ISSA Show North America 2024 showcased the industry’s impact and importance.

ISSA Show North America 2024 gathered over 600 exhibiting brands to connect with building service contractors (BSCs), facility service professionals, distributors, and residential cleaning firms at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, November 17-21, 2024.

The industry event, hosted alongside the Building Service Contractors Association International’s (BSCAI) 2024 Contracting Success Conference, convened more than 12,000 registered industry professionals from 75 countries to discover products, technology, services, and materials that enhance cleaning standards.

Embracing its theme, “Beyond Clean: Explore, Innovate, Elevate,” this annual tradeshow was designed to deliver impactful solutions to the global cleaning industry. Attendees had the opportunity to keep up with industry trends, learn more about the latest technologies, and connect with thought leaders from around the world.

ISSA’s global reach

“This event is a true representation of the global reach of the cleaning and facility solutions industry, bringing together thousands of professionals from numerous countries, spanning every sector of the cleaning and hygiene industry,” said John Barrett, ISSA’s executive director. “It is a testament to ISSA’s worldwide position and underscores our commitment to uniting annually under one roof as we celebrate progress and collectively create plans for future success.”

Leading suppliers exhibited on the expansive trade show floor in addition to 137 first-time exhibitors.

“ISSA Show North America is the cleaning industry’s most important event, gathering the entire industry and fostering innovation and collaboration through organic networking in the expo, curated meeting spaces, and access to thought leaders. These connections go beyond the show floor and into our homes, businesses, schools, and establishments worldwide, ensuring cleaner, safer environments for all,” said Ed Nichols, ISSA Show North America show director.

“Alongside the unparalleled access to these trusted brands and products, we celebrate innovation, the industry’s emerging leaders, global contributors, game-changers, and all those working to redefine how the world cleans and prioritizes safety.”

Showcasing innovation, skills, and teamwork

In addition to its robust show floor, ISSA Show North America 2024 delivered 165 hours of conference programming across four days, including essential training, management courses, and global trend presentations. Education topics included employee engagement strategies, artificial intelligence, robotics and automation, methods to build customer trust, and partnership leverage tactics.

Specialized areas on the expo floor brought to life top-of-mind industry discourse through the Sustainability & ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Hub, Business Solutions Theater, and the CleanMeet Zone, which hosted panel discussions, networking meetups, educational presentations, and roundtable discussions.

The annual IEHA Housekeeping Olympics, hosted at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay, drew a spirited crowd cheering on teams competing in challenges showcasing their skills and teamwork. The Housekeeping Olympics are organized each year by the Indoor Environmental Healthcare and Hospitality Association (IEHA), a division of ISSA. Among the contenders were eight teams from MGM Resorts properties, including Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, ARIA, Park MGM, and MGM Grand.

Ultimately, Resorts World Las Vegas’ housekeepers emerged as the overall champions, claiming victory and earning accolades for their performance.

Exhibitors and education

This year’s show included more than 640 exhibitors, counting over 137 new exhibitors from across the entire cleaning ecosystem. Additionally, more than 170 educational sessions took place across three pavilions this week.

Education was the focus of the show’s offerings, with over 40 sessions taking place throughout. Topic tracks included business growth strategies; the future of distribution; ESG and sustainability; facilities operations and maintenance; leadership, career, and talent development; residential services; technology and innovation; and thought leadership. Additionally, the Spanish language track offered several sessions throughout the week.

Certification workshops, including ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) and Indoor Environmental Healthcare and Hospitality Association (IEHA) certifications, also took place.

Looking ahead to 2025

ISSA Show North America 2025 will once again be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on November 10-13, 2025. Be sure to save the date!

Plans will soon be announced for the 2025 event, including new initiatives, marketing campaigns, registration details, and a call-out to those who wish to contribute to the conference. The spotlight remains on innovation. Attendees can look forward to discovering the latest products and technologies to enhance the efficiency and performance of their businesses.

ISSA Show North America is more than just an event; it’s a mainstay of the cleaning industry. Stay informed by regularly visiting issashow.com.

2024 Innovation Awards

Honoring trailblazers in our industry.

A highlight at ISSA Show North America is the Innovation of the Year program, which honors trailblazing companies in the commercial, institutional, and residential cleaning community.

ISSA named the 2024 Industry Choice Award winner—ISSA member company Otuvy—with a champagne toast on the show floor on November 21, the closing day of ISSA Show North America 2024.

While Otuvy has attended the ISSA Show for more than 20 years, this is the first year the company has won both the Industry Choice Award and Business Technology and Digital Services of the Year Award for its software product, Otuvy. This also marks the seventh ISSA Innovation Award the member company has received.

“It’s a really proud moment,” said Caden Hutchens, Otuvy CEO, when accepting the award at the show. “Being a software company, it’s always at the forefront of our minds how we go to the next step of innovation.”

Hutchens explained Otuvy’s most significant addition to its platform this year involved artificial intelligence (AI), but what it calls OI, operational intelligence for cleaning companies.

Judged by a panel of industry leaders, including representatives from key councils, committees, and organizations across the sector, as well as an industry editor and a buying group representative, the group selected one winner in each category and two honorees. Category winners of this year’s awards are as follows:

Automation and Equipment Innovation of the Year:
Nilfisk’s SC25 Autonomous Scrubber took the top honor. Additional honorees include Robovox Distributions GmbH for its ZACO X1000 Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Sparkoz Technology Corp. for its TN10 Cleaning Systems.

Business Technology and Digital Services of the Year:
Otuvy Inc. received the award for its Otuvy operational software. Honorees in this category include CleanSmart Academy’s Animated Training Kit and Janitorial Manager’s Cleaning Management System.

Facility Solution Care Products Innovation of the Year:
Airbotx was awarded for its Airbotx 390X Air Cleaner. Honorees include Diamabrush’s Cylindrical Polishing Tools and CLR PRO MAX™ for its Industrial Descaler.

Hygiene Solution Innovation of the Year: OPHARDT Hygiene earned the award for its PRAESIDIO^® hand sanitizer dispenser. Honorees include GP PRO enMotion^® Paper Towel Dispensers with ECON Mode, and Remco Vikan HyGo Mobile Cleaning Station.

Environmental and Sustainability Innovation: CloroxPro’s EcoClean™ Disinfecting Wipes took the award, with honorees including ABCO Products Inc. for its DSOLV dissolvable non-plastic bags and ONYX Solutions for the SXi Lithium-Ion Battery Floor Machine.

“The Innovation Showcase exemplifies the ingenuity and passion that defines the industry,” said Ed Nichols, ISSA Show North America show director. “Each new idea is crafted to drive business growth as well as to deliver solutions that positively impact billions of lives around the world. The commitment to safety, sustainability, and precision is evident in every product showcased.”

ISSA 2024 Achievement Awards Recipients

Recognizing cleaning industry professionals who have championed the industry.

The ISSA Achievement Awards annual awards program recognizes cleaning and facility solutions industry professionals who are committed to driving the industry forward through their positive contributions to their businesses and beyond. These four honorees were recognized on November 19, 2024, during the ISSA Spotlight Event and Awards ceremony at ISSA Show North America 2024.

“As ISSA continues to champion excellence in the cleaning and facility solutions industry, we are grateful for the dedicated individuals who drive innovation and uphold the high standards that define our association,” said ISSA 2024 board president Matthew Schenk. “Congratulations to this year’s Achievement Award honorees. I look forward to honoring their remarkable contributions at the upcoming celebration in Las Vegas.”

The ISSA Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual who, in the opinion of the ISSA board, deserves recognition for substantial contributions to the advancement of the industry and/or to ISSA over a significant period of time. This year’s recipient is Walter Dethlefsen, chief operating officer at Network Services Co. Over his 40-year career, all with Network Services, Dethlefsen has brought together the top independent distributors, manufacturers, and customers to create lasting partnerships and business growth. He has a remarkable ability to connect people and find common ground.

The Jack D. Ramaley Industry Distinguished Service Award, reserved for individuals with at least 10 years of outstanding service to the professional cleaning industry, was presented to Carey Jaros, president and CEO at GOJO. Jaros exemplifies the values that define our industry. Her character, professionalism, kindness, and innovative thinking shine through in all she does. Jaros is a strong advocate for cleaning and facility solutions, consistently giving back to the industry by mentoring, supporting emerging leaders, and championing women in our field through the ISSA Hygieia Network. She generously shares her time and expertise in countless ways, making an impact that resonates across our community.

The Manufacturer Representatives’ Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes individuals who support manufacturer representatives, the industry, and ISSA, was awarded to John Carroll of TPC Enterprises. Carroll’s professional journey began in 1973, where he built a solid foundation in direct sales for various manufacturers. By 1992, Carroll transitioned to become a manufacturers’ representative, providing unwavering support to the industry even after his retirement. His passion for fostering growth continued in 2023 when he took on a new role as an industry consultant, helping emerging manufacturers make valuable connections with established reps.

The ISSA Rising Star Award in Honor of Jimmy Core acknowledged one of the class of 30 ISSA Emerging Leaders who has made positive contributions to their organization and the industry. Konstantin Ekelman, director of sales at BradyPLUS, received this year’s honor after being selected through an extensive industry voting process. Ekelman brings a unique blend of professionalism, humility, and innovation to his role. He leads a highly respected team of sales professionals, earning admiration from colleagues and customers alike. His approach is built on fostering strong relationships, treating everyone like extended family. His care for both his team and clients forms the foundation of his leadership, creating a combined culture of trust and growth.

You can watch all the Achievement Award interviews at issa.com/2024showvideos.

The ISSA Hygieia Network Awards

Ten years and counting!

In 2024, Hygieia Network celebrated its 10th anniversary by empowering women in the cleaning industry. The ISSA Hygieia Network Awards Reception, held during the ISSA Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association Annual Show, recognized the progress made over the past decade and outlined solutions for gender parity in the next 10 years.

On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, the ISSA Hygieia Network’s Awards Reception featured networking with industry leaders and Hygieia’s annual recognition awards, including Rising Star of the Year, Member of the Year, and Company of the Year, Ally of the Year, International Member of the Year, and Mentor of the Year. Over 1,500 RSVPs were received for this year’s Hygieia’s Award Reception. It was one of the most well-attended and impactful events at ISSA Show North America 2024!

Hygieia Network Scholarship Winner

Hygieia provides a scholarship each year to an eligible candidate entering or continuing studies at a fully accredited college or university. This scholarship is based on merit, individual accomplishments, and evidence of leadership.

Recipient:

Jenni Currier, product manager, Contec Professional

Rising Star of the Year

Hygieia’s Rising Star is awarded to a candidate under 45 years of age who has made significant and recognizable achievements within the industry. This year, we received a record number of nominations, which resulted in a tie.

Recipients:

Ashley Fubini, sales vice president, GOJO

Yuritcy Gonzalez, senior account
manager, KleenMark

Ally of the Year

This award recognizes a member of the industry who has shown tremendous support towards Hygieia’s mission. This year’s recipient challenges teams to grow and become better leaders, providing guidance and support every step of the way. He promotes a collaborative atmosphere and empowers team members to make impactful business decisions.

Recipient:

Charles Johnson, sales director of Commercial & Public Interest, Essity

Member of the Year

Hygieia’s Member of the Year award recognizes a member who has made an outstanding contribution to the cleaning and facility solutions industry through their involvement in activities that fulfill ISSA Hygieia Network’s goals and objectives.

This year’s recipient has been a dedicated member of the ISSA Hygieia Network for several years and has worked tirelessly within and outside of her company to create opportunities and programming for women to help them advance and thrive professionally and personally. Her commitment, integrity, and passion for empowering others exemplify Hygieia’s values, making her a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Recipient:

Rachel Brutosky, vice president of sales, Nilfisk

International Member of the Year

Hygieia’s International Member of the Year recognizes a person’s involvement in activities outside of the United States that align with Hygieia’s mission and vision. This year’s recipient has been a dedicated advocate for the advancement of women in the cleaning and facility solutions industry and is committed to fostering the professional development of teams across his organization.

Recipient:

Brock Tully, senior vice president C&H, GRP & R3, Bunzl Canada

Mentor of the Year

Hygieia’s Mentor of the Year recognizes a mentor who has shown great leadership qualities and support to their mentee through the ISSA Hygieia Network Mentoring Program.

This year’s recipient brings boundless enthusiasm, a thoughtful ear, and an approachable presence to every interaction. Known for being empathetic and honest and providing unbiased feedback, he has strong industry expertise, making this individual an outstanding mentor.

Recipient:

Adam Putz, senior director, Sales Resource Center,
Essendant

Company of the Year

Hygieia’s Company of the Year award recognizes the company that has made a significant impact in the cleaning and facility solutions industry through its involvement and continued support of Hygieia’s goals and objectives.

This year’s company of the year is a longstanding supporter of the ISSA Hygieia Network and is committed to the advancement of women in the cleaning and facility solutions industry, taking pride in having an employee engagement in the 90th percentile over the past four years.

Recipient:

Network Distribution

Sidebars

BONUS VIDEO CONTENT: issa.com/otuvy

Watch the video

interviews recorded at

ISSA Show

North America 2024

issa.com/2024showvideos

ISSA Emerging Leaders who attended ISSA Show took advantage of networking opportunities.

ISSA Show

North America

returns to the Mandalay Bay

Convention Center

November 10-13, 2025.

Stay up to date:

issashow.com.