visible, promote unconventional thinking, and intensify dialogue between researchers, manufacturers and users.
A jury of industry experts and academia will select the winners, who will be announced to visitors and media representatives in a special presentation during the first day of The Clean Show.
2025 Innovation Award categories include:
- Best New Application
- Best New Product
- Best New Technology for Sustainability
- Best New Technology for Automation
“The Clean Show has always been a platform where the latest innovations in the industry are highlighted. This year, we are putting a spotlight on those companies leading the way with the introduction of the Innovation Awards,” says Kristy Meade, vice president of technical textiles and technology shows for Messe Frankfurt Inc.
“We are excited to bring an array of award categories reflecting a wide range of advancements in products, technology and services from the entire textile services industry. We look forward to recognizing the organizations that have worked diligently to create products, equipment and solutions that advance our industry and make a positive impact in the marketplace.”
SHOW SCHEDULE AND TRANSPORTATION
The four-day event begins at 8 a.m. EDT Saturday, Aug. 23, when only distributors will have access to the show floor and the first education sessions occur. Gates will open for everyone at 10 following a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the show will run until 5 p.m. Hours for the rest of the event are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Aug. 24-25, and 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
There will be complimentary shuttle buses running each morning from designated hotels to the OCCC while Clean is in session. Buses will run about every 15-20 minutes from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday and from 7:30 to 11 the other three days.
The schedule flips during the afternoons, with buses picking up passengers at the OCCC every 15-20 minutes and stopping at designated points. Those shuttles will run from 3 to 6 p.m. on the first three show days and from 1:30 to 4 on closing day.
FINAL THOUGHTS
With so much to explore, experience and learn in Orlando, Jira recommends that everyone attending The Clean Show this month prepare to make the four-day show as effective as possible.
“Everyone who’s attending or exhibiting, do a little homework before you go,” he says. “There’s so much to see at the show. Reach out and make appointments. Plan your time, do that extra homework.
“Go on our website or get our app. Look at the exhibitor list and plan what you want to see — make a list. Look at the educational content that the show’s going to provide and make a plan for that.”
Looking ahead for the show, Las Vegas will host Clean in 2027 and New Orleans will host in 2029. Both cities have hosted Clean multiple times.
Click HERE to read part 1 with details about the trade show floor and the educational program in Orlando.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Matt Poe at [email protected].
