One of the most exciting additions to this year’s ISSA Show North America in Las Vegas is something brand new: The Global Collegiate Sales Competition (GCSC). For the first time, students from leading universities will bring their energy, skills, and determination to the show floor to compete head-to-head in a live sales challenge designed to showcase the next generation of talent.

What the competition is all about

The GCSC, created in partnership between the ISSA Show and Virginia Tech, will feature 10 universities, each sending four students to take part in a fast-paced series of challenges. Over two days, students will test their abilities in speed selling rounds, role-play scenarios based on real cleaning and facility products, and participate in a high-profile final showdown in the Innovation Theater.

According to Ed Nichols, the director of ISSA Show North America, ISSA Show has been in discussions with Virginia Tech during the past year. “We learned not only about the existence, but also about the prevalence of the sales curriculum at Virginia Tech and many of today’s universities. One of the key findings from our focus groups with attendees was how to attract the next generation to the cleaning industry.”

This is not a classroom exercise, Nichols stressed. The competition mirrors the real-life sales situations these young professionals will soon face in the workplace. The winners won’t just take home cash prizes; they’ll earn recognition in front of an audience packed with industry leaders, exhibitors, and potential employers.

“We’ll host the universities at the show this year,” Nichols explained. “They’ll arrive on Tuesday evening, and on Wednesday they’ll begin qualifications. They’ll compete in role-playing as well as speed selling. And the finals will be held on the show floor in the innovation theater on Thursday afternoon.”

Why it matters

For years, ISSA Show has been known as the place where professionals come to discover new products, build connections, and strengthen their businesses. Now, with the debut of the Global Collegiate Sales Competition, it has also become a stage for discovering new talent—the students who represent the industry’s future.

These competitors aren’t just playing for points; they’re building careers. They’ll spend the week networking with suppliers, attending sessions, and connecting with attendees. For companies seeking bright, motivated talent, this is a unique opportunity to observe students in action under real-world pressure. For attendees, it’s a chance to cheer on the next wave of sales professionals and be inspired by their creativity and drive.

“Not only are we going to see a great performance by these students, but there will be potential job opportunities for them as well. I look forward to that. That will be very cool for sure,” Nichols said.

Game time

Think of it like watching the draft day of professional sports—except here, the “athletes” are young salespeople proving their skills in front of a live audience. The energy will be high, the competition fierce, and the stakes real. You’ll walk away not only entertained but also encouraged about the talent stepping into our industry.

Make time in your show schedule to stop by the Innovation Theater and watch the Global Collegiate Sales Competition unfold. Support the students, see the future of sales in action, and maybe even meet your next great hire.

Be there! Feel the energy. Witness the debut of a competition that’s set to become a highlight of ISSA Show North America for years to come.

The details

• When: Preliminary rounds begin Wednesday, November 12. The finals and awards will take place on Thursday, November 13, in the Innovation Theater on the show floor.
• Who’s competing: Universities already lined up include Virginia Tech; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Ball State University; Texas A&M University; California State University, Chico; Idaho State University; Weber State University; Boise State University; University of Southern California; and California State University, Fullerton.
• What to expect: Speed selling challenges, role-play presentations, and live finals—all judged by industry professionals.

Learn more here on the ISSA Show website.