Articles

Around the World With ISSA

Categories: EMEA, Innovations, Trends & Technology, ISSA Insights

Simply put, 2019 was a busy and productive year for ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association. We expanded our global footprint, established new partnerships to grow our networking and event platforms, and worked diligently to fulfill ISSA’s brand promise to change the way the world views cleaning. Let’s take a look back—and forward—as we prepare for a fruitful 2020.

Advancing advocacy and member engagement

Rosie Rangel, vice president of divisions, membership, outreach, and IT
[email protected],
issa.com

ISSA Americas saw an uptick in membership and greater engagement in 2019, with a 165% increase in unique member logins to ISSA web properties. The “I AM ISSA” campaign drew members to their myISSA membership portal, which provides access to upcoming events, advocacy efforts, and resources like the student loan abatement and HR support programs.

ISSA’s focus on advocacy efforts in 2019 allowed us to gather valuable member feedback, launch bill tracking and grassroots advocacy tools, and create the Advocacy Action Center. Successes include the reauthorization of the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA 4), criminal justice reforms such as the “First Step Act,” and more.

This year, we will offer 50+ webinars, with content developed by and for ISSA members. We will continue to improve the myISSA, myARCSI, and myIEHA member portals, and will roll out more education, advocacy tools, events, updates, and opportunities to engage policymakers. We are excited to host the first Clean Advocacy Summit, March 25-26, 2020, in Washington, D.C. All of these efforts are designed to change the way the world views cleaning.

The first ISSA Show Canada

Mike Nosko, executive director, ISSA Canada
[email protected]
issa-canada.com/en

Through a partnership between ISSA, IFMA, and MediaEdge’s REMI Network, ISSA Show Canada debuted in June 2019 and provided members an opportunity to see the latest technologies and learn through its education program. ISSA Canada awarded the annual Environmental Stewardship Award to BGIS, a real estate management services firm that mandates CIMS-GB certification to be part of the evaluation criteria for janitorial service contracts.

We are thrilled to see more facility managers and owners adopting CIMS / CIMS-GB certification as a recommended pre-qualification requirement in RFPs. In response, ISSA Canada created a CIMS Property Management presentation to help certified BSCs position themselves as leaders when propositioning government facilities and building management.

ISSA Show Canada will return to Toronto, June 10-11, 2020, focusing on the Impact of Technology on Building Cleaning & Wellness. Additionally, ISSA Canada will launch a digital Canadian membership directory to celebrate all ISSA Canada members and their branch offices as well as connect industry professionals. We also plan to form an Advocacy Committee that promotes the cleaning industry and helps recruit engaged employees to address labor shortages.

Education through events

Dianna Steinbach, vice president of international services
[email protected]
issa.com/emea

This past year, ISSA Europe hosted The PULIRE Smart Show (new name: ISSA PULIRE) and formed The ISSA PULIRE Network along with Afidamp, the Italian Trade Association. Networking events, training courses, webinars, and more helped members connect, learn, and grow their businesses. Meanwhile, the updated market snapshot of Germany provided the latest market insights for the region.

With more seminars, webinars, and other educational programs planned for Europe in 2020, we will continue to help members strengthen long-lasting business connections and exchange best practices. Special rebates will be available for all ISSA Shows and other international trade shows. The Forum PULIRE, the international executive conference, will take place in Italy on October 13-14, 2020, and special ISSA focus groups will offer the opportunity to co-design ISSA’s future offerings.

ISSA continued to expand its commitment to the African and Middle East regions in 2019.

The ISSA Cleantex Africa in Johannesburg provided certification workshops and networking events that attracted professionals from across South Africa and multiple African countries. ISSA and the National Contract Cleaners Association (NCCA) in South Africa expanded their alliance to include joint membership for all BSC members of the NCCA. Meanwhile, ISSA and the Contract Cleaners Association of Ghana (CCAG) continued their alliance. Last year also marked the first ClMS certifications in the Middle East region, with Cleveland Clinic and Farnek Services LLC achieving this honor.

In 2020, ISSA’s Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) will host its first Train the Trainer course in Ghana, March 25-27, 2020, and in Nigeria during the summer. ISSA members will receive a registration discount at the SAPCA Cleantex Executive Summit, September 13-14, in Cape Town, South Africa. ISSA will also offer CIMS certification for the first time in Africa and will continue its webinar series. The ISSA education team will visit the Middle East region throughout 2020, to develop closer relationships within the market and expand in-person education options. Contact Dennis Goodwin at [email protected] to set up an appointment.

Taking ownership of media properties and the annual expo

Lauren Micallef, Oceania manager
[email protected]
issa.com/oceania

In 2019, ISSA Oceania expanded its team and relocated to Parramatta, the geographical center of Sydney, Australia, to accommodate current and future growth. The ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo 2019 brought industry and product leaders together and achieved 49% growth in attendance, with visitors from 25+ countries. Meanwhile, the addition of new corporate partners Bespoke Insurance Group and Power Tynan enhanced support for Oceania members. ISSA also launched the CMI Accredited Auditing Professional (AAP) course and formed the Building Services Committee to help ISSA localize and implement education platforms and identify and support the specific needs of BSCs.

This year started with the acquisition of the INCLEAN brand, including its print magazines and digital platforms, which has been the leading trade publication for the Australian and New Zealand market for 30 years. We were also excited to announce full ownership of the ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo 2020 which will take place August 26-27 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Sydney this year. We also have an exciting lineup of education, training courses, and certification programs. The foundation for these projects commenced in 2019 as the association connected with volunteer working groups and committees to ensure we meet local needs and requirements. We also intend to expand on ISSA’s global commitment to advocacy. ISSA Oceania has been driving relationships with government bodies and membership partners to inform members proactively.

Transforming the way the cleaning industry operates

Danni Lee, business development manager, ISSA Korea
[email protected]
korea.issa.com

ISSA is truly changing the way Korean-based companies approach cleaning. Advanced cleaning methods have spread in the local market, and members are thus seeking ways to adapt their estimation, cleaning, and workloading methods. In 2019, major BSC joined ISSA and benefited from CMI courses and have a competitive edge through CIMS certification (e.g. Samsung S-1), as well as insightful information and best practices outlined in the Value of Clean white paper, a monthly newsletter, and the recently launched quarterly ISSA Korea Today magazine.

This year, members will have the opportunity to attend networking meetings and quarterly seminars, as well as receive discounts on education courses and certifications that will further drive the industry forward.

Gaining access to exclusive member benefits

Alan Zhou, project director, ISSA China
[email protected]
china.issa.com

In 2020, ISSA will offer CMI training courses in China for supervisors, managers, and other industry leaders. ISSA members will have priority access to the ISSA training platform to present their products to these decision-makers. Launched in China in January 2020, ISSA CIMS certification represents the single most authoritative and comprehensive certification in the global cleaning industry and will be carried out nationwide. We expect CIMS certification to connect cleaning contractors, property management companies, and manufacturers, forming an interactive platform.

ISSA is a dynamic trade association that continues to grow and expand its offerings worldwide. As an ISSA member, your business receives greater visibility and discounted exhibition rates at the annual ISSA Show North America as well as exhibitions in Europe. Your membership also provides you with access to regular industry updates, trends, and tips for success via ISSA’s newsletter and other communications.

How will you leverage this industry-leading network to benefit your business? Take advantage of the extensive selection of ISSA Member Benefits today!

About the Author.

Graeme Golucki is ISSA's digital strategy editor and can be reached at [email protected]; phone, 800-225-4772 (North America) and 847-982-0800.