'Profit Fest' Conference Set to Kick off in October

PELHAM, N.H. — The North East Fabricare Association (NEFA) will host “Profit Fest: How to Make Money in the Drycleaning Business” on Oct. 28-30.

The event, to take place at the Four Points by Sheraton Wakefield Boston Hotel & Conference Center in Wakefield, Massachusetts, will offer educational sessions, chances for networking and exhibits NEFA says are designed to help attendees prepare for the new opportunities facing the drycleaning industry.

“This is exciting to be able to bring live programs back to the membership,” says NEFA President Larry Fish. “It has been too long, and we really want to provide a great experience for all our members. This will be one of our best programs yet, and I think it will be one of the best attended. I am sure most drycleaners and small businesses are feeling isolated, and need to rekindle that strong sense of community. This will be the perfect opportunity.”

“We changed the name slightly from the more traditional ‘Fall Fest’ to reflect the need to focus on certain management areas,” says NEFA Executive Vice President Peter Blake, “and I know every attendee will benefit from the program.

The event — the first live, face-to-face conference in the northeast in three years — will feature speakers such as Jason Loeb of Sudsies in Miami, FL.; David Coyle from In the Bag Cleaners and Maverick Marketing; James Peuster of The Route Pros; and Cohen Wills of Cleaner Marketing. In addition, this year’s Drycleaner Spotlight will be Rechelle Balanzat, CEO and founder of Julliette’s Cleaners in Manhattan, NY.

Vendors at the event will be showcasing products, services and equipment to help cleaners make the most of their profits and productivity. There will also be a silent auction, a cocktail reception and a brainstorming lunch.

Full conference registration will be $270 per person for NEFA or DLI members, and $320 for non-members, with additional full conference registrations $225 per person for members, and $290 for non-members. One-day registrations for Saturday and Sunday sessions are also available.

For more information or to register, visit the NEFA website.