ISSA Boasts Educational Offerings For BSCs

Beginning on Nov. 15, attendees will once again have the opportunity to participate in ISSA’s educational conference program consisting of 65-plus sessions covering everything from business management and succession planning to emerging technologies and infection control. Sessions are divided into eight tracks catering to different market segments. ISSA will also offer a series of workshops — some of which count toward certification.

The commercial cleaning track addresses many of the hotbutton issues that keep BSCs up at night, such as dealing with high turnover rates, attracting and retaining quality employees, and maintaining a competitive advantage. Then, once the show floor opens, attendees can sit in on a variety of 30-minute interactive education sessions and demos in the Solve for X Theater and the Specialty Cleaning and Restoration Theater. Solve for X sessions will identify some of the key business challenges facing today’s cleaning professionals and offer possible solutions in an interactive environment. Sessions of interest for BSCs include: “What is Going on in Washington? A Legislative and Regulatory Update” on Tuesday, as well as “Managing for Productivity” and “Industry Leaders Roundtable,” both scheduled for Wednesday.

The Specialty Cleaning and Restoration Theater will also of- fer a variety of sessions covering best practices and strategies for growth and competitive advantage in sectors such as healthcare and residential cleaning.

Keynote Speakers

Throughout the week, attendees will have the chance to hear from a variety of topnotch industry speakers, but there are a few additional keynote presentations worth considering.

On Monday, author, futurist and technology strategist Crystal Washington will host the “Lunch and Learn Spotlight: The Future is Now — What Cleaning Industry Experts Need to Know.” During the session, Washington will address the ways in which technology is reprogramming clients’ needs and share tips for embracing technology trends to avoid employee burnout, address labor shortages and fortify the future.

The future of the industry is the focus of Wednesday’s Industry Power Panel, featuring a panel of C-Suite executives. For the first time ever, ISSA is inviting some of the biggest names in the industry to represent the markets that attendees most want to learn about.

Headlining the educational sessions for Thursday is Forbes and Inc. Magazine technology columnist Gene Marks, presenting “10 Tech Trends Affecting Businesses — This Year and Beyond.” Marks will delve into how successful businesses are using technologies to increase sales and service customers, as well as explore up-and-coming technologies, such as cyber-security, AI and robots. Marks has written five books on business management, specifically geared towards small and medium-sized companies, and is a regular on MSNBC and Fox News.

Honoring Best In Class

In addition to participating in a full week of educational and networking opportunities, there are two events recognizing industry peers and manufacturers for the achievements and innovations that will positively impact the cleaning industry for years to come.

On Tuesday, the ISSA Hygieia Network Awards Reception takes place in the Bellagio Tower Ballroom. This signature ISSA charity provides programs, tools and support to enable women in the cleaning industry to accelerate their careers and achieve their full potential. The event will feature networking with industry leaders as well as Hygieia’s annual recognition awards, which include Rising Star of the Year, Member of the Year and Company of the Year.

Another highlight of the ISSA Show is the Innovation Awards Program recognizing new products and technologies that have made a significant impact in the commercial, institutional and residential cleaning community in 2020. Now in its 12th year, the program recognizes ten products and/or services in the industry, including four Industry Choice Awards and five Innovation of the Year Award Honorees.

Attendees can cast their vote online for their favorite product through Nov. 15 and see the nominees in person at the ISSA Innovation Showcase. The show culminates with The Innovation of the Year Award winner announcement and champagne toast, which takes place at the Innovation Showcase and Theater on the show floor on Thursday, Nov. 18. The ceremony will be followed by a happy hour, concluding what promises to be an eventful and insightful week.

Kassandra Kania is a freelance writer based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

*Dates and times for all events were accurate as of publication on Sept. 27.