UK
Today is the first day of the Textile Services Association (TSA) Spring Conference which takes place 15-16 April, Hilton St George’s Park, Burton Upon Trent. With speakers that include broadcasting legend and unexpected Strictly Come Dancing sensation John Sergeant, alook set to challenge the previous record-breaking turnout. Last year’s Autumn Conference attracted a record 160 delegates and, with what TSA describes as another formidable programme for the Spring edition: “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back, and perhaps setting another record,” said David Stevens, CEO of the TSA.
The Spring Conference features a range of topics, from diversity and inclusion to hygiene and sustainability, along with a keynote address from one of the UK’s most respected broadcast journalists, John Sergeant. The event deep dives not only into hot topics of the laundry services industry, but also those of the broader cultural climate.
Following positive feedback from its Autumn Conference, the TSA has adopted a similar format for the Spring Conference by beginning with a series of Industry Workshops. They will start immediately after the welcome refreshments.
The workshops will cover a variety of topics, including exploring how research conducted by De Montfort University, in association with the TSA, can help ‘sell’ hygiene. Another will discuss the success of the association’s first foray into animation with ‘Pasha the Pillowcase’, and the plans for the launch of an NHS Campaign that takes on board Pasha’s message and applies it to hospitals. The other two workshops will cover the vital topics of sustainability and diversity and inclusion. A dinner with entertainment closes day one.
Charlie Betterridge, chair of the TSA, will open proceedings on day two, followed by Stevens, who will provide a quick update on the association’s work. A packed morning follows with addresses from Louise Adamson, on health and safety and mental health training within the laundry industry, by Adrian Thomas of Via Vita. Next is an ‘industry challenges’ discussion with the TSA team and an insightful keynote address from economist Simon French.
Following lunch, the TSA Team will discuss lobbying and grant funding before welcoming legendary broadcaster and journalist John Sergeant to provide the final keynote address, “From Politics to the Dancefloor”. Sergeant will cover his humble beginnings in journalism, through the iconic media events as a political correspondent for the BBC that gained him national recognition, to being a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. His talk is sure to be an event highlight as the industry cha-cha-chas in to the second quarter of 2024.
