The city of Las Vegas has undergone an ample amount of reconstructive surgery. Stripped of legendary nightspots like the Sands, Stardust and Dunes, the new Las Vegas thrives on more of a family-friendly atmosphere. These changes notwithstanding, the foundation of “Sin City” still rests on the bright lights, dark drinks and patrons parked at blackjack tables that helped the city earn its nickname.

As if taking a cue from its host city of ISSA/INTERCLEAN® North America 2008, ISSA has incorporated some new features and exhibits with old practices for building service contractors to maximize their experience at this year’s, “Business Not as Usual,” Monday, Sept. 8 through Thursday, Sept. 11.

Striking with the show’s theme, Dr. Bill Cosby will deliver the keynote address at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10. In his speech, “It’s Your Job to Feel Good,” Cosby will help the audience consider what the world would be like without having a job and why more people should focus on the personal side of business, specific to the cleaning industry.

In another alteration to the show this year, the Product Innovation Competition has a different set up. Opposed to previous shows where each product was presented to the audience, the products, along with a video and information on each will be available in the Innovation Area.

Some features new to the show include the Green Connection Pavilion, aimed to help BSC’s focus on the green cleaning trend. The pavilion was created due to the global emphasis on green cleaning in an effort to offer a unique take on the green initiative, says Stephanie Daly, ISSA marketing manager, Lincolnwood, Ill.

Another new feature to the show is “Cleaning NOT as Usual — Profit Through Diversifying Your Business.” The Peer Exchange Session will be held at 4:15 on Monday, Sept. 8. According to Daly, the session is designed for BSCs to engage in conversation regarding a number of facets of the industry. A Peer Exchange reception follows the session.

“The session is a panel discussion and will include topics such as customer service, spinoffs, diversifications within a company and making money from existing accounts,” says Daly.

To further the theme of “Business Not as Usual,” IEHA is sponsoring the first-ever Housekeeping Olympics. The event will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 10, as 600 participants will compete in vacuum races, bed-making competitions and floor pad tossing.

Tying the new events in with the old, the show will offer a number of education sessions tailored to BSCs.

John Moore will speak on adding unique value to one’s company in, “The Bigness of Smallness.” The presentation is geared to help small businesses take action to make their business look bigger while helping big businesses appear smaller.

Another education session of pertinence to BSCs is “Contented Cows Give Better Milk.” Richard Hadden will help owners make their office an alluring place to work. The session is created to reduce turnover, build commitment and grow profits.

For contractors looking to implement more green cleaning practices, “From Here to Sustainability: Profits and Pitfalls of the Green Economy,” given by Joel Makower will help companies pay greater attention to the environmental impact of every angle of their company.

This combination of new ideas and the traditional events that were trademarks of previous shows has been a goals for the show.

It is important to keep momentum going on the show floor, says Daly.

“By bringing in a variety of events, we are trying to bring the city of Las Vegas to the trade show,” she says.




POSTED ON: 7/1/2008