Annual Conf.: Family Biz Talk by Mondavi and More!
TRSA’s 105th Annual Conference & Exchange, scheduled for Oct. 16-18 at The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, CA, will appeal to a wide range of linen, uniform and facility services industry professionals, including owner/operators, executives, directors, general, plant and purchasing managers, and other laundry-based department heads. All will benefit from thought-provoking keynoters, breakout educational sessions and personal interaction with other industry leaders.
Exchange meetings will be the first order of business on Oct. 17-18 at the Annual Conference & Exchange. Operators have the opportunity to learn about the latest product innovations that addressed industry-specific challenges by participating in a series of at least six 15-minute meetings during the Exchange. The Exchange’s pre-scheduled, focused pairings make efficient use of this time. Members who participate in the Exchange also receive a conference rebate. This is TRSA’s third Exchange, which has replaced traditional tabletop exhibits. Operator and associate members alike praise the Exchange as an efficient use of time as these customized meetings allow both parties to be prepared to discuss pressing challenges and product innovations or solutions.
Napa, the location of this year’s conference, is world-renowned for its winemaking and TRSA is pleased to welcome a member of the first family of wine in the Napa Valley as a keynote speaker: Michael Mondavi. Mondavi, Wine Enthusiast’s 2015 person of the year, will discuss his family’s legendary four-generation tradition of winemaking in the Napa region. His unique perspective for family business dynamics as well as international business, combined with a knack for turning challenges into opportunities, will infuse TRSA members with fresh energy.
Opening keynote Vivek Wadhwa will present a glimpse into the future of technology. A highly-respected tech entrepreneur and author, Wadhwa will delve into how exponentially advancing technologies such as robotics, AI, computing, 3D printing and nanomaterials will continue to change our world, disrupt entire industries and create new ones. Wadhwa believes the most innovative decade in human history is happening right now. Named to Time magazine’s list of the Top 40 Most Influential Minds in Tech in 2013, he also is the author of The Immigrant Exodus: Why America Is Losing the Global Race to Capture Entrepreneurial Talent (named by The Economist as Book of the Year of 2012) and Innovating Women: The Changing Face of Technology. Additionally, Wadhwa is a regular columnist for several publications, including Bloomberg BusinessWeek.
TRSA has formed two interactive panels providing unique and relevant perspectives. The international panel, titled Global Opportunities and Challenges in the Linen, Uniform and Facility Services Industry, will explore how shifts in economic and political conditions impact the industry. Moderated by Joseph Ricci, president and CEO, TRSA, the panelists include:
- Jose Luis Jacques, CEO, Lavartex S.A.P.I. de C.V, Mexico City
- Enrique Jacques, COO, Lavartex S.A.P.I. de C.V, Mexico City
- Xavier Martiré, chairman of the executive board, Elis SA, Saint-Cloud, France
- Chris Sander, CEO and executive director, Johnson Service Group, Preston Brook, England
- Joe Sullivan, national technical operations manager, Spotless Facility Services Pty. Ltd., Melbourne, Australia
Enjoy access to a rare gathering of industry leaders with more than two centuries of combined experience during the Legends of the Industry panel. Moderated by Steve Fellman, principal, GKG Law, this panel will feature:
- Bruce Boynton, former senior vice president of operations, UniFirst Corp.
- Alan Bubes, former president and CEO, Linens of the Week
- Bill Evans, former CEO, AmeriPride Services Inc.
- Tom Storm, co-founder, Washing Systems Inc.
- Donald Struminger, chairman of the board and CEO, Mohenis Services Inc.
Breakout sessions include:
- Employment Law Trials, Tribulations and Best Practices: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You, presented by Joseph Shelton, partner, Fisher & Phillips LLP
- Textile Services Bottom-Line Performance, presented by Andrew Wittmann, CFA, director, senior research analyst, Robert W. Baird and Co.
Additional conference highlights include the Chairman’s Reception and Awards Dinner, honoring individuals and companies for their exceptional service to TRSA and the industry. Learn more about these industry honors at www.trsa.org/awards. Social opportunities perfect for networking with industry colleagues include the Welcome Reception and a wine stomping and pizza making event at Peju Family Winery. There’s also free time for attendees to explore the Napa Valley on their own, as the host venue, The Meritage Resort & Spa, offers free shuttle service to downtown Napa, one of the world’s great destinations.
Learn more and register today at www.trsa.org/annualconference.