Just got home from the New Orleans

[zoomnbyu]

Went to our first meeting this year. New Orleans was great, the crowds were down from what I expected, and we learned a ton.

Todd

[BMWHD3060]

What were some of the best things you learned at the Clean Show?

[otaat]

We are still here in new orleans, gathered much info ourselves for being newbies to the biz. Met some interesting other newbies and shared great info. Some of the seminars were better geared towards different type of coin laundries than ours but there was info for all.

met equipment distributors and got some info about our equipment.

[zoomnbyu]

What were some of the best things you learned at the Clean Show?

1. Biased here but Maytag is back in a big way. New possible product 45 lb stack energy conserving dryer. Not sure if it will make production yet. Uses just a bit more BTUs than MLG33 and should still dry a load in 34-35 minutes.

2. Wascomat looks to be trying to make another run at things but they need to get their distributer situation figured out.

3. Lot of small item vendors, i.e. laundry bags, offering some super deals.

4. Stores seem to be holding on ok but equipment makers are hurting.

5. Last, Alliance booth seemed to represent all that is dysfunctional about that group of brands. I like SQ and Unimac but based on what they had set up they should "Pontiac/Saturn/Hummer" Huebsch and probably Cissell.

[zoomnbyu]

What were some of the best things you learned at the Clean Show?

Also, can't believe I forgot. CLA new benefits:

1. Direct Mail program including pre-printed customizable postcards and door hangers and addresses/mailing.

2. Free website builder and hosting. This should be really interesting.

[hiddenviewmat]

Hey Zoomnbyu,

Would you provide more information on the CLA Direct Mail program (or do you know where I could find more information)? Sounds interesting.

Thanks!
Kori

[SMELLYSOCK]

I'll bet attendance was way down, on Saturday you could have played football in the isles. CCI has some really cool things that are new. The booths were all smaller, looks like everyone is hurting, only one finance company this year Eastern Funding, they seem to be the only ones doing loans today, the credit market is hurting equipemt guys bad. I will never go back to New Orleans, it was so hot and humid, I dont know how anyone can live there, I was soaked walking one block. I will say Bourbon St was always fun as usual, you see things like no place else, there all nuts but is was fun. The beer goes down way to easy when it is so hot.

[laundrychris]

I was in attendance at Clean 09. I believe it was a very successful show for most everyone involved. Attendance was certainly down. This was to be expected given the economy and location. Vegas in 11 will be as busy as 07. I was working a booth on Friday and was extremely busy from 9 AM-3:30. There was certainly something there for everyone regardless of brand preference. Hopefully, everyone who attended found what they were looking for.

[Duane]

The CLA has done a lot in the past few months and have plans for the future. As all of you know Planet Laundry has been a great step forward not just for the BB, but for several new areas like the classified ads and the multimedia.

The CLA will be rolling out the DIY advertising soon and I can't wait to use it.

Even though I have my own web site, I'll link my free site from the CLA to mine. If you don't have a web site yet, this makes it very easy to have one up and running in no time.

Duane.

[zoomnbyu]

Hey Zoomnbyu,

Would you provide more information on the CLA Direct Mail program (or do you know where I could find more information)? Sounds interesting.

Thanks!
Kori

Kori,

I don't have much info other than I think there are around 40 postcards plus doorhangers that can be customized. Also will allow you to select area around your store to send to.

Todd

[247coinless]

it's not exactly no time, it's 4 weeks. but it was very easy, i did it yesterday. i think the direct mail and diy brochures and everything will be great! i can't wait to take full advantage of it!