September 15, 2026
5:30 PM ET
CEO / Executive Dinner
5:30 - 8:30 PM ET
SPONSORED BY:
September 15, 2026
5:30 - 8:30 PM ET
TRSA will host its inaugural Hospitality and Food & Beverage CEO/Executive Meeting and Dinner.
Designed exclusively for Operator Member CEOs and senior executives serving the hospitality and restaurant industries, this meeting and dinner will provide a unique forum to connect with industry peers, exchange insights, and discuss the challenges, opportunities, emerging trends, and growth strategies shaping the future of the market.
Sponsored By:
September 16, 2026
7:00 AM ET
Registration Opens
7:00 AM ET
Breakfast
7:00 - 8:00 AM ET
8:00 AM ET
Promise to Practice: Robotics' Emergence
8:00 - 9:15 AM ET
SPEAKER:
Director of Marketing & Communications - Standard Bots
Director of Marketing & Communications - Standard Bots
Matthew Iles is Director of Marketing and Communications at Standard Bots, where he leads marketing efforts for one of America's largest manufacturers of AI-native industrial robots. A four-time startup founder and growth leader, Matthew has built and scaled companies across marketing, technology, media, and emerging technologies, with expertise in branding, product marketing, go-to-market strategy, and business development.
Throughout his career, Matthew has helped launch and grow more than 100 technology products and SaaS companies, working with organizations ranging from startups to global brands. He is passionate about leveraging data, product innovation, and strategic marketing to drive growth and accelerate the adoption of transformative technologies.
September 16, 2026
8:00 - 9:15 AM ET
From concepts such as actuators and axis interference to zero-force control and zero position/return, your understanding of key robotics A to Z lingo will be invaluable to your decision about when this technology is right for your business. Build your literacy in robotics fundamentals: how they can reshape material handling, produce error-free work and scale for growth. Industry-specific robots are on the cusp of deployment. When will they be available and cost-effective? When would it be sensible for your company to invest? What works today, and what still needs refinement?
Get the forecast of how robots for linen handling will support integration opportunities, such as RFID connectivity that drives the entire linen laundry process from soil receiving to clean delivery.
Grasp issues in robotics development from a manufacturer’s perspective: developments that prevent common setup pitfalls and other imperfections. You’ll get a candid look at what can and cannot yet be delivered. Gain insight into cost considerations, scalability and anticipated ROI timelines.
SPEAKER:
Director of Marketing & Communications - Standard Bots
9:15 AM ET
Networking Break
9:15 - 9:30 AM ET
9:30 AM ET
Hotel Industry Insights: U.S. and Global Outlook
9:30 - 10:30 AM ET
SPEAKER:
Director, Hospitality Market Analytics - CoStar Group, Northeast & Midwestern Us
Director, Hospitality Market Analytics - CoStar Group, Northeast & Midwestern Us
Didio Pequeno currently serves as the Director of Hospitality Market Analytics for CoStar Group, responsible for the Northeast and Midwestern regions. In this capacity, he produces meaningful, relevant, and insightful analysis on the hospitality industry, with a focus on his assigned regions.
Didio’s career in hospitality spans nearly 20 years, including roles in operations, consulting, and advisory. While working as a Senior Consultant with Carpedia Hospitality, he specialized in labor optimization and in implementing operational process changes across full-service hotels worldwide. Most recently, he served as a Senior Consultant at REVPAR International, a hospitality advisory and asset management firm. In this role, he assisted in the asset management of over a dozen hotels, completed over 50 feasibility studies, and the cumulative value of the assets he evaluated exceeded $1 billion.
Didio’s passion for the hospitality industry drove him to obtain a Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality & Tourism Management from Pace University, a Master of Science in Hotel Finance from NYU, and a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investments & Asset Management from Cornell University.
September 16, 2026
9:30 - 10:30 AM ET
This session offers an executive level overview of the American and global hotel industry, designed specifically for linen, uniform, and facility services leaders serving the lodging sector. Drawing on market data and real-world insight, the presentation will highlight key trends shaping hotel performance, operations, and service expectations. Attendees will gain perspective on how changes in travel demand, labor, brand standards, and guest expectations are influencing hotel operators and what those shifts signal for service partners supporting the industry.
SPEAKER:
Director, Hospitality Market Analytics - CoStar Group, Northeast & Midwestern Us
Insight into the American Restaurant Industry
9:30 - 10:30 AM ET
SPEAKER:
Chief Insights Officer - Black Box Intelligence
Chief Insights Officer - Black Box Intelligence
Victor Fernandez is Black Box Intelligence’s most senior analyst, having studied the restaurant industry for decades. He is a mainstay of the company’s presenter roster, frequently sharing the latest trend research to the market – either on stage at industry events, restaurant brands’ internal conferences and senior leadership meetings, or via BBI’s quarterly State of the Industry webinars. His expert commentary and his team’s research are also regularly featured in media outlets, including the WSJ, New York Times, Fox News, CNBC, NRN, Restaurant Business and many more.
Victor holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.
September 16, 2026
9:30 - 10:30 AM ET
This session provides a focused, data-driven look at the most important restaurant trends influencing the market today, including dining patterns, menu and pricing strategies, labor dynamics, and on-premise versus off-premise growth. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how these trends are shaping restaurant operations and what they signal for partners that support food and beverage businesses across the supply chain.
SPEAKER:
Chief Insights Officer - Black Box Intelligence
10:30 AM ET
Networking Break
10:30 - 10:45 AM ET
10:45 AM ET
Understanding the Linen Rental Model: Creating Value for Hotels and Laundries
10:45 - 11:45 AM ET
SPEAKERS:
CEO - TSA
CEO - TSA
David Stevens is Chief Executive Officer of the Textile Services Association (TSA), the leading trade association representing the commercial laundry, linen rental, and textile services industry in the United Kingdom. Since becoming CEO in 2019, he has drawn on more than four decades of industry experience to champion innovation, sustainability, workforce development, and collaboration across the textile services sector.
David's career spans both commercial operations and strategic industry leadership. He previously operated Paragon Laundry, one of the UK's largest linen rental companies, and established a nationwide franchise-style operation that served more than 30% of the UK hospitality sector. He also founded and continues to lead Newgen, a specialist laundry consultancy that has designed, built, and operated commercial laundries internationally, including in the Middle East, where he helped hospitality businesses transition from in-house laundry operations to outsourced rental models.
At the TSA, David leads initiatives supporting member companies through education, advocacy, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence. He has played a key role in advancing industry sustainability, strengthening partnerships across the hospitality and healthcare sectors, and promoting best practices that help textile service providers adapt to evolving market demands.
A respected industry leader and frequent international speaker, David is passionate about helping organizations embrace innovation, improve operational performance, and build a more sustainable future for textile services. In this session, he will share practical insights into why more hotels are making the switch from in-house laundry operations to outsourced rental solutions.
Procurement - Bourne Leisure
Procurement - Bourne Leisure
Has over 30 years experience in the Hotel and Hospitality industry, much of which was spent at Premier Inn, the UK’s largest hotel company. During his career he has been responsible for, amongst other things, procuring and managing laundry services and therefore has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the industry and what buying laundry involves.
September 16, 2026
10:45 - 11:45 AM ET
The linen rental model has transformed hospitality markets around the world, yet many hotels continue to operate in-house laundries. Why? And what opportunities are they missing?
Drawing on decades of experience introducing the rental model into markets traditionally dominated by in-house operations, this session explores how to successfully present the business case for linen rental and demonstrate the value it delivers to both hotels and commercial laundries.
Key topics include:
- Presenting the rental model as a strategic business solution
- Understanding and overcoming the barriers to adoption
- The operational, financial, and sustainability benefits for hotels
- The commercial advantages and long-term partnerships created for laundries
The session will also feature feedback from hotel operators on why they chose the rental model, followed by an interactive Q&A with Joe Ricci exploring why the U.S. rental market remains relatively small and what opportunities exist for future growth.
SPEAKERS:
CEO - TSA
Procurement - Bourne Leisure
Meeting Diverse Needs of Restaurant Industry Segments
10:45 - 11:45 AM ET
SPEAKER:
Managing Partner - Envise Partners, LLC
Managing Partner - Envise Partners, LLC
Mark Kowalski has spent the past 30 years in corporate finance, strategy, and mergers and acquisitions, including 19 years in the industrial laundry industry. From 2006 to 2018, he served as Vice President of Finance & Corporate Development at AmeriPride Services, where he played a key role in the company's financial and growth initiatives.
For the past seven years, Mark has been the Managing Partner of Envise Partners, LLC, an advisory firm focused exclusively on the industrial laundry industry. In this role, he works closely with industry stakeholders on strategic planning, transactions, and business growth opportunities, drawing on decades of experience in finance, corporate development, and industry operations.
September 16, 2026
10:45 - 11:45 AM ET
Learn from the experience with linen service of upscale to downscale restaurateurs. Interviews with them reveal the highs and lows of receiving the industry’s services and the benefits and drawbacks of the various products they procure.
SPEAKER:
Managing Partner - Envise Partners, LLC
11:45 AM ET
Lunch
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM ET
SPONSORED BY:
12:30 PM ET
Shifting the Conversation from Cost to Long-Term Value
12:30 - 1:30 PM ET
SPEAKERS:
Founder & President - Sanchez Advisory Group LLC, and TRSA Auditor
Founder & President - Sanchez Advisory Group LLC, and TRSA Auditor
Vice President, Corporate Accounts - Gurtler Industries Inc.
Vice President, Corporate Accounts - Gurtler Industries Inc.
Jake Gurtler, Vice President Corporate Accounts, represents the third generation in the family business. After graduating from Calvin College in 2008, he joined the company as a sales representative providing service to customers across the Midwest. Jake is a member of TRSA’s Next Generation Leaders Committee, a graduate of PMI and EMI, and served on TRSA’s Board of Directors.
Gurtler Industries, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of advanced detergents and specialty chemicals for the commercial laundry industry. Founded in 1982, Gurtler is a privately held, family owned and operated business. Gurtler has grown into one of the largest specialists in the laundry chemical supply industry, offering a full line of processing chemicals, injection systems and personalized service across the US, Canada, Mexico, and Australia.
Director, Marketing - R.L. Williams Company
Director, Marketing - R.L. Williams Company
David Rebol is an accomplished marketing leader with more than 25 years of experience in product marketing, brand development, sales enablement, and new product launches. He currently serves as Director of Marketing for R.L. Williams Company, where he leads initiatives spanning brand strategy, digital training, product development, sales presentations, trade shows, and marketing technology.
During his tenure, David has launched the RLW Academy and the RLW App online training programs and introduced standardized marketing and product-specification materials across multiple service-oriented product lines.
Previously, David spent 14 years with Alsco as Marketing Manager for All Fresh North America. In that role, he directed product research, test-market programs, launch planning, sales campaigns, and market analysis. Known for combining creative thinking with practical business strategy, David brings a strong record of building effective sales tools, improving organizational productivity, and translating market insights into successful commercial initiatives.
President/Owner - Single Source Plus
President/Owner - Single Source Plus
Brian Beere, President of Single Source Plus, brings over 30 years of hands-on experience in the commercial laundry industry. His career began while pursuing a degree at the University of Miami, working part-time for a uniform and mat rental company in South Florida and spending summers at his father’s business, U.S. Uniform.After graduation, Brian joined U.S. Uniform full-time, leading its sales department before taking ownership in 1988. Under his leadership, the company expanded into a larger, state-of-the-art facility and continued to grow for 16 years until it was acquired by Aramark in 2004.Following the sale, Brian shifted his focus to direct sales while keeping an eye out for his next venture. In 2013, he acquired Single Source Plus—a small hospitality laundry business in Bellmawr, NJ, serving just six customers at the time. Since then, under Brian’s leadership, Single Source Plus has experienced remarkable growth and now processes over 10 million pounds of hotel laundry annually.
September 16, 2026
12:30 - 1:30 PM ET
Learn how to position your products and services as strategic solutions that improve cleanliness, safety, operational efficiency and business growth. Discover tactics to move customer discussions beyond price and toward the long-term value of partnering with a single-source provider for facility services products. Gain insights into tailoring your approach based on each account’s circumstances, identifying high-potential prospects and demonstrating how your solutions reduce staff burden, support growth objectives and deliver lasting business impact.
SPEAKERS:
Founder & President - Sanchez Advisory Group LLC, and TRSA Auditor
Vice President, Corporate Accounts - Gurtler Industries Inc.
Director, Marketing - R.L. Williams Company
President/Owner - Single Source Plus
1:30 PM ET
Networking Break
1:30 - 1:45 PM ET
1:45 PM ET
Linen Quality’s Role in Customer Satisfaction
1:45 - 2:30 PM ET
SPEAKERS:
Vice President of Customer Success - ABS Laundry Business Solutions/LSI Inc
Vice President of Customer Success - ABS Laundry Business Solutions/LSI Inc
Kristi Sanders is Vice President of Customer Success at ABS Laundry Business Solutions, where she leads customer success initiatives across North America and works closely with customers and internal teams to improve the overall customer experience.
With more than a decade of experience in the textile services industry, Kristi brings expertise in customer success, operations, project delivery, RFID technology, and process improvement. She is focused on building strong teams, improving how customers are supported, and bringing the right people together to solve problems and move complex initiatives forward.
Vice President, North American Hospitality Sales - Standard Textile Co.
Vice President, North American Hospitality Sales - Standard Textile Co.
Matt is Vice President of North American Hospitality Sales at Standard Textile, where he leads a national team of sales professionals serving hotel brands and independent properties across the country. He previously held roles as a regional manager and sales consultant with the company before stepping into his current position. Matt holds a BA from Providence College and an MBA from the University of Hartford. He lives in the Hartford, CT area with his wife and three children.
President & COO - Metro Laundry Service
President & COO - Metro Laundry Service
Steven Young serves as Chief Operating Officer of Metro Laundry Service, a family-owned commercial laundry company specializing in luxury hotel services throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Since joining the business in 2004, Steven has advanced through every level of the organization, gaining firsthand experience in operations, customer service, logistics, workforce management, and business development.
Today, he oversees daily operations, strategic growth initiatives, and customer partnerships while helping guide the next generation of leadership for the company. Under his leadership, Metro Laundry Service has expanded its footprint within the hospitality industry while maintaining a reputation for reliability, innovation, and exceptional customer service. The company has been recognized for its contributions to Maryland's Minority Business Enterprise community and was recently honored as Supplier of the Year by MGM National Harbor.
Steven is an active member of the Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA), serving on several industry committees focused on hospitality, government affairs, and emerging leaders. His expertise spans operational excellence, workforce development, customer experience, entrepreneurship, technology adoption, and scaling family-owned businesses.
As a speaker, Steven brings practical insights from over two decades of experience leading people, building culture, and helping organizations deliver exceptional service in highly competitive markets.
President & CEO - Crown Linen Service
President & CEO - Crown Linen Service
Tim Williams is President and CEO of Crown Linen Service, a family-owned textile services company serving healthcare, hospitality, and commercial customers throughout Missouri and Illinois. A lifelong participant in the linen rental industry, Tim has led Crown Linen's growth and expansion, including the development of a second processing facility and the company's continued commitment to customer service, employee engagement, and operational excellence.
An active leader in the textile services industry, Tim previously served as Chair of TRSA's Board of Directors. Beyond his industry involvement, he has dedicated significant time to civic and community organizations, including service as a city council member and mayor in his hometown of Mexico, Missouri.
September 16, 2026
1:45 - 2:30 PM ET
Receive guidance to increase consultative, value-driven conversations on linen quality with hotel and restaurant customers. Get ideas to improve communication of how such quality impacts their customers’ experience with their businesses. You’ll better articulate the power of effective par levels and how rental and customer-owned goods (COG) compare in cost and customers’ operational benefits.
SPEAKERS:
Vice President of Customer Success - ABS Laundry Business Solutions/LSI Inc
Vice President, North American Hospitality Sales - Standard Textile Co.
President & COO - Metro Laundry Service
President & CEO - Crown Linen Service
2:30 PM ET
Networking Break
2:30 - 2:45 PM ET
2:45 PM ET
Leadership Insights: Navigating Trends, Challenges and Opportunities
2:45 -3:45: PM ET
SPEAKERS:
President & CEO - TRSA
President & CEO - TRSA
Joseph Ricci is President and CEO of TRSA, the leading global association for companies that supply, launder and maintain linens and uniforms and provide facility services across major industries. He has strengthened TRSA’s advocacy, expanded member programs and advanced industry standards for safety, hygiene and sustainability through certifications including Hygienically Clean, Clean Green and Safety & Health.
With more than 30 years of experience in business and association management, Ricci is a recognized industry voice who has toured over 500 commercial laundries worldwide and testified before the U.S. Congress on sustainability, security and labor issues. He was named a Top Association CEO by CEO Update and is a Certified Association Executive. Ricci holds an MBA from George Mason University and a BA in Communications from Virginia Tech, and he serves on the NAM Council of Manufacturing Associations and the Virginia Tech Pamplin School of Business Hospitality & Tourism Advisory Board.
Senior Vice President - PureStar Group
Senior Vice President - PureStar Group
Ryan Swartz is Senior Vice President of Operations at PureStar and brings 18 years of experience in the laundry industry, having worked in Central California, Las Vegas, and Dallas. He began his career with Prudential Overall Supply, followed by AmeriPride in Fresno, California, before moving to Las Vegas. His background includes both route management and production management.
During his 12 years with PureStar, Ryan has held leadership roles including General Manager and Director of Operations at Brady Linen in Las Vegas, Vice President of Operations for PureStar's Central Region, Vice President of Operations for the North Region, and Senior Vice President of Operations for the East Region.
CEO - United Hospitality Services, LLC
CEO - United Hospitality Services, LLC
Vice President, Marketing & Sales - Lace House Linen Supply, inc.
Vice President, Marketing & Sales - Lace House Linen Supply, inc.
Richard Marzo is the Vice President of Marketing & Sales at Lace House Linen. He has been with Lace House Linen for over 20 years and is proud to be part of the fourth generation of family ownership and management, continuing the tradition of commitment to our customers and community. His greatest joys are helping existing customers and fostering new partnerships.
September 16, 2026
2:45 -3:45: PM ET
This closing session brings together F&B and Hospitality markets CEOs to reflect on the conference’s key themes and discuss the trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping these markets. Panelists will share high level insights on evolving customer expectations, workforce needs, operational pressures, and areas for innovation. Attendees will leave with a clearer view of how leaders are positioning their companies for continued success.
SPEAKERS:
President & CEO - TRSA
Senior Vice President - PureStar Group
CEO - United Hospitality Services, LLC
Vice President, Marketing & Sales - Lace House Linen Supply, inc.