CRESCENT CITY — Welcome to the Clean ’19 Show Guide!
Feel like a kid again?...
You will when you hit town in the Crescent City this summer for the Clean Show and all the convention fun, networking experiences, booth surfing, and of course all the tasty things to get busy sampling while you’re in New Orleans. (Just like that beignet from Café du Monde the young man is thoroughly enjoying!)
And we haven’t even mentioned the opportunities to listen to all the great jazz, rock, R&B, and Zydeco music you’ll be hearing on the streets and in the clubs.
The Clean Show is almost here, and we’ve got details about it with the sections: Tips From The Show Floor; All About Town; and Extra-Extra Local Tips for more cool things to do and great places to eat and snack, and drink, and taste-test in New Orleans, when you get outside the convention center, beyond the booths, and after reveling in the big show’s magic each day at this year’s Clean ’19!
Started in 1977, the Clean Show celebrates its 42nd anniversary in New Orleans June 20-23.
Joe Ricci, Clean ’19 executive committee chairman, and president of TRSA, the association for linen, uniform and facility services, says this about the big event: “The Clean Show is a culmination of nearly 24 months of hard work and cooperation between sponsoring associations that represent nearly every facet of the textile care industry, from small local, single facility or store operations to regional, national and even international companies.”
Ricci also notes: “We work closely with show management and vendors to create a marketplace that promotes innovation and a forum for the exchange of information regarding trends and best practices; all focused on helping our respective members improve productivity, operations and profitability.”
Clean Show management firm Riddle & Associates describes the big fabricare get-together as, “the largest industry show in the world featuring working equipment and education.”
The Clean Show, known by its full name as the World Educational Congress for Laundering and Drycleaning, has a new proprietor, Messe Frankfurt, Inc., which bought the show earlier this year.
Five associations sponsor the Clean Show: Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI); Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA); Association for Linen Management (ALM); Coin Laundry Association (CLA); and, Textile Rental Services Association of America (TRSA).
Mary Scalco, CEO of DLI, relates this thought on the coming show: “Clean 2019 in New Orleans is shaping up to be one of the biggest and best Clean Shows. Exhibit sales are rivaling Las Vegas, which is always a great site for the Clean Show, and hotel reservations are near peak.”
Scalco adds that, “Our goal with the Clean Show is to bring the newest technology and the best educational opportunities to the fabricare industry and to throw in a little fun as well.”
TIPS FROM THE SHOW FLOOR
The Clean Show is the fabricare industry’s place to meet and greet, connect with friends and business partners, learn about new equipment and technology, and get some fresh ideas.
The show is only held every two years, so you want to get as much as possible from the experience. Advance planning can give you a solid return on your investment of time and money and help keep your business running smoothly.
Riddle & Associates offers you ten tips on how to get the most out of your Clean ’19 experience:
1. Set specific goals. What do you want to accomplish? Is it purchasing or upgrading equipment, learning about new technologies, finding a solution to a business problem, or interacting with colleagues and friends? Prioritize what is important to you.
2. Develop an action plan. Search the Clean Show website for the exhibitors and education that interest you most. Add these to your itinerary. Check the floor plan to locate the booths you want to visit. It will keep you on track and ensure that you meet your primary goals.
3. Learn in the classroom. Take advantage of the many educational sessions that are pertinent in today’s market. The morning classroom sessions and afternoon exhibit-floor sessions cover a multitude of industry-related topics for all segments of the industry. You would pay hundreds of dollars for these sessions in another setting, but they are included in your low Clean Show registration fee. Sessions are listed on www.cleanshow.com. Add those of interest to your itinerary.
4. Make advance appointments. For a product you are particularly interested in seeing, make advance appointments with the exhibitors of that product. This ensures that you will get one-on-one time.
5. Don’t miss the new stuff. Leave enough time in your plan to the visit as many booths as possible beyond your original plan. See what is new and exciting, and don’t miss the small booths. You might find a something that is just right for your operation.
6. Join the discussion. If you participate in Facebook or Twitter, connect with the Clean Show so you can be up to date on anything from Clean 2019 news to interesting facts about New Orleans.
7. Write it down. When the show is over, it can all seem like a jumble of information. Listening carefully and documenting important points in education sessions or exhibitor conversations can be invaluable in reviewing and analyzing your show experience. Use your phone or iPad, a notebook or write on the back of business cards for later reference.
8. Dress for comfort. New Orleans can get very hot and humid in June. Wear light, comfortable clothes and comfortable walking shoes. You will walk miles on the exhibit floor. Travel light. Carry only what you absolutely need. Several exhibitors offer bags for carrying item you pick up along the way. If you gather too much literature, you can mail it home from the building’s business center.
9. Have some fun. New Orleans has a lot to see and do! Take a stroll around the world-famous French Quarter or take a ride on a streetcar to visit the renowned Garden District. See what’s new in the Warehouse district. In the evenings, enjoy the region’s outstanding cuisine and enjoy the jazz music that plays on every corner.
10. Educate your coworkers. When you return home, share your new knowledge with coworkers who did not attend Clean 2019. They will feel like they had a part in it and can apply the information to make your entire operation go smoothly.
ALL ABOUT TOWN
One of America’s most vibrant cities goes by many names: The Crescent City, America’s Most Interesting City and, of course, The Big Easy.
New Orleans offers a unique lifestyle to its residents and visitors. The sultry southern town nestled in the Mississippi River’s crescent is full of museums, activities, and amazing restaurants that are must sees while in town.
Located in the state of Louisiana, New Orleans is the state’s largest city and metropolitan area, and one of the United States’ biggest ports, notes Clean Show management firm Riddle & Associates.
The city was founded in the year 1718 and was named after the well-known Duke of Orleans. It is famous all around the world for its distinct and unique architectural style that encompasses French and Spanish elements.
During the first half of the 19th century, New Orleans became the United States’ wealthiest and third-largest city. Its port shipped the produce of much of the nation’s interior to the Caribbean, South America and Europe. The historic heart of the city is the French Quarter, known for its French and Spanish
Creole architecture and vibrant nightlife along Bourbon Street.
The city has been described as the “most unique” in the United States, owing in large part to its cross-cultural and multilingual heritage.
While casually roaming the French Quarter’s charming streets is a fine way to spend time, a bit of knowledge about the unique architecture and history will enhance your stroll.
Embark on a walking tour to better understand the city’s beating heart and musical soul. Two Chicks Walking Tours takes you through the Quarter, known as Vieux Carre, past popular New Orleans attractions and sights, including Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the historic French Market. You’ll learn how the city was built, and about the multi-cultural influence of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean architecture.
Be sure to visit the French Quarter Visitor Center where National Park Service rangers lead free talks and provide printable self-guided walking tours. And, because it’s New Orleans, refreshment is always near. Visitors have joined the line at the Crescent City’s most honored institution, Café du Monde, since the French Quarter coffee stand first began serving up beignets and café au lait, their sole menu items, in 1862. It’s 24/7 and there are no reservations, so scout a table then place your order.
Be prepared to leave with a healthy coating of powdered sugar — it’s impossible to contain the sweet goodness, and that’s part of the magic. For park-side locale, try Morning Call’s beignets, another beloved 24-hour café dishing up sweet eats.
To engage any New Orleanian in conversation, simply ask where to find the town’s best po’ boy or gumbo. A passion for good food is the thread running through every neighborhood, home, and restaurant in New Orleans.
Through New Orleans cuisine, visitors experience the city’s heritage as well as its bright future in every bite. Go out and explore New Orleans food.
EXTRA-EXTRA LOCAL TIPS
New Orleans residents provide a few more special places to check out.
Looking for more places to go check out while visiting the Crescent City for Clean ’19? Two locals share some of their favorite places in New Orleans with you. Check out the following tip from our friend and local resident Dr. Aaron Karlin:
“Cochon — They have their own butcherie on premises. Excellent food. Clancy’s — The best gumbo in the city in my opinion. Mr. B’s bistro — BBQ shrimp is their specialty,” Karlin says.
“Drago’s, the downtown location,” he continues. “Only for their char-grilled oysters which are hands down the best in NOLA. Yes, lots of people, locals and tourists, come here, but it’s because it’s so darn good. I’d only go here if you’re wanting their oysters and I wouldn’t wait for a table.
“The best way to do it, is to go straight to the grilled oyster bar where you seat yourself and you’re literally right in front of them making the oysters. Buy a Sazerac cocktail, sit back, and relax and enjoy as you wait for the oysters while having a great conversation with the guys shucking and grilling the oysters. I’d suggest doing this (it’s just down from the convention center) as an early evening appetizer and then going out for dinner right afterwards at one of these other places. That’s what we do!”
Karlin says: “K. Paul’s — what can I say, I love this place — but sitting by the kitchen window is a must. And if you’re ever in the mood for the best burger in a hole in the wall joint going to Port of Call on Esplanade Ave. just a couple minutes walk outside the French Quarter is a must. Have to get the cheeseburger and baked potato with an Abita beer to drink.”
Some other places Karlin suggests: “Kingfish; Upperline; Coquette; and other honorable mentions, such as: Gautreau’s; La Petit Grocerie; and, Brightsen’s. Look up their websites for details.”
Andree Bauer, the co-owner with brother Eric, of Russell’s Cleaning in New Orleans, who also helped us in our last issue, adds this last Extra Extra (Extra!) tip: “The Lil Gem Saloon is a nice spot with various music, mostly jazz music. They have a brunch too.”
Note: To see the digital version of the May issue that includes the Exhibitors List; the special feature story about John Riddle by Bruce Beggs called The Man Behind the Clean Show; and the Educational Sessions, go HERE.
To read Part 1, go HERE.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].