CHICAGO — More than 70% of respondents to this month’s American Laundry News Wire survey say they are OK with the Clean Show’s shortened three-day schedule this year, compared to the remaining 29.4% who are “indifferent about this change.”
One respondent proposed that the biennial convention be held “every five years,” but with a longer schedule. “Have mandatory attendance by all members, companies and organizations,” the respondent writes. “Have it for a full five-day week with...golf tournaments planned and social events for all in the evenings.”
In fact, a good number of respondents answered that the biggest factor in favor of visiting New Orleans for Clean was the “networking and socializing” opportunities (23.5%), while 11.8% favored the “exhibits of equipment and supplies.” Equal shares of 5.9% pointed to “educational sessions” and “combining business and pleasure.” The most popular response, however, was “all of the above” (52.9%).
The Association for Linen Management (ALM) and the Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) are among the organizations hosting educational sessions during the June 20-22 show. Among ALM’s scheduled offerings, Reducing the Loss of Patient Linen and Scrubs and Standards and Regulations Affecting the Healthcare Laundry and Linen Industry have drawn the most pre-show interest among respondents. As for planned TRSA sessions, Textile Services Contracts and Negotiations and TRSA Clean Green and Hygienically Clean Certification Programs: Quantifying Your Commitment to Cleanliness and Sustainability are most anticipated.
More than one-third (35.3%) of those surveyed say they are planning to attend Clean, while 17.6% remain unsure. The remaining 47% aren’t planning to attend, with cost playing an important factor for some.
Among respondents who are not attending, about 45% “can’t afford the cost,” 27.3% “can’t spare the time,” and 27.3% said they “made other plans.”
“Employers do not give the time to attend seminars or trade shows,” writes one respondent. “We have to use vacation time to attend. In the past, employers would pay for employees to attend. Now, it comes out of our own pocket.”
While American Laundry News’ Wire survey presents a snapshot of the audience’s viewpoints at a particular moment, it should not be considered scientific. Subscribers to Wire e-mails—distributed twice weekly—are invited to participate in an industry survey each month. The survey is conducted online via a partner website, and is developed so it can be completed in less than 10 minutes.
All managers and administrators of institutional/OPL, cooperative, commercial and industrial laundries are encouraged to participate, as a greater number of responses will help to better define operator opinions and industry trends.
