Benefits Of Networking With Peers

With all of the educational and networking opportunities available during the event, ISSA has created an orientation for cleaning professionals who are first-timers to the show. The New Attendee Orientation, which is scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 25, is an invite-only event that will include a tour of the convention center show floor.

The event “will offer practical advice on how attendees can maximize their education and networking time,” says Richter. “Plus, we think it will be a great way for first-timers to meet each other and make some new connections.”

Plenty of fun and games will also be had at ISSA/INTERCLEAN 2016, being held in one of the world’s greatest cities. Mixing business with pleasure is the point of the facility tour of Chicago’s Soldier Field, home to the Chicago Bears. Organizers say this unique convention attraction is a must-see for cleaning professionals, as well as sports fans. Attendees will be treated to Soldier Field’s cleaning strategies and techniques during a 90-minute walking tour, while enjoying rare views of the top spots in the stadium that was opened in 1924.

“Chicago is such a sports town and so many of our attendees are sports fans. It just seemed like a natural fit to offer a tour of this iconic Chicago stadium,” says Richter.

To kick off the week, attendees can network at the Windy City Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament during the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 25. A Texas Hold ‘Em tutorial will be held before the start of the tournament that will help new players understand the popular poker game. Prizes will be handed out during the tournament with proceeds going to the ISSA Foundation Scholarship Program.

Women and men are encouraged to attend “Networking Secrets of Successful Women” on Oct. 25. This session, put on by the ISSA Hygieia Network (an industry women community), teaches networking skills and leaves time for attendees to test them out. The following evening, the ISSA Hygieia Network will honor leading women at its annual awards ceremony.

There are plenty of other opportunities to network during the week, such as the ISSA/INTERCLEAN Bistro, where show-goers can grab lunch and mingle with colleagues and other cleaning professionals without leaving the convention floor. Cleaning professionals will also have the chance to enjoy the Fourth Annual ISSA LinkedIn Reception. The unique networking event will be on the trade show floor on Thursday, Oct. 27, and will feature free drinks and prize giveaways, including a four-night hotel stay and free registration for ISSA/INTERCLEAN 2017 in Las Vegas, smartwatches and a Visa gift card.

From the latest products to the newest trends, ISSA/INTERCLEAN packs a lot of information into one week. Facility cleaning managers should start planning now to make the most of the event. 

BRENDAN O’BRIEN is a freelance writer based in Greenfield, Wisconsin.