Approximately 50 years ago, the International Drycleaners Congress convened for the first time.

Also around that time, the city of Beijing fortified its position as a cultural hub of China by completing construction on several local modern landmarks including the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China.

Now, half a century later, the two will come together as Beijing hosts IDC’s annual convention from Sept. 7 to 10.

Final plans for the event are still tentative at this point, but, for now, it is scheduled to take place at the Chinese Capitol and the Chinese State Guest House.

Last year, Beijing proved to be quite hospitable for the 2008 Olympic Games. The opening ceremony alone featured an unforgettable cast of over 15,000 performers in a larger-than-life presentation.

The spectacle was fitting as everything seems to be more majestic in China, especially in its “northern capital” city renowned for its opulent palaces, temples and huge stone walls and gates.

The convention will be a grand event, as well, as IDC has prepared a program of educational and networking opportunities that will keep visitors from around the world occupied during its four days.

On Monday, Sept. 7, the association will host a four-hour board of directors meeting starting at 2 p.m., followed by a welcome reception at 6 p.m. where Executive Director Chris Tebbs will deliver a keynote address.

Tebbs will speak again the following morning at 9 a.m. during an opening reception that will kick off a busy day of events. Shortly after, IDC Convention Chairman Wong Siu Yuan will address attendees, as will President Junichi Kato and Vice Chairman Nobuyasu Igarashi.

Around 10:30 a.m., the association will host a visitation tour of the Chinese Capitol that will last for approximately an hour.

After a commemorative group photo and lunch, the day’s programs will begin at 1:30 p.m., many of which will follow a forum format.

The itinerary includes a 45-minute program that examines the question: “How does the cleaning industry respond to a worldwide recession?”

Afterward, another session will tackle the development stages of the world cleaning industry.

A representative from China will be on hand in the afternoon to explore the present circumstances and offer a forecast for the future development of the Chinese cleaning industry.

The education will start all over again on Wednesday morning when IDC presents a series of international reports that outline the state of the industry throughout all corners of the globe.

Some of the guests include: Chris Tebbs, who will provide an overview of the European industry; Marcia Todd, who will focus on Canada; Cristina Zaman, who will cover conditions in Romania; and Tetsuo Yasuhisa, who will offer up a view on the state of the industry in Japan.

There will also be representatives from Taiwan and Hong Kong to share information on how the Chinese cleaning industry is faring.

While the educational seminars are not set in stone at this time, IDC also plans to offer programs by John Jordan of Fabritec International and Carol Memberg, publisher of National Clothesline. Both will offer viewpoints of the US cleaning industry.

Alexander Seitz, who hails from Seitz GmbH in Germany, is also invited to be a guest speaker.

Later in the evening, IDC will conduct its closing ceremony and dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. So far, a flag ceremony, an awards ceremony, a report from a Chinese overseas trainee and a closing speech have all been planned.

Before attendees depart the next morning, IDC will host its traditional Sayonara breakfast for attendees who stayed at the Beijing Raffles Hotel during their convention visit.

To inquire about hotel reservations there, call (213) 680-0333, ext. IDC or (800) 334-4982.

On its web site at www.idcnews.org, IDC has printable registration forms for convention-goers.

The cost is $525 per person, which includes admission to the welcome reception, convention banquet, two business lunches and all the business sessions throughout the weekend.

After the convention, IDC will embark on a tour starting on Thursday, Sept. 10 that will focus on Shanghai and Hangzhou.

Some of the sites along the way will include the Lingyin Temple, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Nanjing Road and Yu Garden.

The tour, which will conclude on Sept. 14, costs $1,498 per person for those who share a twin room. Otherwise, it costs an additional $293 per person for single occupancy rooms.

For tour information contact Yamato Travel Bureau at (212) 680-0333 or (800) 334-4982.




						IDC ready for 50th convention



							Approximately 50 years ago, the International Drycleaners Congress convened for the first time. Also around that time, the city of Beijing fortified its position as a cultural hub of China by completing construction on several local modern landmarks including the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China. Now, half a century later, the two will come together as Beijing hosts IDC’s annual convention from Sept. 7 to 10. Final plans for the event are still tentative at this point, but, for now, it is scheduled to take place at the Chinese Capitol and the Chinese State Guest House. Last year, Beijing proved to be quite hospitable for the 2008 Olympic Games. The opening ceremony alone featured an unforgettable cast of over 15,000 performers in a larger-than-life presentation. The spectacle was fitting as everything seems to be more majestic in China, especially in its “northern capital” city renowned for its opulent palaces, temples and huge stone walls and gates. The convention will be a grand event, as well, as IDC has prepared a program of educational and networking opportunities that will keep visitors from around the world occupied during its four days. On Monday, Sept. 7, the association will host a four-hour board of directors meeting starting at 2 p.m., followed by a welcome reception at 6 p.m. where Executive Director Chris Tebbs will deliver a keynote address. Tebbs will speak again the following morning at 9 a.m. during an opening reception that will kick off a busy day of events. Shortly after, IDC Convention Chairman Wong Siu Yuan will address attendees, as will President Junichi Kato and Vice Chairman Nobuyasu Igarashi. Around 10:30 a.m., the association will host a visitation tour of the Chinese Capitol that will last for approximately an hour. After a commemorative group photo and lunch, the day’s programs will begin at 1:30 p.m., many of which will follow a forum format. The itinerary includes a 45-minute program that examines the question: “How does the cleaning industry respond to a worldwide recession?” Afterward, another session will tackle the development stages of the world cleaning industry. A representative from China will be on hand in the afternoon to explore the present circumstances and offer a forecast for the future development of the Chinese cleaning industry. The education will start all over again on Wednesday morning when IDC presents a series of international reports that outline the state of the industry throughout all corners of the globe. Some of the guests include: Chris Tebbs, who will provide an overview of the European industry; Marcia Todd, who will focus on Canada; Cristina Zaman, who will cover conditions in Romania; and Tetsuo Yasuhisa, who will offer up a view on the state of the industry in Japan. There will also be representatives from Taiwan and Hong Kong to share information on how the Chinese cleaning industry is faring. While the educational seminars are not set in stone at this time, IDC also plans to offer programs by John Jordan of Fabritec International and Carol Memberg, publisher of National Clothesline. Both will offer viewpoints of the US cleaning industry. Alexander Seitz, who hails from Seitz GmbH in Germany, is also invited to be a guest speaker. Later in the evening, IDC will conduct its closing ceremony and dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. So far, a flag ceremony, an awards ceremony, a report from a Chinese overseas trainee and a closing speech have all been planned. Before attendees depart the next morning, IDC will host its traditional Sayonara breakfast for attendees who stayed at the Beijing Raffles Hotel during their convention visit. To inquire about hotel reservations there, call (213) 680-0333, ext. IDC or (800) 334-4982. On its web site at www.idcnews.org, IDC has printable registration forms for convention-goers. The cost is $525 per person, which includes admission to the welcome reception, convention banquet, two business lunches and all the business sessions throughout the weekend. After the convention, IDC will embark on a tour starting on Thursday, Sept. 10 that will focus on Shanghai and Hangzhou. Some of the sites along the way will include the Lingyin Temple, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Nanjing Road and Yu Garden. The tour, which will conclude on Sept. 14, costs $1,498 per person for those who share a twin room. Otherwise, it costs an additional $293 per person for single occupancy rooms. For tour information contact Yamato Travel Bureau at (212) 680-0333 or (800) 334-4982.