NEW ORLEANS — The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will host the world’s premier textile care expo for a fifth time when the 2013 Clean Show—officially the World Educational Congress for Laundering and Drycleaning—arrives on Thursday, June 20, for a three-day stay through Saturday, June 22.
It will mark the first time since 1981 that the Clean Show has been scheduled for three days instead of four, reflecting a “more concise and efficient” format designed to give exhibitors and attendees alike a better value for their investment, according to the Clean Executive Committee.
The Clean Show has been convening every other year since 1977 to present new technology, educational sessions and networking opportunities to all segments of the dry cleaning, laundry and textile care industry. This year’s event is expected to draw 10,000 trade attendees, according to Riddle & Associates, the show’s longtime manager.
“I am constantly asked why should I come to the Clean Show or why should I exhibit,” says John Riddle, president of Riddle & Associates. “There are many reasons. You will see the newest equipment, learn about new services, see working demonstrations and have access to outstanding industry education.
“In today’s world of electronic communication, it is nice to have the opportunity to communicate with someone eye-to-eye, face-to-face and talk with them about industry issues. It’s a great chance to renew old friendships and make new ones. These are just several reasons I think making this trip is worth the time, effort and money. We encourage you to ‘Be There’ and take advantage of this opportunity.”
Approximately 400 companies and organizations are scheduled to be represented on the exhibit floor, covering roughly 200,000 net square feet. It’s possible that more exhibitors will be added in the final weeks leading up to the event.
The exhibits will open following a brief 10 a.m. ceremony on Thursday, June 20 (distributors are granted exclusive access from 8 to 10). Exhibits will open at 9 a.m. on subsequent days, and they will close each show day at 5 p.m.
Some of the Clean 2013 sponsors, as well as several other industry associations, will offer approximately 40 hours of education over the show’s three-day schedule. Most of the seminars will occur in on-site meeting rooms between 8 and 10 a.m. daily, but in a change this year, some sessions have been scheduled for each afternoon on the exhibit floor itself.
The Clean Show has released a new, free mobile app for Apple iOS- and Android-based smartphones that offers features such as locating exhibitors, planning a personalized show itinerary, and connecting with others via social media. The free app can be downloaded from an individual’s device in the App Store or Market, and is fully integrated with the Clean Show website, and with LinkedIn and Twitter.
“In the age of technology, offering a smartphone app just makes sense,” says John Riddle. “We want our attendees and exhibitors to be able to stay connected before, during, and after the show and be able to do it while on the go.”
Attendees who do not have a smartphone can still maximize their time at the show by using CleanShow.com’s “My Itinerary” feature. Visitors can store in a personalized “Briefcase” their schedule of educational sessions and booths they wish to visit, as well as print out their “Itinerary” to bring with them.
Another show change is the relaxation of certain rules regarding the convening of affiliate groups during trade show hours. In the past, meetings were restricted to hours outside education and exhibit hours, but now exhibiting companies and industry associations can schedule their sales, distributor or group meetings during educational sessions or between the hours of noon and 2 p.m.
Attendees can easily register for the Clean Show online at its website for the discounted rate of $99 a person through May 31 (on-site registration will be $149 per person). All registrations can be made with credit card, check or money order.
Registration hours at the convention center will be 1-5 p.m. June 19, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 20, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 21, and 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 22.
Reservations for official Clean Show hotels can be made on the show’s website until May 17 (special show rates are available only through the Clean Show Housing Bureau).
Complimentary shuttle buses will transport attendees between official hotels and the convention center mornings and afternoons during the show.
The Clean Show is sponsored by five industry associations: Association for Linen Management, Coin Laundry Association, Drycleaning & Laundry Institute, Textile Care Allied Trades Association, and the Textile Rental Services Association of America.
