ORLANDO, Fla. — The Clean Show — officially the World Educational Congress for Laundering and Dry Cleaning and North America’s largest textile care industry trade show — returns here in August for the first time in 20 years.
As of today, more than 380 companies from the laundry and drycleaning industry are registered to exhibit their products and services Aug. 23-26 (Saturday through Tuesday) in the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive.
There will be plenty to grab an attendee’s attention on and around the show floor but Orlando — known as “The City Beautiful” — also presents opportunities for after-hours networking, entertainment and just plain fun.
“Orlando offers a uniquely strong alignment with the textile services industry, making it an ideal host city for Clean 2025,” says Greg Jira, group show director for Messe Frankfurt Inc., based in Atlanta.
“As a global tourism and hospitality hub, the region consistently generates high demand for commercial laundry, linen rental, and textile care services across hotels, resorts, and theme parks. The city is also a major port of access for the cruise industry, a sector with growing demand for hygienic and sustainable textile care solutions.
“Additionally, Orlando supports a robust institutional laundry sector through its large healthcare networks and senior care facilities … and sustains a deep network of coin-operated laundries and dry cleaners, reflecting both demographic diversity and service-based urban growth.”
What makes Orlando a unique trade show destination is the ease in which planners can create well-attended and productive shows of any size, says Cassandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.
“We are committed to service, ensuring that our team works closely with planners to make the critical connections … And, we have all of the facilities and amenities trade show planners are looking for, from large meeting spaces to special venues to a wide range of hotel rooms, 59 Michelin-recognized restaurants, and some of the best entertainment in the world.”
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Orlando is well-known for its theme parks, and a new one — Universal Epic Universe, the fourth park at Universal Orlando Resort — just opened in May.
“I think everybody’s watched the news, and they recently debuted a brand-new amusement area, Universal Epic Universe, which is relatively close to the convention center,” Jira points out. “So, if you aren’t at The Clean Show, I’d probably figure out a way to get to Epic.”
Matej says Universal Epic Universe will transport guests to expansive worlds featuring more than 50 attractions, entertainment, dining and shopping experiences. Celestial Park, inspired by astronomical and mythological elements, is the first world guests encounter and the gateway to explore four other worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and the Dark Universe.
“Orlando is nothing but bigger than it used to be. We have worked with the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau, and we have arranged a special discounted rate evening pass to Disney, and I believe Universal,” says Jira.
He grew up in Ohio near noted thrill-ride amusement park Cedar Point and, as a self-professed “thrill-roller-coaster guy,” has been happy to sample some of Orlando’s spell-binding attractions.
“I love the Incredible Hulk coaster at Universal,” Jira says. “It’s not the craziest or fastest, but I love that ride. And I went on the (Jurassic World) VelociCoaster last year.”
Orlando is filled with offsite experience opportunities for trade show attendees to tackle away from Clean, according to Matej.
“From the magic of Walt Disney World® Resort to aquatic wonderlands at SeaWorld® Orlando, and the endless excitement of Universal Orlando Resort, our world-famous theme parks provide distinct group experiences and also make Orlando the perfect destination for attendees to bring their families and extend their stay,” she says.
Check back Tuesday for more to see and do when visiting Orlando.
Matt Poe, editor of American Laundry News, assisted with this article.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].
