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The 2nd Annual Northeast Division Conference & Trade Show was a resounding success, bringing together more than 250 Environmental Services (EVS) leaders, industry vendors, and guest speakers for an event focused on best practices, innovation, and the future of EVS. The trade show was planned and led by the RDO Council, a group of leaders from Crothall’s Northeast division committed to building consistency across all regions by sharing ideas, learning from one another, and aligning on what works best. By using technology and innovation in smart, practical ways, they’re helping Crothall deliver even more value to the people we serve.  

Building on the momentum of last year’s inaugural event, this year’s conference expanded in both scale and impact. The energy in the room was undeniable. Leaders from across the organization collaborated with industry experts and vendors to explore new ways to enhance patient environments, improve infection prevention strategies, and drive operational excellence in EVS.  

With strong participation, actionable insights, and growing interest from other divisions, this event reinforced the critical role EVS plays in healthcare quality, safety, and efficiency. 

A Gathering of EVS Leaders & Industry Experts

This year’s event welcomed a diverse group of EVS professionals from across the Northeast region, along with trusted vendor partners who shared practical solutions in cleaning technology, infection prevention, and day-to-day efficiency. The RDO Council—Tom Cuthbertson, Nelson Darrow, Steve Gaynes, Laura Vasconcelos, Devin Walmsley, Mike Hossary, Brendan Scott, and Sophia McCrae—began this journey in 2022. Co-Chairs Paul Killion and Helena Blat and led by Michael Villani, they introduced the idea of a high level “road show” to bring together directors and above for a conference focused on shared purpose and aligned goals. 

The event was built around our core pillars: Patient Experience, Innovation & Sustainability, Workforce Management, Infection Prevention & Regulatory Expertise, Caregiver Experience, and Data-Driven Solutions. These themes guided every session and discussion, ensuring alignment with our mission to deliver world-class service to clients, staff, and patients. 

The event served two purposes: to share updates on organizational priorities and to re-energize the field by reinforcing a shared commitment to consistent practices across the division. 

We invited a small group of vendor partners whose solutions directly support the work our EVS teams do every day. They shared insights, answered questions, and helped attendees see how their tools make a difference on the front lines. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the trade show floor throughout the afternoon and visited sessions throughout the day. Sessions focused on giving teams practical strategies they could take back to their sites—ways to strengthen their programs, work more efficiently, and stay current with evolving EVS best practices. The top-rated sessions were “Standardization, Innovation & Experience”, presented by Sophia McCrae; “Press Ganey Leadership Training,” hosted by the Patient Experience team; and “Healthcare Digital Update,” presented by Karen Hudler, highlighting emerging technologies and provided education on current digital tools that support EVS performance and workflow efficiency. 

The impact of the event has already extended beyond those in attendance. Engaging LinkedIn posts and videos have sparked interest across the company, with leaders from the Mid-Atlantic and Southern regions reaching out to explore the possibility of hosting similar gatherings to strengthen their own EVS programs.  

It was incredible to see so many EVS leaders in one room, sharing their challenges, solutions, and successes. The discussions were a testament to the vital role EVS plays in healthcare.”

– Sophia McCrae, Vice President of Standardization, Innovation, & Experience

Key Themes & Takeaways

Throughout the event, speakers and panelists addressed critical EVS priorities and provided practical strategies to enhance service delivery.

• Infection Prevention & Patient Safety- Experts discussed evolving cleaning protocols, the latest disinfection technologies, and strategies for preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
• Trade Show Floor– Vendors showcased cutting-edge cleaning and monitoring technologies, from UV disinfection to real-time data tracking tools that enhance EVS efficiency. 
• Client Panel Discussion– A Q&A with leaders from Northeast region clients provided insights into strategies for success, and reaffirmed how a strong EVS program can positively impact patient experience, regulatory compliance, and hospital operations.
• Standardization & Innovation– Leaders shared success stories on how collaboration across teams and discussed solutions to streamline workflows, optimize staffing models, and address labor challenges in EVS.

“The discussions around infection prevention were especially valuable. Learning how other teams are implementing new strategies gave us fresh ideas to enhance our program.”

-Michael Hossary, Senior Regional Director of Operations NYC

One of the biggest takeaways? EVS is at the heart of patient safety, and investing in the right people, processes, and technology is critical for long-term success. 

Building on This Success

The 2nd Annual Northeast Division Conference & Trade Show highlighted the essential role Environmental Services plays in patient safety, operational efficiency, and healthcare excellence. From cutting-edge innovations to practical strategies, attendees walked away with valuable insights they can put into action. 

As interest grows across the company, this event stands as a model for how collaboration, leadership, and shared knowledge drive continuous improvement in EVS. Whether through enhancing infection prevention, optimizing staffing models, or leveraging new technologies, the conversations started here will continue to shape the future of our EVS solution. 

Looking Ahead

With two years of success behind it, this conference has become a cornerstone event for EVS leadership—one that will only continue to grow in impact.  

Planning for next year’s conference has already begun, with a focus on expanding vendor participation, refining educational sessions, and continuing to strengthen EVS leadership development across all regions. 

Michael Villani is excited for the way the conference has developed and is excited for further growth:

“Imagine a division-wide trade show that brings EVS thought leaders and industry vendors together from across all regions to actively shape the future of Environmental Services. That’s the vision, innovation and collaboration driving meaningful change at scale.”