ISSA Today Archives • January-February 2024 • Behind the Scenes at ISSA Show

When you think of exciting and diverse professions, the cleaning industry might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it has its unique charm. This is evident when reflecting on ISSA Show North America 2023 and the celebration of ISSA’s 100th anniversary.

Ed Nichols is the director of ISSA Show North America. While new to the cleaning industry, he has vast trade show experience. Much of the success of ISSA Show North America 2023 can be credited to him and his trade show team.

“In the four months leading up to the show, I immersed myself in trying to learn the market,” he said in a recent interview, which can be viewed at issa.com/show-in-review. “I knew being at the show was where I could put faces to the names and come to know the people that represent the market. It’s such a wonderful and broad industry with such welcoming people. I am incredibly excited about the diversity in this market.”

From age to gender to background, the industry’s composition surprised and delighted him. It’s a professional marketplace with a familial touch, where family-owned businesses and multi-generational participants are the norm.

To outsiders, organizing an event might seem like a straightforward task. However, Nichols points out that putting together ISSA Show North America is a year-round endeavor.

The planning for the next event begins almost immediately after the current one concludes. A dedicated marketing team conducts interviews and demographic research to fine-tune strategies for the next show. The objective is to meet and exceed the industry’s developing needs.

For those in attendance, such as at the 2023 show in November, ISSA Show is not merely an event to conduct business; it’s like being at a homecoming or a pep rally. It provides a unique opportunity to connect with industry peers, old and new, and leaves everyone feeling inspired, energized, and motivated. The event’s benefits are not limited to just education and exhibitors. It’s also about the personal connections and the enthusiasm that sticks with you long after the show ends.

It was a bold decision to move ISSA Show to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, one that initially raised some eyebrows. However, the feedback has been positive. The change provided a campus-like feel and created an extended community among attendees. Nichols revealed that ISSA Show is scheduled to be at Mandalay Bay through at least 2027, reaffirming the commitment to this new venue.

Nichols emphasized the importance of effectively promoting and sharing their strategies with the market. The ISSA brand has grown in strength over the years, and this year’s event showcased the industry’s impact and importance. With more than 13,000 endees worldwide, it’s evident that ISSA Show is an essential platform for the cleaning industry.

ISSA Show North America 2024 will come quickly, Nichols acknowledged. Plans will soon be announced for the 2024 event, including new initiatives, marketing campaigns, registration details, and a call-out to those who wish to contribute to the conference. The spotlight remains on innovation, with a commitment to improving and expanding the innovation program. Attendees can look forward to discovering the latest products and technologies to enhance the efficiency and performance of their businesses.

ISSA Show North America is more than just an event; it’s a mainstay of the cleaning industry. Stay informed by regularly visiting issashow.com.

Jeff Cross is the ISSA media director, with media brands that include ISSA Today, Cleaning & Maintenance Management, and Cleanfax. He can be reached at Jeff-Cross@ISSA.com or 740-973-4236.

A highlight at ISSA Show North America is the Innovation of the Year program, which honors trailblazing companies in the commercial, institutional, and residential cleaning community.

“As we celebrated 100 years of ISSA at this year’s show, it was important to look towards the future,” said Ed Nichols, director of ISSA Show North America. “This year’s award recipients are truly elevating the cleaning industry and leading the charge for innovation in the market and into the next century of ISSA.”

Winner: GP PRO (Georgia-Pacific) was honored with the Innovation of the Year Award for its Compact Quad® Plus 4-Roll Toilet Paper Dispenser.

• Proline WAVETM 1-liter manual dispenser by SC Johnson Professional •All FloorTM cl eaning system by Kaivac Inc.

• Evogen® Tri-Vend High Capacity No-Touch Menstrual Care Product Dispenser (EVNT6) by Hospeco Brands Group.

• Distributors: NaturaYarns line of mopping products by ABCO Products Corp.

• Manufacturer Representatives: TOPFILLTM No Touch Counter Mount Soap Dispenser by Kutol Products

• Residential: SIMPL: Smart Inspect Machine Predictive Learning by SmartInspectTM.