Biz Intel: 3 Must-See Healthcare Conference Panels

TRSA’s 14th Annual Healthcare Conference, Nov. 19-20 in Boston, is set to deliver powerful insights and practical strategies for advancing healthcare laundry services. This year’s agenda features three expert-led panels that tackle infection control with representatives from AHE, APIC and AHRMM; cost optimization conversations with two of the largest GPOs in the U.S.; plus frontline operations – bringing together voices from across the healthcare and textile services industries. Highlights follow below.

Bridging the Gap Between Infection Control and Healthcare Laundry

This timely panel explores how infection-prevention professionals and healthcare-laundry providers can collaborate to uphold the highest standards of hygiene and patient safety. Moderated by Jesse Jassny of MediCleanse, Renton, WA, the session features Jenna Rivers, MPH, CPH, CIC, infection preventionist at Moffitt Cancer Center (representing the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology [APIC]); James E. Odom, Jr. (J.J.), MBA, CHESP, CMIP, T-CHEST, university director of buildings & grounds at UConn Health’s John Dempsey Hospital (representing the association for the Healthcare Environment [AHE]); and Matthew Fauss, senior sourcing manager at BJC HealthCare (representing the Association for Healthcare Resources & Materials Management [AHRMM]).

Together, these experts will share insights into aligning laundry operations with clinical infection-control protocols, navigating regulatory expectations and fostering cross-functional trust. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to build effective partnerships between departments, implement best practices and respond to emerging challenges in healthcare linen management.

Optimizing Costs and Quality: The GPO Perspective on Healthcare Laundry Services

Moderated by TRSA President and CEO Joseph Ricci, this engaging session features top leaders from HealthTrust and Vizient—two of the nation’s most influential Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs). Panelists Trevor Rotondo, HealthTrust’s director, purchased services strategic sourcing; and Stephanie Gregg, director, advisory solutions at Vizient, will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how GPOs evaluate laundry services, manage vendor relationships and drive value for healthcare systems. Attendees will gain practical insights on aligning with GPO expectations, improving service delivery and navigating the balance between cost and quality.

Frontline Insights: Infection Control in Healthcare Linen Management

Infection control is a shared responsibility—and nowhere is that more evident than in the handling of healthcare linens. This panel, moderated by Dyan Troxel (Handcraft Services), brings together a powerhouse lineup of experts, including Gabe Nowicki (Mayo Clinic), Josh Green (MD Anderson), Monica Hollo (Emerald Textiles) and Sarah Brobeck (Association for Linen Management [ALM]).

Together, they’ll explore collaborative approaches and innovative solutions that support hygiene and safety across healthcare environments. From daily operational challenges to staff training and emerging best practices, panelists will share real-world insights that help bridge the gap between clinical expectations and laundry operations.

TRSA will present each of these three panels during the Nov. 19-20 Healthcare Conference. Click here to see the full agenda or to register.