Speakers, Innovative Products Highlight ISSA Show North America

Former President George W. Bush will give the final keynote address of ISSA Show North America on Thursday, Nov. 1 PHOTO COURTESY OF ISSA

ISSA is switching things up this year with a new host city for its annual convention and trade show. This fall, Dallas will be the home of the ISSA Show North America. From Oct. 29 through Nov. 1, building service contractors will be able to discover the latest product innovations and learn how to successfully navigate the industry’s latest challenges.

More than 16,000 cleaning professionals from nearly 80 countries are anticipated to attend this year’s event. ISSA is offering plenty of attractions and big-name speakers to make traveling to Dallas a worthwhile experience.

Show Floor
The highlight of every ISSA show is the massive exhibit hall. More than 700 exhibitors from around the world will pack the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas for three days.

If BSCs need help navigating the show floor, ISSA is offering guided group tours on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 9:30 a.m. These high-energy groups help attendees catch all the highlights, while also having some fun along the way.

The show floor also has a number of dedicated pavilions to make it easy to find specialty products and services. The Restoration Pavilion is powered by

The Experience, a well-known carpet cleaning and restoration show. Many BSCs offer carpet and restoration add-on services and will want to stop by this pavilion for the latest equipment and tools. Another add-on service, pressure washing, also has its own dedicated pavilion. 

For those BSCs who feel they’ve seen it all before at the show, there are two pavilions worth checking out. The StartUp Pavilion features brand-new companies that are likely showing off its products for the first time. Currently booked in this area are app and software companies with technology designed for scheduling and tracking janitor staff members. BSCs will also find companies who have never exhibited before at the ISSA Show in the First-Time Exhibitor Pavilion. Swing by this area to see new products in person. 

Education And Keynotes
During the week, ISSA will present more than 90 education sessions. To help sort through the offerings, seminars have been broken out by tracks. BSCs will likely be most interested in the Commercial Cleaning track, which includes sessions covering Internet of Things technology, active shooters, asthma triggers, time management, infection control and more.

Monday, Oct. 29, is the main education day and is headlined by Spotlight Speaker David Goggins and his presentation titled “Complacency Kills.” Goggins is a Navy SEAL and endurance athlete who will inspire attendees to achieve their personal bests. He’ll share stories from his real-life experiences that run the gamut of military missions, ultra-triathlons, mountain climbs and much more.

There is still plenty of educational opportunities after Monday. Most of these seminars will take place on the show floor at the Education Theater (booth 1051). Some of the topics presented here include robotics, mold and waste management.

The main draw of the Education Theater will be the series of panels addressing the state of each market segment. On Thursday, Nov. 1, the State of the Industry for Building Service Contractors will be presented by prominent BSCs Marc Collings, Mary Miller and Michael Diamond. The three panelists will share what they’ve learned from their past experiences, as well as provide solutions to help keep fellow BSCs on pace for success. 

If pressed for time, the new ISSA Connections Corner held at the ISSA Resource Center, booth 1553, offers half hour sessions covering important issues, including robotics, recruiting, floor care, carpet trends and more.

Every year, ISSA books big-name talent to inspire attendees and this year is no different. Capping the event is a keynote speech from Former President George W. Bush.

Bush, the 43rd president of the United States and also the former governor of Texas, will share life lessons, leadership advice and his take on how America can become united once again.

After his speech, Bush will sit down with ISSA Executive Director John Barrett for an informal Q&A. The two will discuss world events, politics and the need for strong leadership in business.

Since leaving the White House, Bush settled in Dallas and helped found his presidential library and museum. He also wrote his memoir, “Decision Points,” and has devoted much of his post-presidential time to charitable efforts, including fundraising for wounded veterans and veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress.

President Bush may be the big name, but he isn’t the only draw. Success Mentor Darren Hardy will kick off Wednesday, Oct. 31, with a keynote speech titled “Igniting The Compound Effect: How To Jump Start Your Income, Your Life And Your Success.”

Hardy has spent 25 years surrounded by the most successful people, collecting and curating the best ideas and strategies for success. He will teach attendees the core fundamental principles that every business owner and manager needs to know, practice and master. Attendees will leave with an operating system and action plan to implement immediately.