​ISSA Show Floor Opening Dazzles Attendees

Day two of ISSA Show North America 2019 burst to life with the opening of the exhibit hall floor, the ISSA General Business Meeting, workshops, and even more expert educational presentations.

ISSA General Business Meeting

Early Tuesday morning saw the ISSA General Business meeting, which culminated with the changing of the guards—2020 ISSA President Ken Bodie taking over for 2019 ISSA President Paul Goldin.

The meeting began with ISSA Executive Director John Barrett discussing recent changes within ISSA including the recently announced agreement with Informa Markets to take over management of ISSA Show North America, new efforts to better analyze data on the industry, and a push for diversity embracement at all levels. To this end, Barrett joked, “Who doesn’t want to be a little less male, pale, and stale.”

Executive director of ISSA Charities Mike Gies discussed the importance of the Charities sector of ISSA and reported on its giving this year: 5,000 cancer patients received home cleanings through Cleaning for a Reason, more than 1,000 mentors and mentees joined the new mentorship program, and more than US$4 million dollars was awarded to more than 1,000 students. Gies said ongoing development is the goal so that ISSA can benefit members of the industry.

Bob Patron presented this year’s distinguished manufacturer award to HOSPECO Vice President of Sales and Marketing Bill Hemann. This year’s Rising Star Award—in honor of Jimmy Core—which recognizes emerging leaders in the industry who are under 45, went to Alexey Pak of Home Depot Pro.

Matt Vonachen, president of Vonachen services, presented the Jack D. Ramaley Industry Distinguished Service Award to his father and mentor, Jay Vonachen, much to the elder Vonachen’s surprise, as he believed his son was the one being honored. Outgoing ISSA President Paul Goldin called the meeting to order and gave his farewell address in which he said, “This past year has been nothing short of unbelievable…This year was anything but business as usual.” He paid his respects to the outgoing board members and recognized the new and returning board members before welcoming his new ISSA President Ken Bodie.

Bodie told the story of how he originally served on the board from 2008-2010 and said he learned during that time the sheer reach of the work ISSA does worldwide. He vowed to do his best to promote giving over taking on the board and pledged to do his best to match the efforts of his predecessors.

In closing, Bodie officially opened the trade show floor.

Trade Show Floor and Education Sessions

Thousands of attendees poured onto the show during the grand opening at 10 a.m. where hundreds of exhibitors eagerly awaited them. The exhibit hall showcased companies from all sectors of the cleaning industry, from dispensers to thermal imaging equipment and everything in between.

Demonstrations and presentations were found at the multiple pavilions on the show floor.

• Day two education began with ISSA’s Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) certification workshop “Key Elements to Superior Carpet Care” taught by ISSA Editorial Director Jeff Cross. The class expanded attendee knowledge on carpet care maintenance programs and technical skills, including stain removal and carpet-life extension techniques.
• “How to Clean and Maintain the Latest Floor Coverings” in the Specialty Cleaning Pavilion provided attendees an in-depth look at weak spots and causes of flooring failures like clam shelling on water sensitive wood planks, as well as methods for avoiding these issues—first and foremost follow manufacturer guidelines to the letter.
• “How Digital Innovation Changes the Game in the Cleaning Industry” (sponsored by Tork, an Essity brand) in the Solve for X pavilion, attendees learned how new technology integrated in facilities can save approximately 3,000 hours of work while providing 99% clean restrooms. New technology alerts facility cleaners to areas that need cleaning and shows traffic to different areas so that high-traffic areas can be cleaned more and low-traffic areas cleaned less to maximize efficiency.
• “Water Damage Restoration: Commercial Drying and Opportunities for Contractors,” provided attendees an overview of the IICRC/ANSI S500 standard of care in water damage situations. The session focused heavily on documentation and transparency to avoid and fight lawsuits that arise in this work, including several examples of the speaker’s own mistakes and successes.

ISSA Show 2019 continues November 20-21:

Trade show hours:

Wednesday, November 20: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Thursday, November 21: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Education session, panel, and event hours:

Wednesday, November 20: 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 21: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

View the Digital Show Guide, which includes the complete ISSA Show North America 2019 education schedule.

If you missed this year’s ISSA Show, don’t make the same mistake in 2020. Put ISSA Show North America 2020 on your calendar today.