Articles

ISSA Show: 360 degree of Immersion

Categories: Cleaning Best Practices, ISSA Insights

It’s almost that time of the year again. The most important week in the cleaning industry, when deals are closed, innovation is showcased, thousands of handshakes are made, and lasting connections are forged. Yes! The biggest trade show in the industry—ISSA Show North America 2018—is nearly here, and this year, it’s more attendee-focused than ever.

ISSA, your worldwide cleaning industry association, is thrilled as always to deliver a spectacular opportunity to meet with the entire cleaning industry supply chain face-to-face during one action-packed week. So put on your most comfortable pair of shoes and get your best elevator pitch ready for the 2018 edition of the ISSA Show North America, October 29-November 1, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, TX.

New & Exciting!

That is correct! This year ISSA is taking its talents to Dallas! It has been 20 years since the last ISSA Show was there, and we couldn’t be more excited! So much has changed in the city in the last two decades—from the skyline to the restaurant and nightlife scene to the general feel you get walking around. The shining jewel of the Lone Star State has undergone a complete urban renaissance, and locals and visitors alike agree that it shows!

Visitors can explore refreshingly contemporary dining experiences in the vibrant restaurant scene, explore diverse neighborhoods, and take in the modernized culture of this cosmopolitan metropolis (see page 44). But the location isn’t the only change. Since ISSA is constantly working hard to enhance its participants’ experiences, this year’s convention features a slew of new additions!

Networking

One new experience is this year’s Party for a Purpose—THE place to be Monday, October 29, 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. While Topgolf Dallas is the venue, no previous golf skills or experience are needed. Topgolf is a fun, social gathering place, where you can hit balls into targets or just mingle, eat, and drink with your peers. You’ll have a great time, and all the proceeds go towards supporting your ISSA Charities (see page 40). The partying doesn’t stop there! This year, ISSA and its divisions have teamed up to create a combined welcome party—Team ISSA Welcome Reception hosted by ARCSI, IEHA, and ISSA Canada—Monday, October 29, 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Sign up at www.issa.com/show-attractions. And on Wednesday, October 31, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., the city will close off the street right outside the restaurants of the Omni Hotel (which is attached to the convention center) for a lively ISSA Backlot Bash block party. Guests will enjoy food and drink, live music, and even a visit from the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders—all while soaking in the warmth of a fall evening in Texas. Visit www.issa.com/show-attractions.

Education

ISSA has arranged dozens of seminars, workshops, and certification courses starting Monday and running through the whole week. This year, we’ve scheduled nearly 100 of them—a roughly 20 percent increase over last year’s offerings—and including several new topics and formats. The Lunch and Learn: State of the Industry Panel, sponsored by Essendant, Monday, October 29, 11:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m., will feature a spirited discussion spanning all segments of the industry.

For the first time, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is sponsoring three-sessions in the ISSA Education Theater track that in-house service providers and building-service contractors won’t want to miss.

Also making a debut is the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI), which is hosting a mold workshop. And you will want to stay through ThurSTAY for the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) and Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) awards ceremony. Join us as we honor companies and individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to growing professionalism and maintaining high standards of operational efficiency. The lineup also includes the educational offerings of our new ISSA divisions, ARCSI and IEHA, as well as our co-location partner the Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI; see the full education schedule starting on page 19; BSCAI schedule on page 47).

Show Floor

To those who say there is nothing new in the industry, ISSA says “Don’t be ridiculous!” This year’s trade show floor is the place to see more than 750 exhibitors showcasing their latest most innovative product and service innovations. Also this year, in addition to the popular Residential Pavilion, International Pavilion, and the First-Time Exhibitors Pavilion—which features more than 75 manufacturers—ISSA has added a Pressure-Washing Pavilion for this niche market and a Startup Pavilion for people with new and stimulating ideas. With so much to see and do, don’t forget to take a break and enjoy a cold beverage at the ISSA Sports Bar, sponsored by Spartan Chemical Co., Booth 6231. (See page 34 for the list of exhibitors as of July 28.)

The Golden Ticket

ISSA has refined the All-Access Pass to include nearly every experience on the schedule, from ISSA Team’s Welcome Reception to the full education and networking events package to the ISSA Backlot Bash. This is not only the best value, but it is the only way to experience ISSA Show North America 2018 in its full glory. (See all you will enjoy with this all-inclusive pass in the following pages of this issue, then sign up at www.issa.com/register.)

Cowboys’ Stadium

How would you like a VIP tour of AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys? Shuttles will bring you to AT&T Stadium for this special tour, where you can see behind the scenes of America’s team. The tour includes the field, luxury suites, press box, locker room, post-game interview room, and more! This is just one more reason to stay through ThurSTAY!

Tried & True

While there’s lots that is new, some concepts are too useful and popular to change. The following are a few of the back-by-popular demand features returning to this year’s show.

My Show Planner

ISSA understands that with so many exciting and informative exhibits and activities, the show can be a bit overwhelming. So we’ve brought back My Show Planner to ensure you get as much value from the convention as possible. It’s easier than ever to plan your show experience prior to arriving in Dallas. Visit www.issa.com/myshowplanner.

Mobile App

Also returning this year is the ISSA Show Mobile App, sponsored by R3 Reliable Redistribution Resource. Once you’ve created your schedule in My Show Planner, you can access it from your smart phone or tablet. Simply download the ISSA Show Mobile App, which will be available in September, and you can carry your schedule with you at all times. The app will also include the ISSA Show Official Exhibit Directory digital edition, all of which can be accessed directly from the trade show floor.

Innovation Awards

The ISSA Innovation Award program—which showcases the latest and potentially business-altering new products, services, and technology—will also be part of this year’s activities. Following the success of last year’s program, bringing this aspect back was a must. (See page 38 for details.)

Show Floor Tours

Previous first-time attendees have reported that the show floor tours offered were helpful, so these, too, are returning this year. Tuesday, October 30, ISSA invites new attendees to a personal orientation—available in English or Spanish—along with guided tours before the show floor opens. Then that evening, participate in lively first-time-attendee-only roundtable discussions with colleagues about the latest industry issues and developments.

Keynotes

In addition to our informative workshop speakers and trainers, ISSA has scheduled one spotlight and two mesmerizing keynote speakers. Kick off your week on Monday morning, October 29, with the inspirational David Goggins, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL and Guinness World Record holder. Wednesday, October 31, success mentor Darren Hardy whittles his own extraordinary journey to success down to the core principles every achiever needs to know. And of course, you won’t want to miss the pièce de résistance: former U.S. President George W. Bush engaging in an insightful fireside chat with ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. Book your travel for Friday, or you’ll miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

360 Degrees of Immersion

The ISSA Show is the gathering place for more than 750 exhibitors and an estimated 16,000 cleaning industry professionals. Immerse yourself in a week of education, innovation, and networking. Face-to-face is the best way to do business even—or especially—in this technical age.

About the Author.

Joan Weis is the Senior Marketing Communications Specialist for ISSA. She can be reached at [email protected].