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ISSA Show 2018 brings 700 exhibitors and 90 educational seminars to Dallas this fall
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, facility cleaning executives will be able to discover the most recent 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.
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 cleaning managers 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.
For those cleaning managers 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 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. Attendees 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.
Three separate tracks jump out as targets for cleaning managers. The Commercial Cleaning track includes sessions covering Internet of Things technology, active shooters, asthma triggers, time management, infection control and more. The Green Clean Schools Track, run by Healthy Schools Campaign, covers green cleaning success stories, techniques to creating healthier environments and creating a culture of sustainability. Finally, the Healthcare Track, put on by IEHA, a division of ISSA, will address infection control strategies, fighting allergens and preventing cross-contamination.
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 Tuesday, Oct. 30, the State of the Industry for In-House Service Providers will be presented by Heidi Wilcox, Jess Baidwan, Judie Cooper and Roy Boudijikan. The panelists will discuss industry trends, departmental challenges and creative solutions cleaning demands.
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 manager needs to know, practice and master. Attendees will leave with an operating system and action plan to implement immediately.
Have Some Fun
Of course, the ISSA Show isn’t just learning and walking a show floor. Reuniting with industry colleagues and peers is bound to lead to some fun. ISSA provides plenty of opportunities for cleaning managers to network with old friends and make new ones.
Hosted by the new ISSA Charities, Party For A Purpose kicks off the week with a bit of fun on Monday at Topgolf Dallas. Party-goers can either come for the drinks and appetizers, play a quick round, or play in the serious Topgolf Tournament for bragging rights. Proceeds from the event benefit ISSA Charities.
Also on Monday, the Welcome Reception is hosted by ARCSI, IEHA and ISSA Canada. On opening night, guests can network with colleagues from around the world at the Fairmont Hotel. Complimentary hors d’ oeuvres and beverages will be provided. During the event, the five ISSA Innovation Category Award winners will be announced.
The ISSA Backlot Bash is a new attraction for this year’s show and takes place on the street outside the convention center on Wednesday. This combination networking event and party is the place to be on Halloween. The party features live music from the Chris Watson Band and country singer Jack Ingram, as well as free food and drinks, and a special appearance by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. This event requires an additional registration fee, with all proceeds benefiting ISSA Charities.
As the show winds down on Thursday, attendees should head over to the ISSA Innovation Marketplace and Lounge, found at booth 3405.
This booth features all ISSA Innovation Award nominees and also plays host to the Innovation Award Ceremony and Reception. During the event, the winner of the overall ISSA Innovation of the Year Award will be announced.
Even though the exhibit hall closes at 2 p.m., it doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. After the show, attendees can go on a private, behind-the-scenes tour of AT&T Stadium, home to the National Football League’s Dallas Cowboys. The tour includes walking on the field, visiting the Dallas Cowboys’ and the Dallas Cheerleaders’ locker rooms, seeing the luxury suites and radio and media press boxes, and a stop in the post-game interview room.
Attendees will also hear first-hand from the stadium’s cleaning crew and learn strategies and techniques that can then be implemented into cleaning programs back home. These tips won’t just apply to stadiums, so everyone will have something they can learn and use. This event requires an additional registration fee.
It’s not every year that ISSA travels to a new city for its annual trade show. Managers should take advantage of this opportunity to attend what is likely to be a memorable convention in Dallas.
DAN WELTIN is editor-in-chief of Sanitary Maintenance, sister publication to Facility Cleaning Decisions.