Attendees to this year’s ISSA Convention will find plenty of new features designed to add even more value to the event. Some of these 2017 “firsts” are:
New Show Dates
The show now runs Monday through Thursday (with special events starting Sunday), rather than Tuesday through Friday as it has in the past.
New Trade Show Packages
Thanks to the new, all-inclusive trade show and convention packages, attendees have the ability to tailor their experience. Packages include three days of unlimited access to the trade show and outdoor exhibits as well as access to the Welcome Networking Reception, ISSA Convention Seminars, Lunch and Learn, Show Floor Guided Tours, Evening Roundtables, State of the Economy and State of the Industry Panels, and both ISSA Keynote addresses.
Attendees can mix and match these sessions or select from one of five packages, each expressly created to meet their specific interests and needs. These include: Disrupt and Innovate, A New Think Tank for Distribution (designed to help inspire distributor innovation); Commercial Cleaning Business Solutions (a comprehensive business-building series for building service contractors); Residential Cleaning Connection (provides over 20 hours of customized education for residential cleaning companies); Green Clean Schools (targeted to facility personnel at schools/universities, providing tools for implementing effective green cleaning programs); and Healthcare Environmental Essentials (intensive educational program on safeguarding the healthcare environment).
Welcome Reception
The Welcome Networking Reception is a great way to kick off the show and meet and network with fellow peers, members, speakers and sponsors. Featuring light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, the event will be held on Sunday, Sept. 10 from 7:30-10:30 p.m., at Bally’s Las Vegas, Skyview 5 & 6.
Extended Outdoor Exhibit Hours
Always popular, but now there’s even more to do and see at the Outdoor Exhibits. Located in the Silver Lot, right outside the main entrance, attendees will have more opportunity for hands-on learning and testing than ever before, and more time to do so. This area doesn’t just feature innovative products; food and entertainment add to the fun.
Show Floor Guided Tour
Attendees will be treated to a tour of the show floor, on Sept. 12, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. This overview of the show floor will help attendees map out a plan of attack and see exhibit show highlights, as well as help locate important services and amenities. A Spanish-speaking tour is also available.
Evening Roundtables
Roundtables provide the opportunity for members to ask questions and receive answers from other business owners interested in the same topics and issues. The roundtables are divided into three, 45-minute sessions, with a 15 minute break in between the sessions so attendees can switch tables (15 to 20 tables are open during each session). Experts will be seated at some of the tables to lead the discussions and respond to questions; attendee volunteers will moderate at the remaining tables and facilitate discussions. Participants aren’t required to switch tables if the topic is of interest.
Topics include: employee evaluations, employee incentives and benefits, getting out of the field, green cleaning, how to create a marketing calendar/marketing automation, finding and recruiting new employees, using smartphones and tablets in the field, achieving work-life balance, and training new employees. This event will take place on Monday, Sept. 11, from 7:30-10:30 p.m., at Bally’s Las Vegas, Skyview 5 & 6.
Pamela Mills-Senn is a freelance writer based in Long Beach, California.