ISSA/INTERCLEAN 2016 Heads To Chicago

This is part one of a three-part article previewing ISSA/INTERCLEAN 2016.

The cleaning industry will gather for ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America 2016 in Chicago where thousands of professionals will attend the four-day trade show and convention for a range of networking, educational and business opportunities.
 
More than 16,000 professionals from around the globe will network, learn and visit more than 700 vendors from 25 countries at McCormick Place from Oct. 25 to 28.

The event is hosted by ISSA and its trade show partner Amsterdam RAI.

Dubbed as “Untamed Potential — Unleash your opportunities for greater success,” ISSA/INTERCLEAN 2016 will include four different co-located events by industry associations. Co-hosting their annual conventions again this year in conjunction with ISSA/INTERCLEAN are IEHA, Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI), Association of Residential Cleaning Services International (ARCSI) and Cleaning Equipment Trade Association (CETA).

 

New Education Format

ISSA/INTERCLEAN 2016 will feature more than 60 educational seminars, workshops and flash sessions that will cover timely topics such as green cleaning, healthy schools and the latest advances in infection control, all under a new format.
 
“We recognize that our attendees all have different learning styles as well as very busy schedules. By providing more opportunities in a variety of formats, they can choose the style that works best for them,” says Lisa Richter, the director of marketing at ISSA. “Plus, the new schedule encourages more intimate and interactive sessions.”

The format will include in-depth, “Deep Dive” seminars and panel discussions where attendees will dictate the content based on question-and-answer sessions with experts. It will also include short flash sessions that will involve concentrated information about leadership, management and sales. Finally, half- and full-day hands-on workshops will teach attendees floor and restroom care skills, customer service, management, and how to perform a cleaning audit. Many of these workshops also offer certification opportunities.

Another new educational feature at the ISSA/INTERCLEAN this year will be the Green Clean Schools Forum, a series of seven sessions, presented by Healthy Schools Campaign and ISSA, throughout the day on Tuesday, Oct. 25. The sessions will focus on topics such as engaging and training a workforce, green products and green cleaning program assessments. The forum will be highlighted by two award-winning school facility managers who will present their strategies on creating assessments to help boost cleaning programs.

“The Green Clean Schools Forum is a series of seminars designed specifically for K-12 and higher education cleaning professionals,” says Richter. “The lineup will address a wide range of topics.”

In addition to the Green Clean Schools Forum, cleaning professionals can learn about opportunities in sports venues during a workshop on Thursday, Oct. 27. The session will be held by the Green Sports Alliance Team, and will go through protocols that can lead to overall improvements in the cleanliness of sports facilities that have proven effective in reducing health and environmental threats.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to support common goals related to promoting healthy, sustainable communities as well as fulfilling our brand promise to change the way the world views cleaning,” says ISSA Executive Director John Barrett in a news release.

Distributors can also attend the University of Innovative Distribution Power Pack, a series of seminars designed with their needs in mind. Topics include improving sales skills, communicating with Millennials, and saving money through sustainable initiatives.

Attendees should note that some of the educational opportunities, which run throughout the four-day event, require additional registration and fees.

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