The Textile Care Allied Trade Association understands that changes in the industry inevitably happen, which means managers and owners must be able to adapt the way they run their companies in order to be successful.

To make the learning process easier, TCATA is planning its annual convention around the theme “Change Happens.” This year, the event will be held from May 12-15 at the Westin Resort in Hilton Head Island, SC.

Registration will start promptly at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 12, in the main lobby and run all day until 6 p.m.

Also that day, TCATA has also a board meeting from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Gazebo Lounge. Later, an Opening Cocktail Party is set for 6:30 p.m. at the Ocean Front Pool Deck.

More fun festivities are planned on the following day, which begins with a golf tournament at the Port Royal Golf Club. The tee off time is 8 a.m. Unlike the separate formats of previous years, the tournament will be a mix of men and women. Registration is $165 per player, which includes green and cart fees, admittance to an awards luncheon and access to the beverage cart.

The Sports Tournament Luncheon will be at the Pool Terrace following the day’s round of golf. It will run from 1 to 3 p.m. The evening will conclude with a Young Timers’ “Bubba Gump Marina” party at 7 p.m.

On Friday morning, separate meetings for distributors and manufacturers will each meet at 7:15 a.m. and last about an hour.

At 8:30 a.m., TCATA will present its first business program, which will feature Tom Wentz, president of Corporate Performance Systems. He will challenge attendees to make fundamental changes in the way they think about business during a session entitled “Swing to Balance: Creating Industry Alignment.” It will last approximately four hours.

An active performance consultant specializing in the processes of leadership and organizational change, Wentz’s transformational change concepts have been applied in banking, insurance, manufacturing, health care, utility and high-tech industries, law firms, restaurants, travel, government agencies, universities and professional business associations.

According to Wentz, the “new reality” is mass customization in which the focus is on the customer. He says a transformational change must occur in the business model and he will tell how to “let go” and make that change.

Running alongside that program will be a “Spouse Tour to Savannah” planned between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Later in the evening, a dessert reception at the Gazebo Lounge is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. and end about 11 p.m.

On Saturday morning, TCATA will present a second business session. Bruce Merrifield, Jr., of Merrifield Consulting Group, Inc. will be the guest speaker on “Reinventing Profitability.” He’ll discuss how old business methods are no longer profitable and offer cutting-edge alternative solutions. The program will run from 8 a.m. until noon.

Since starting his strategic consulting and business speaking practice in 1980, he has focused on how to maximize the effectiveness of independent distribution channels, high performance service management and how electronic commerce will continue to effect distribution channels.

Merrifield believes that by being product-, volume- and cost-driven, companies have competed their way down to a return on capital that does not allow for their survival. He will tell how to “reinvent your business profitability” through an overhaul of strategic thinking.

After the educational session ends, TCATA will host a Silver Circle Luncheon at 12:30 p.m.

On Saturday night, TCATA will top things off with a closing dinner and party at the Port Royal Clubhouse.

Registration for the convention costs $645 per members and $320 each for their spouses.

Hotel accommodations at the Westin Resort will vary in price for TCATA attendees. Room rates are: $189 nightly for an island view; $219 nightly for an ocean view; and $259 per night for an ocean front view.

For additional information on the conference, contact the TCATA office at (973) 244-1790.