IEHA Outlines Training Opportunities

IEHA has always made education a top priority for its members and the conference and convention underscores this commitment, not only in the amount of education provided, but also through the topics addressed and the speakers scheduled to take the podium.

For example, among the six speakers on the first day of education is Jack McGurk, president of Systems Improvement Initiators, Inc. This consulting firm specializes in helping healthcare facilities and other companies achieve operational efficiencies, reduce workplace injuries, implement cost-effective environmental improvements and boost employee morale. The company also works with patient care areas to improve cleaning and reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). His topic, “Fear the Floor—A Potential Contributor to Elevated HAI’s,” will certainly prove valuable to anyone representing the healthcare arenas.

Infections will also be addressed by Roy Boukidjian. Boukidjian, who has worked in infection prevention and control for over eight years, is currently on the Board of Directors for the National Certification Board for Infection Control. He’s also systems director for Infection Prevention and Patient Safety at Dignity Health in San Francisco.

Motivational speaker Felix Anderson will fire up the energy, creativity and imagination of those attending his day-one presentation. A brand advocate, speaker, author and service coach with over 20 years of customer service experience, Anderson turned his calling into a company, The Executive Concierges, which he founded and now serves as CEO. His seminar will challenge attendees to become the best versions of themselves.

Other not-to-be missed seminars include those from Brian Haskins, president of The Haskins Company (a distributor of sanitary and facility maintenance supplies), who will outline the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) certification process and standard. William Fisher, vice president of Facility Solutions with FlexPac, will discuss how to delight customers. And Tanya Henry, principle of Iconic Oak Consulting, LLC, who has concentrated much of her career on working with environmental services staff, will offer insights on infection control.

The learning continues on day two with another full educational roster. Employee engagement and training will be the focus for Greg Gardner, assistant director of environmental services at Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah, Georgia. With over 20 years of customer service, coaching, training and development experience, Gardner is committed to helping cleaning executives deliver service that exceeds expectations.

Infection control is on the slate again as Heidi Wilcox, owner and founder of ASE Services Green Cleaning and Infection Control Specialists, discusses how end users can better streamline their processes and partner with vendors and manufacturers to onboard the latest products and equipment.

Disaster preparedness is on the mind of Robert Jones, president of the Nevada Professional Facility Managers Association and also director of engineering for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Other speakers include Jerry Zimmerle, president of the Nevada Chapter of International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and current director of business development and marketing for Focus Plumbing, who will speak on bridging the gap between facility management and housekeeping. Gloria Strauthers, CEO of Exodus Management and Consulting, LLC, will provide insights on communicating, connecting and leadership. Finally, William Griffin, author of numerous books covering topics such as marketing, supervision, employee training and bidding will take the stage. Griffin, a Registered Executive Housekeeper, has years of experience in the cleaning industry as a cleaner, consultant, trainer and expert witness.

In addition to the robust educational lineup, the IEHA Conference and Convention provides plethora opportunities for both on-site and off-site networking. IEHA attendees can participate in several certification Boot Camps, enjoy a welcome party and attend breakfast networking sessions.

First-time attendees can participate in an orientation that will introduce them to the event and help them map out their attack plan. Other highlights include the IEHA Director-at-Large Meetings, vendor educational events and the business and awards sessions.

The Conference and Convention concludes with the exciting and energetic IEHA Farewell and President’s Reception. The event offers attendees one last opportunity to kick back and dance the night away in the city that never sleeps. 

PAMELA MILLS-SENN is a freelance writer from Long Beach, California.

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Education Is A Top Priority At IEHA