After the highly acclaimed virtual FallFest expo sponsored by the North East Fabricare Association (NEFA), South Eastern Fabricare Association (SEFA), and Pennsylvania Delaware Cleaners Association (PDCA) last fall, surveys demonstrated a strong desire for more virtual education opportunities in 2021. All participating associations are regional affiliates of the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute, making it a natural fit for DLI co-sponsorship.
Respondents to an after-event survey overwhelmingly supported similar events in the future and specifically called for a smaller spring version. DLI has lent its support as a sponsor of the new program, and the SpringFest Committee has announced a 3-day program from April 28 – 30th. The program will follow the same outline as the Fall version but features new speakers and topics.
“DLI felt last year’s FallFest Expo was an incredible opportunity,” offered Jess Culpepper, DLI President. “Cleaners from around the country really benefitted by participating. We are excited to be added as a sponsor and to help SpringFest reach an even wider audience. This is a unique program and a great platform to get meaningful education for your entire plant without the expense of travel.”
While the full slate of presenters and contributors is still being finalized, the Expo Committee is working diligently to construct a terrific program. One keynote program will be a S.W.O.T. Analysis on the entire industry performed live by some of the leading names in the industry. SpringFest will again feature a single price for the entire staff, and plans are to include programming for managers, owners and customer service personnel. Plants registering for SpringFest will receive discounted registration for November’s FallFest ‘21.
“The program was a tremendous success,” offered Peter Blake, SEFA Executive Vice President, “and I am really excited about developing another program. There is a thirst for knowledge and people are looking for opportunities to learn about and explore ideas to help them come out of this storm stronger and better prepared for what the future holds.”
Other topics will include “Leveraging Your Brand and Solidifying your Reputation” as well as a roundtable including some of the most notable drycleaners in the country discussing how they are preparing for the re-opening of the industry: “How to Stay Up in a Down Market”.
“Breakout rooms will be an integral part of the program,” offered Leslie Schaeffer, PDCA Co-Executive Director. “Attendees loved engaging with peers and sharing their experiences with other cleaners throughout the country, and this will be a conference highlight.”
Details of the new program will be released on the associations’ web pages as they are finalized.
