Annual Conference Highlights Leadership, Innovation and Connection

TRSA’s 113th Annual Conference & CEO Summit brought more than 200 senior executives to the Silverado Resort in Napa, CA, from May 12–14, blending high-level strategy sessions with practical learning and networking for linen, uniform and facility services industry leaders. The three-day event reflected TRSA’s theme, “Connect. Innovate. Celebrate.”, and showcased an agenda focused on leadership, data-driven decision-making and industry collaboration.  

This year’s conference opened with the inaugural CEO Summit, a notable addition to this year’s event designed to elevate executive-level dialogue. The closed-door session convened 40 C-suite leaders to examine industry benchmarks, competitive positioning and long-term strategic challenges. 

Central to the discussion was TRSA’s report titled “CEO Perspectives: Future of the Linen, Uniform and Facility Services Industry,” which offered confidential, member-supplied data on operational performance and industry trends based on a series of conversations the participating CEOs held in November 2025. Facilitated by Association Laboratory President Dean West and Managing Director Nikki Golden, the interactive session highlighted key metrics, emerging trends and peer comparisons. The discussion enabled executives to better gauge their organizations’ performance against the broader marketplace and prepare for the trends shaping the industry now and in the future. 

In addition to the CEO Summit, a Supplier Partner Council meeting also took place on the opening day. The meeting focused on adapting sales and service strategies through generational and behavioral insights. Through case studies and small-group exercises, attendees explored how to tailor their approach to different customer archetypes – ranging from legacy owners to fast-growth operators. The session was led by Eduardo Villavicencio from Business Training Works Inc., and served as a follow-up to a session held earlier this year at TRSA’s Legislative Conference in Washington, DC. Following the sales and service session, the Supplier Partner Council also received an update on the 2027 Clean Show in Las Vegas.  

Following the opening day, the conference transitioned into a full slate of professional-development sessions spanning the next two mornings. Sessions covered a wide array of issues shaping the industry, including economic updates, supply-chain management, global workforce trends and leadership practices shaping companies in the modern era. Sessions included:  

• A purchasing and supply chain panel featuring Tony Cloud, Pellerin Milnor Corp.; Gilbert Hernandez, Division Laundry; and Jenny Shi, Alsco Uniforms. The panel was moderated by TRSA’s Ken Koepper.  

• An interactive session on modern leadership led by Angela Castellani, Korn Ferry. 

• An update on the state of the industry presented by Andrew Wittman, Robert W. Baird & Co.  

• An update on evolving technologies in caring for cancer patients with Dr. Alexander Wyatt from the University of British Columbia.  

• Economic insights and trends affecting the linen, uniform and facility services industry led by Hamilton Galloway, Oxford Economics.  

The Annual Conference featured two keynoters. Wednesday kicked off with a presentation by Dr. Parag Khanna on global trends impacting business. The conference closed its education sessions with a keynote by Alpana Singh, who shared her inspirational story of coming from nothing and rising to become a TV host, restaurateur and master sommelier.  

While education sessions anchored each morning’s agenda, networking opportunities also were prominent at this year’s conference. From the opening Welcome Reception to activities such as golf, pickleball, mahjong and a wine-tasting challenge, the conference created multiple touchpoints for attendees to connect with one another. 

The final day of the conference concluded with a series of celebratory events, including a cocktail reception, silent auction and the Lifetime Achievement Awards Dinner. 

The awards program recognized a pair of executives that have made lasting contributions to the industry. Liz Remillong, CORE Linen Services, was honored with TRSA’s Operator Lifetime Achievement Award while Ed Kwasnick, ARCO/Murray, received the Maglin-Biggie Supplier Partner Lifetime Achievement Award. Before Kwasnick and Remillong received their awards, TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci recognized Koepper, who is retiring in July, for his longtime service to the linen, uniform and facility services industry.  

A silent auction and cocktail reception held before the Lifetime Achievement Awards Dinner supported the Textile Rental Education and Research Trust (TRERT), funding scholarships, research and workforce-development initiatives. 

Thanks to the following companies for sponsoring the event: Royal Basket Trucks, WSI, JENSEN Group, Kannegiesser North America, Pellerin Milnor Corp., Brim Laundry Machinery Co. Inc., EllisLudell, Lavatec Laundry Technology Inc., M+A Matting, Midwest Specialty Products Inc., Miura America Co., Norchem Corp., Pellerin Laundry Machinery, R&B Wire Products Inc., Spindle and Unitex International Inc. 

Next year’s Annual Conference will take place at the Ritz Carlton Tiburon in Naples, FL, from May 11-13, 2027.