National Clothesline

The origins of Bologna, Italy, date back to around three thousand years ago, so it may seem like an odd choice as a host site to review and discuss the drycleaning industry’s latest and greatest technologies at this year’s International Drycleaners Congress.

However, the ancient city is richly steeped with artistic heritage and has often stood out as a forerunner for promoting various cultural initiatives on an international scale.

Drycleaners who visit the conference from Nov. 2-5 will no doubt witness some of the finest cultural initiatives the industry has to offer, as well.

The event will open with a welcome reception on Thursday evening. During the following morning, attendees will have a chance to visit the Firbimatic factory in Bologna and spend the entire day learning about machines and equipment, including how they are developed and manufactured and all of the testing that goes into them.

On November 4, IDC will offer a half-day of presentations on what is happening around the world in the area of drycleaning, as well as other topics. Cleaners may spend the remainder of the day exploring Bologna and all of its breathtaking towers, palaces and gateways.

Later in the evening, there will be a President’s reception, flag ceremony and banquet.

On Sunday, Nov. 5, IDC will host the Sayanora Breakfast, a long-standing tradition that marks the end of the convention.

Cleaners can take advantage of special room rates procured by IDC at the convention’s headquarters hotel, the Jolly Hotel de la Gare. The rates are as follows: 144 euros, or approximately $142.50 for a single room, and 134 euros, or about $167.50, for double occupancy per night. That rate also includes buffet breakfast, service charge and value added tax.

Full registration packages are available for $525. Included in that cost is the welcome cocktail party, the banquet, the Sayanora breakfast and access to all business sessions.

Prior to the convention, IDC will host an optional tour of the region that will begin in Rome on Oct. 24. Those who participate will visit many splendorous sights, including St. Peter’s, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

The tour will also make stops at Pompeii, Sorento, Florence and the Amalfi Coast.

IDC will also host another tour immediately following the convention. It will will leave Bologna after the Sayanora breakfast on Nov. 5 and head to Venice, where participants can tour the city and visit the glass producing island of Murano.

From there, the group will proceed to Verona, made famous as the setting for William Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet. The tour will conclude in Milan in time for the international exhibit, Expo Detergo, which is scheduled from Nov. 10-13.

The international trade show last met in 2002 and featured 220 exhibitors on a 30,000 square meter space. About 20,000 trade people passed through altogether, 34 percent of which hailed from other countries.

This year’s exhibition will have eight main product areas devoted to drycleaning and industrial laundries. Cleaners will be able to see the latest innovations in the field of machines, ironing equipment, detergents and chemical products, handling systems, identification and packaging.

The venue will be the Portello Pavilions, renamed 3 and 5 (formerly 15/1 and 14/1).

To find out more about Expo Detergo International, call (39) 02-393-14120 or visit www.expodetergo.com.

For more information on IDC’s convention and its tours, call Yamato Travel Bureau at (800) 334-2825 or visit www.idcnews.org.622-1900.