Show Guide: Sweet Home Chicago

For the four days between October 6 and 9, the jan/san industry will take over Chicago as industry executives flock to McCormick Place for the 2009 ISSA/INTERCLEAN® North America Trade Show and Convention.

In addition to all that the Windy City has to offer these guest, show attendees will not be able to hide their enthusiasm when they learn of the countless opportunities available before, during and after show hours.

With an impressive listing of networking events, educational sessions, green innovations and alliance programs, this show has something for everyone. Some of the many offerings include:

Networking Lunch

The Oct. 6 All Industry Networking Lunch offers the opportunity for attendees to network with fellow jan/san executives while featured speaker Maxine Shapiro challenges everyone to step outside their comfort zone to transform their business.

The lunch offers attendees a great opportunity to “talk shop” with other jan/san professionals and benchmark their business practices.

Women’s Forum

Shapiro will continue sharing her advice in the Annual Women’s Forum as she encourages attendees to think on their feet, trust and be spontaneous as a way to be productive and successful in their business.

Coaching Leadership

Before the show floor opens on Oct. 7, cleaning managers will have the opportunity to hear from legendary NFL football coach Mike Ditka as he discusses the key characteristics people need to achieve their personal and professional goals. Ditka will offer leadership advice and tips that can be implemented immediately into any program.

Green Connections

Attendees entering the show floor will notice a couple changes this year. In the center of the exhibit hall throughout the show, the Green Connections Center features a full-sized mock restroom and mock classroom for cleaning, science and environmental presentations. Also located at the Center are the Green Product Showcase featuring the newest products; a Resource Library stocked with free case studies, white papers and other research; and a Green Pavilion where government agencies, certifying bodies and consultants will be exhibiting. Education includes an update on measuring cleanliness in K-12 schools as part of ISSA’s Clean Standard for educational facilities.

IEHA Annual Convention

Familiar faces will also be abundant throughout the show. The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) will again host its annual convention in conjunction with ISSA/INTERCLEAN for the 10th straight year. Events include seminars, CEH/REH designation exams and more.

Advice From An Idea Man

This year’s show is all about finding bright ideas to change the jan/san industry. So who better to give the keynote address than Donny Deutsch, the host of the CNBC talk show, “The Big Idea?”

During his address on Thursday, Oct. 8, the legendary ad man and TV personality will explain why now is the best time to unleash ideas on the cleaning industry.

Lets Go Around The Table

Also on Oct. 8, watch for the first-ever Show Floor Roundtable Lunch that lets attendees network without having to leave the exhibit hall. A table moderator will lead the discussion about important industry topics and attendees are guaranteed to walk away with some valuable tools to implement into their business practices.

Happy Hour

Finally, as the show winds down on the 8th, attendees will have the opportunity to let their hair down, grab a drink and network on the show floor, while enjoying a live dueling piano performance.

These are just some of the many exciting events going on at this year’s show for attendees looking to launch their business forward. With the countless educational opportunities, leadership seminars, entertainment and networking events, in addition to the show itself, there are plenty of events that will keep attendees busy in Chicago this year.

While at the show, stop by and visit Housekeeping Solutions at booth 5225.