Between the thirteenth and fifteenth century, the historic city of Bruges was known throughout Europe as a leading textiles center. From October 5-7 it will once again be hosting the global textile service community – laundry and textile executives – for the World Textile Services Congress.
The event, organized by America’s Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA), the Federatie van de Belgische Textielverzorging (FBT), and the European Textile Services Association (ETSA), guarantees a mix of internationally renowned speakers and policy makers, in addition to panel discussions coving a variety of topics of interest to the textile market.
On October 5, the national federations of Belgium, Germany, France, Great Britain, and the European and North American associations will hold board meetings at the Dukes’ Palace Hotel. Following the meetings, the mayor of Bruges will welcome attendees and participants to a town hall reception.
Congress activities on October 6 will be held in the Belfort with keynote speaker, Herman van Rompuy, the European Council’s first president. Workshops include a global trends meeting covering new challenges arising from regulations and globalization, a panel hosting managers including those from AmeriPride and Alsco who will discuss increasing turnover and corporate social responsibility, and a workshop where industry specialists will explore issues – including economic, political and regulatory – that can limit or increase a company’s profit. Following the day’s activities, attendees will attend a gala dinner at the Concertgebouw.
On Friday, 7 October, visits to Belgian textile service companies are planned – then attendees will have time to tour the city of Bruges.
