ISSA Highlights Big Draws For Vegas Show

Throughout the week, attendees will have the chance to hear from a variety of topnotch industry speakers, but there are also a few specialty sessions worth consideration. On Monday, author, futurist and technology strategist Crystal Washington will host the “Lunch and Learn Spotlight: The Future is Now — What Cleaning Industry Experts Need to Know.” During the session, Washington will address the ways in which technology is reprogramming clients’ needs and share tips for embracing technology trends to avoid employee burnout, address labor shortages and fortify the future.

The future of the industry is the focus of Wednesday morning’s Industry Power Panel, featuring a panel of C-Suite executives. For the first time ever, ISSA is inviting some of the biggest names in the industry to represent the markets that attendees most want to learn about.

Headlining the educational sessions for Thursday morning is Forbes and Inc. Magazine technology columnist Gene Marks, presenting “10 Tech Trends Affecting Businesses This Year and Beyond.” Marks will delve into how successful businesses are using various technologies to increase sales and service customers, as well as explore up-and-coming technologies, such as cyber-security, AI and robots. Marks has written five books on business management, specifically geared towards small and medium-sized companies, and is a regular on MSNBC and Fox News.

Honoring Best In Class

In addition to participating in a full week of educational and networking opportunities, attendees will have the opportunity to attend two events recognizing industry peers and manufacturers for the achievements and innovations that will advance the cleaning industry for years to come.

On Tuesday evening, the ISSA Hygieia Network Awards Reception takes place in the Bellagio Tower Ballroom. This signature ISSA charity provides programs, tools and support to enable women in the cleaning industry to accelerate their careers and achieve their full potential. The event will feature networking with industry leaders as well as Hygieia’s annual recognition awards, which include Rising Star of the Year, Member of the Year and Company of the Year.

Another highlight of the ISSA Show is the Innovation Awards Program, recognizing new products and technologies that have made a significant impact in the commercial, institutional and residential cleaning community in 2020. Now in its 12th year, the program recognizes 10 products and/or services in the industry including four Industry Choice Awards, five Innovation of the Year Award Honorees and one overall Innovation of the Year Award winner.

Attendees can cast their vote online for their favorite product through Nov. 15 and see the nominees in-person at the ISSA Innovation Showcase (Booth W226). The show culminates with the Innovation of the Year Award winner announcement and champagne toast, which takes place at the Innovation Showcase and Theater on the show floor on Thursday, Nov. 18, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The ceremony will be followed by a happy hour, concluding what promises to be an eventful and insightful week.

With so many seminars, events, and networking opportunities to choose from, distributors will return home armed with the knowledge and best practices to further the industry’s goal of cleaning for health and safety. For those who have the luxury of extending their stay, Las Vegas offers world-class casinos, entertainment and sightseeing opportunities. Many shows have reopened, including the popular Cirque du Soleil.

For those who prefer to wing it, a stroll along the strip at night offers the perfect vantage point for Vegas lights, hotels and attractions, such as the famous fountain show in front of the Bellagio Hotel. With a perfect mix of business and pleasure, the ISSA show is certain to deal a winning hand to attendees come November.

Kassandra Kania is a freelance writer in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Details accurate as of Sept. 27. For additional information, visit issa.com.