NORTH AMERICA

TRSA, the leading association for linen, uniform and facility services in North America, has announced its  112th Annual Conference will be held on 13-15 May at the esteemed Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort and Villas in Indian Wells, California. The conference is set to be an exceptional event, said TRSA, gathering nearly 200 of the global laundry industry’s most prominent leaders, including CEOs, senior executives and top-level managers in the heart of the Greater Palm Springs area. This annual event provides attendees with opportunities to advance their professional development, network with industry leaders, and engage in interactive challenges and educational sessions.

Two keynotes speakers will address the conference. Nolan Bushnell, co-founder of Atari and a pioneer in the video game industry, will share his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing his design philosophy of creating games that are “easy to learn and difficult to master.” Attendees can expect to hear about his latest ventures in virtual reality and blockchain technology and gain insights into the innovative mindset that has driven his success across multiple industries.

A second keynote speaker, Dr Kevin Elko, a renowned performance consultant with a background in professional and collegiate sports, will share his insights on achieving excellence and mental toughness, drawing from his experience with top athletes and Fortune 1000 executives. He will discuss strategies for success and personal anecdotes from his work with legendary football coach Nick Saban and numerous championship teams.

The event will feature impactful general sessions including one led by Mark Kowalski, managing partner at Envise Partners LLC, on why some companies grow faster than others, focusing on rapidly growing market segments and using mergers and acquisitions to acquire weaker competitors, supported by data analysis and insights on future high-growth segments in the U.S. economy. 

Additionally, the audience will hear from the leadership of independent operators with an executive panel including David Struminger, president and CEO of Mohenis Services Inc; Sarah Wrubel, COO of CLS/Continental Linen Services; and Rich Kramer, president and COO of City Uniforms and Linen. 

A standards and regulations update will be provided by TRSA’s Kevin Schwalb, vice president of government relations. Andrew Wittman, senior research analyst at Baird, will deliver one of the best-attended sessions every year, offering insights into the latest financial and economic trends, market performance, growth drivers and strategic opportunities in the industry.

Attendees will also have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Grand Hyatt’s amenities, including competing in the TRSA Golf Classic, a spirited shotgun-style tournament that promises an afternoon of strategic play and friendly rivalry at one of Palm Springs’ exquisite golf courses. Pickleball Palooza invites participants to showcase their skills in a dynamic game of Pickleball, with a clinic available for all levels to sharpen their abilities before the match. Both events are ideal for bonding with peers and enjoying the competitive spirit. 

Spouses and significant others can enjoy an optional exclusive driving tour of celebrity homes in Palm Springs offering a glimpse into the glamorous lives and scandals of Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe. 

The Lifetime Achievement Awards Dinner and Reception will be held the last night of the conference. At this event, attendees will celebrate the industry with TRSA’s top awards that recognise the volunteer contributions of both operator and supplier partner members. Winners are peer-selected and represent individuals who have made a positive impact on both the industry and the association. In addition, the TRSA Volunteer Leadership Award will be recognised as well. For more information, visit here.

Registration is now open, and interested parties can sign up at the TRSA website. For more information, visit here or email here