Every year, the ISSA/INTERCLEAN® North America trade show brings together more than 16,000 leaders from the cleaning industry and more than 700 exhibitors from around the world. These attendees show up on a consistent basis to network, to learn about the latest technology and innovations, and also to see what is new to the show itself.
To keep things fresh, ISSA/INTERCLEAN offers new features and events—from informative keynote speeches to education sessions—aimed at maximizing attendees’ experiences, ensuring they walk away with a variety of tangibles. This year, ISSA will offer a number of new attractions to help building service contractors (BSCs) and in-house facility managers, in addition to other professionals across the industry, make the most of their time at the show in Las Vegas, NV.
Outdoor Exhibits
For the first time, the ISSA/INTERCLEAN show floor won’t be confined to inside the convention center. A number of outdoor exhibits will be stationed just outside the exhibit hall in the Las Vegas sunshine.
The outdoor exhibition space is designed to allow attendees to see and experience new and exciting product demonstrations in the open air, rather than within the confines of the convention center. The outdoor exhibits will also feature food and entertainment to provide attendees a lighter atmosphere, as well as the chance to recharge their batteries in the temperate climate of Las Vegas in October.
Innovation Showcase
One of the many highlights of each year’s show is the innovative products and solutions that exhibitors bring to the show. The ISSA/INTERCLEAN show is the grand stage on which manufacturers want their products to be seen, and the Innovation Showcase—one of the culminating events to the annual ISSA Innovation Award Program—is the platform.
This year’s ISSA Innovation Award Program kicked off July 1, collecting votes online for the top products in the following categories: cleaning agents, dispensers, equipment, services and technology, and supplies.
Located in booth 399, the Innovation Showcase will feature this year’s entries, on display for attendees to see and feel. During this year’s show, attendees can view the entries of the award program and cast their votes for the ISSA Innovation Award Visitors’ Choice awards using the ISSA/INTERCLEAN Mobile App (available for download at www.issa.com/app).
Keynote Speakers
Besides the plethora of show floor exhibits ranging from the big to small, and the education sessions designed to allow attendees to walk away a little more informed about their role in cleaning for health and safety, ISSA/INTERCLEAN consistently features keynote speakers who offer a unique perspective on the world of business.
Wednesday, October 21, the ISSA/INTERCLEAN show will kick off exhibition hours with a keynote speech from Afterburner, Inc., a global team of fighter pilots. The group will offer advice to help businesses obtain flawless execution, even in a dynamic, changing environment like the cleaning industry.
The keynote session scheduled for Thursday, October 22, is sure to be a draw for attendees and exhibitors alike, as standup comedian and former talk show host Jay Leno takes the main stage at the Las Vegas Convention Center. We all know business is, well, serious business, but sometimes it’s good to remember that laughter is the best medicine. Leno will spend the morning sharing lessons and business insights, but hopefully the audience will walk away feeling a little lighter about the stresses of everyday business.
To wrap up the show, Friday, October 23, Kevin O’Leary, investor and host of ABC’s “Shark Tank,” will pull double duty during his keynote speech. During the ISSA Excellence Awards Luncheon, O’Leary will offer up observations from his numerous years in business, as well as his six years on “Shark Tank,” including what made entrepreneurs from the show ultimately succeed.
Additionally, O’Leary will have the pleasure of announcing the winner of ISSA’s Excellent Idea Contest, which invited distributors, BSCs, and in-house service providers to submit their greatest solution to any business challenge in a short video.
Show Floor Happy Hour
At the end of a long day on the show floor, one thing is certain: You and your feet will be tired. There will be no better place to take a breather than at the Show Floor Happy Hour. With more than 40 exhibitors set to participate, the Happy Hour is an opportunity for attendees to continue to network with industry professionals, but in a much more laid-back environment.
The Show Floor Happy Hour will offer an open bar in the outdoor exhibit space and in the ISSA Resource Center, booth 899, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, and will feature complimentary drinks, as well as the chance to enter to win a number of premium prizes during the happy hour raffle. Relax, drink, be merry, and make lasting connections with fellow industry professionals.
Words of Wisdom
When attending ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America 2015, it’s important to remember that the show offers more than just the exhibit hall. When attending year after year, be sure to create a plan that includes the exhibitors you absolutely must see, but also allot time to experience the new attractions the show has to offer.
If you’ve done the show right and taken advantage of all ISSA/INTERCLEAN has to offer, you are sure to walk away with new ideas, connections, and a bright outlook on the year to come.
