On Wednesday, ISSA Show North America awarded the recipients of the 2025 Innovative Leaders Award Program, showcasing cutting-edge products and breakthrough solutions transforming the worldwide cleaning industry. The honorees of this year's recognition program, revealed at the Innovation Showcase and Theatre on the ISSA expo floor, demonstrate exceptional advancement and innovation across the cleaning industry. Each category winner and two honorees were selected by an expert judging panel comprised of distinguished industry executives, including delegates from leading councils, committees, and professional organizations throughout the sector. "The Innovative Leaders Award Program recognizes the exceptional ingenuity and forward-thinking solutions that define excellence in the industry by honoring companies and individuals that push boundaries and set new standards for cleaning technology and operational efficiency," said Ed Nichols, Show Director of ISSA Show North America. The winners for each category are as follows: Automation and Equipment Innovation of the Year: Gausium – Miracle Cleaning Concept Honorees: Diversey, a Solenis Company – TASKI Ultimaxx 360 Kaivac, Inc. – Kaivac 1050M Facility Solution Care Products Innovation of the Year: Ecolab, Inc. – Fill & Clean ™ Series of Commercial-Grade Cleaners Honorees: Clorox Pro–Clorox Screen+ Sanitizing Wipes SC Johnson Professional–TruShot 2.0® No Rinse Sanitizer Hygiene Solutions Innovation of the Year: Diversey, a Solenis Company – Lesseau® Honorees: Vectair Systems, Inc –V-Air Flow Tork, an Essity brand–Tork PeakServe Automatic Continuous Hand Towel Dispenser Environment and Sustainability Innovation of the Year: Force of Nature–The NEW Force of Nature Pro On Demand People’s Choice Award: Kaivac Inc.—Kaivac 1050M Honorees: Force of Nature–The NEW Force of Nature Pro On Demand GP PRO—Dixie Ultra® SmartStock® Mini Tri-Tower Cutlery Dispenser Each exhibiting company presented innovative products that have transformed the commercial, institutional, and residential cleaning sectors by tackling critical operational challenges faced by industry professionals while safeguarding and enhancing occupant wellness. By delivering comprehensive education, hands-on product showcases and year-round networking opportunities, ISSA Show North America advances worldwide public health and safety standards, offering essential tools and knowledge for distributors, building service contractors, facility management companies and diverse professionals across the global cleaning industry. “We are always seeking the next generation of solutions that will transform our industry,” said Kim Althoff, Executive Director of ISSA. “This showcase exemplifies that very spirit, a platform to discover the newest products and technologies that will define the next wave of cleaning and facility solutions. These breakthrough products represent the evolution toward smarter, more efficient and more sustainable solutions.” To view the full list of participants, finalists and honorees for the 2025 Innovative Leaders Award Program, please visit www.issashow.com.
Becoming certified as a Minority- and/or Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) has numerous benefits, including access to federal contracts, networking opportunities, mentoring, and financial programs. Sabrina St. John, CEO of Empower 360 Group and a diversity, equity and inclusion consultant, briefed interested cleaning business owners on the requirements, benefits, and challenges of obtaining a MWBE certification during an education session at ISSA Show North America on Wednesday. “An MWBE certification enables everyone to get a piece of the pie,” St. John said. “It increases diversity in the workforce and offers opportunity to underrepresented communities.” For all its benefits, there are several barriers to MWBE certification, St. John said. First, people have a lack of awareness of the certification and the benefits it brings. For those who are aware of the certification, the complexity of the application process can be discouraging. “You need a lot of documents, and it can be very time-consuming to gather them,” St. John explained. Many cleaning organizations are small and have limited administrative capacity to help them through the application process. Add financial restraints and fear of being rejected and many qualified businesses are ready to give up on the process. St. John led ISSA Show attendees through the five-step process of obtaining a MWBE certification. Step one: Determine your eligibility. This step entails ensuring you meet specific business ownership and demographic requirements. “Your business must be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by a woman and/or minority,” St. John explained. Step two: Gather all the required documents. These documents include personal and business tax returns, proof of ethnicity and gender, business licenses and permits, and bank signature cards, among others. Step three: Complete the application. St. John explained that applicants need to submit the application through a certifying agency. Step four: Complete a site visit or interview. This visit will often entail certifying representatives visiting your business to verify control and operations. “It does not matter if you run your business out of your home or an office, you still must complete this step,” St. John said. Step five: Enjoy final approval. Once approved, you’ll receive a certificate and be listed in official databases. “The day I received my certification was even more exciting than the day I received my college diploma,” St. John said.
At the ISSA Spotlight Event & Awards ceremony at ISSA Show North America on Tuesday, Kim Althoff delivered her first official address as the new executive director of ISSA, sharing a heartfelt message of gratitude, unity, and purpose. Her remarks reflected both deep respect for the association’s legacy and a clear vision for its future evolution as the “The Association for Cleaning & Facility Solutions.” Althoff began by acknowledging her predecessor, John Barrett, whose leadership she credited with taking ISSA “to profound new heights.” She expressed appreciation for his “unwavering dedication, impact, mentorship, and friendship,” emphasizing that his legacy will continue to guide the association for years to come. Stepping into the new role, Althoff said she felt “a deep sense of responsibility” rooted in her long career within the industry. “This community is built on hard work, integrity, and a shared commitment to making the world cleaner and safer,” she said. “I’m passionate about this work and passionate about all of you.” She reaffirmed that ISSA’s newly developed strategic plan is not merely a document but “a roadmap to better serve our members.” The focus, she said, is on purposeful innovation and clear, consistent leadership that prioritizes members’ success. Althoff outlined several core priorities for the organization. First, ISSA will tailor programs and services more specifically to the needs of each member segment—whether manufacturer, distributor, building service contractor, or in-house service professional. Second, the association will invest more heavily in relationship management. “That means getting to know you better—your business, your goals, your challenges—and working together to help your business thrive and succeed,” she said. “We want every member to be seen and heard. This is all about building stronger relationships and making sure ISSA is where you belong and where you have a partner you can count on.” One of the most notable announcements came as Althoff unveiled ISSA’s refreshed tagline: ISSA, the Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions. The new identity, she said, reflects the association’s inclusive and expanding scope across the entire cleaning and facility care ecosystem. “It reflects not only who we are today but also where we are headed,” Althoff explained. “It speaks to the full spectrum of organizations and professionals we serve. Cleaning and facility solutions are at the heart of healthy environments, and ISSA is proud to be a global leader in this space.” In closing, Althoff expressed sincere gratitude to ISSA members, partners, and staff, recognizing their commitment as the foundation of the association’s success. She offered special thanks to her family and colleagues—particularly the ISSA Hygieia Network community, including Linda Silverman, Meredith Reuben, and Carey Jaros—for their support and encouragement throughout her journey. “Because of your commitment, our association continues to thrive,” she said. “I am truly optimistic about what we can accomplish together. We are stronger together.” With her passion for people and purpose, Kim Althoff’s leadership signals a confident new chapter for ISSA—one grounded in collaboration, clarity, and the belief that the cleaning industry’s impact reaches far beyond its surface.
A panel representing all aspects of the cleaning industry kicked off opening day of ISSA Show North America 2025 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas with the goal of motivating attendees to reach out to their colleagues, build a personal network, and advance in the industry. “Let’s make the cleaning industry a career destination,” said Laura Craven, vice president of marketing for Imperial Dade, one of the four panelists. “There is something for everyone in this industry; a lot of opportunities for career growth.” “Start building your personal network today,” added panelist Laurie Sewell, president and CEO of Servicon Systems Inc. “Look around the room; introduce yourself. It’s one thing to share business cards, but you need to take that further by keeping in touch regularly.” Moderated by John Nothdurft, ISSA director of government affairs, the opening session explored common challenges facing the cleaning industry today, such as the successful implementation of new cleaning technology. Sewell said the best technology in the world won’t make a difference without employee buy-in. “Employees will want to know what’ s in it for them,” she explained. Sewell advised organizations to set up a change management process for technology, teaching staff how to use it correctly and dispelling their fears that the technology will eventually replace them. As the COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impression on the importance of cleanliness, rising cleaning expectations is another issue challenging the industry. Panelist Christoper Limon, executive officer of operations administration for the Los Angeles Metro public transportation system, said with over one million riders daily, the LA Metro started using artificial intelligence to funnel through customer complaints. By streamlining the customer service process, Metro was able to address more issues, which led to an increase in positive customer feedback and a decrease in complaints. Cleaning is not immune to politics, as evidenced by another common challenge Nothdurft posed to the panelists—tariffs. “What’s true today with tariffs maybe was not true yesterday and won’t be true tomorrow,” he quipped. Panelist Bob Robinson Jr., president of Kaivac Inc., believes the instability around tariffs will be a fact of life for the unforeseeable feature. “I’m sure you’ve all been at an amusement park and gone on a rollercoaster, strapped on the safety harness and hung on for dear life,” he said. “That’s what it’s like with tariffs.” Robison said Kaivac deals with the uncertainty by focusing on the factors it can control, such as systems to drive down waste. “By eliminating waste, we can help keep our prices steady,” he explained. Employee turnover and retention are perhaps the cleaning industry’s No. 1. challenge. All the panelists spoke of creating a culture that values staff by providing fair payment and opportunities for training and advancement. Labor issues were covered in more detail at a lively session, Love ‘em or Lose ‘em. Speaker Isaac Johnson, senior vice president of operations at Aramark Healthcare, revealed that the average cost of replacing a cleaning worker is estimated at over US$12,000, factoring in advertising, screening, interviewing, and onboarding costs. Employee engagement is crucial for avoiding turnover. Yet many organizations experience the red flags of employee disengagement, which Cindy Clayton, director of patient experiences at Aramark Healthcare, listed as low morale, high turnover, and decreased performance. “Employees stay when they feel heard, understood, and supported,” Clayton said. Will Smith, district manager of Aramamark Heathcare, revealed the results of a 2025 engagement survey conducted by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Employee engagement scores at the hospital improved 11% in the last year, from 82% in 2024 to 93% in 2025. Smith and the other speakers shared eight tips that have helped Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist with teammate engagement and retention: Strengthen daily communication: Implement consistent, purposeful huddles to align teams and reinforce opportunities. Support new teammates early: Prioritize rounding on new hires to ensure they feel welcomed, supported and heard. Increase leader presence: Boost leader visibility to foster trust and demonstrate commitment to frontline teams. Encourage honest dialogue: Create safe spaces for feedback where teammates feel comfortable sharing concerns and ideas. Follow through on feedback: Improve closing the loop to show responsiveness and build creativity with staff. Recognize and reward contributions: Enhance recognition efforts to acknowledge individual and team achievements meaningfully. Support overall wellness: Prioritize well-being by ensuring teammates feel supported, both personally and professionally. Build team culture through celebrations: Promote celebrations that strengthen and reinforce a positive work environment. Putting their words into practice, the speakers ended the education session with a mini-party featuring music, scratch-off cards for prizes, and Las Vegas-themed treat bags.
On day one of ISSA Show North America, the Empower Your Future: ISSA’s Hygieia Network Forum offered attendees a chance to connect, inspire, and elevate women in the cleaning industry. In the forum’s keynote address, Domanique Grant, an award-winning artist, global keynote speaker, and founder of The Imagine Summit—one of Canada’s largest professional development and wellness conferences for creatives, youth, and changemakers—challenged listeners to turn their limitations into a superpower. Grant shared her personal journey of resilience and learning differently and how she pivoted repeatedly on her path to becoming an award-winning artist, humanitarian, and business owner. “What people think you are capable of is none of your business,” Grant said. Instead, she offered neuroscience-backed strategies, to help leaders reframe personal and professional limitations into superpowers and not overlook these talents in traditional workplaces. “Organizations are underleveraging the diverse strengths within their teams—neurodiversity, lived experience, and cultural intelligence remain untapped leadership assets,” Grant said. In another inspiring presentation, Marti Walsh, vice president of marketing and customer experience at Kimberly-Clark Professional, advised attendees to prepare for inevitable changes. “You are the boss of your own career; nobody else,” Walsh said. “…Make sure how you want to show up is how other people see you.” Walsh cautioned that if you put all your chances of success into the control of your boss, you are going to lose. Those with a great boss have already hit the jackpot. But you must show them exactly where you want to go in your career, she said and be transparent in that conversation. In a women in the industry panel discussion moderated by Jeff Lancaster, vice president of sales at Hospeco, featured panelists Holly Jennings, director of sales at Clorox Professional Products Co.; Rebecca Barraza, vice president of business development and global sales leader at Network Distribution, Debbie Sardone, president at Speed Cleaning Inc.; Holly Borrego, head of cleaning products and performance, Americas at ISS Facility Services; and Karina Villasenor, vice president of human resources at 4M Building Solutions. The women answered questions on breaking barriers, talked about pivotal moments in their career journey, discussed collaboration across the industry, revealed solutions for overcoming challenges and setbacks, and offered advice for the next generation.
At ISSA Show North America 2025 on Monday, John Broer of Real Good Ventures used a simple metaphor—a traffic roundabout—to reframe management for today’s workplace. Yesterday’s “stoplight” model rewarded command-and-control; tomorrow’s leaders design systems that trust competent people to navigate with autonomy. The goal is to keep teams out of the “bosshole zone” by developing people, not just directing tasks. Broer’s core message in his Reinventing the Manager: Lessons from the Bossholes® landed in six big ideas: The problem is systemic. Many organizations still push high performers into management as the only path up, then starve them of training. The fix is structural: build wide, respected individual-contributor tracks and a narrow, selective path for people leadership. Change the concept of the “manager. Make the first line of every manager job description “Develop other people.” Manage the process, lead through influence, and give appropriate autonomy. Hiring must optimize job fit and manager fit from the start; if that upstream step is wrong, downstream engagement and performance suffer. Stop promoting the wrong people. Tenure and technical chops aren’t proxies for people leadership. Look for self-awareness, adaptability, delegation, reliability, curiosity, communication, and empathy—and ask candidates whether they truly want to manage humans. Trust and psychological safety are foundational. Don’t rely on gut feel. Use validated, simple, scalable assessments to help managers understand themselves and their impact. Pair “your data” with “team data” before deciding who should do what work. Treat EQ as non-negotiable. Emotional quotient skills—self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, motivation, empathy—can be taught and measured. Assess managers, coach gaps, and revisit regularly. People decisions backed by reliable data. Broer’s mantra is “data, not drama.” Engagement, retention, and performance rise when you sequence the work correctly: job fit → manager fit → team fit → culture as the result, not the remedy. The game plan Broer suggested the following for attendees: Make the manager’s role crystal clear: “Develop other people.” Make self-awareness a standard and use validated, simple, scalable assessments. Train managers to actively seek regular feedback (not once a year). Check engagement levels and act on the findings. Require onboarding and ongoing management/leadership development. Consider refitting managers back to contributor roles when it’s a better fit. Roundabouts work when drivers understand the rules and trust each other. So do teams.
ISSA Show North America 2025 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas from Nov. 10 to 13, is designed to connect you with the latest innovations, education, and people shaping the future of cleaning. The ISSA Show offers 30- to 60-minute education sessions from Monday, Nov. 10 through Thursday, Nov. 13, free for attendees with an All-Access Pass, in convention center classrooms and on the show floor. These more than 90 educational sessions and workshops are divided into 11 tracks, with nearly a dozen focused on Technology and Innovation. The Technology and Innovation Track delves into the latest advancements in cleaning equipment and software. Attendees can gain a good overview of the topic in the “Robotic Cleaning Devices, Capital Asset Management, AI-Driven Insights, & Cyber Security” session on Monday morning, where panelists will discuss processes for maintaining cleaning equipment, AI-driven insights, and the increasing use of robotics to augment human labor. The show floor opens at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, and you’ll want to arrive early. Over 600 exhibiting brands will fill the space with interactive demos, new product reveals, and experts ready to answer your questions. Also, be sure to explore the ISSA Innovation Showcase to discover the latest innovations in automation, compostables, and hygiene. For full details and registration, navigate to issashow.com.
One of the most exciting additions to this year’s ISSA Show North America in Las Vegas is The Global Collegiate Sales Competition (GCSC). For the first time, students from leading universities will bring their energy, skills, and determination to the show floor to compete head-to-head in a live sales challenge designed to showcase the next generation of talent. The GCSC, created in partnership between the ISSA Show and Virginia Tech, will feature 10 universities, each sending four students to take part in a series of challenges. Over two days, students will test their abilities in speed selling rounds, role-play scenarios based on real cleaning and facility products, and participate in a showdown in the ISSA Show’s Innovation Theater. “One of the key findings from our focus groups with attendees was how to attract the next generation to the cleaning industry,” explained Ed Nichols, the director of ISSA Show North America, responding to its addition to the show. In turn, ISSA Show learned about the prevalence of the sales curriculum at Virginia Tech and many of today’s universities and incorporated the competition into the show. This is not a classroom exercise, Nichols stressed. The competition mirrors the real-life sales situations these young professionals will soon face in the workplace. The winners won’t just take home cash prizes; they’ll earn recognition in front of an audience packed with industry leaders, exhibitors, and potential employers. The competitors will spend the week networking with suppliers, attending sessions, and connecting with attendees at the ISSA Show. For companies seeking bright, motivated talent, this is an opportunity to observe students in action under real-world pressure. “Not only are we going to see a great performance by these students, but there will be potential job opportunities for them as well,” Nichols said. The details When: Preliminary rounds begin Nov. 12. The finals and awards will take place on Nov. 13 in the Innovation Theater on the show floor. Who’s competing: Competing universities include Virginia Tech; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Ball State University; Texas A&M University; California State University, Chico; Idaho State University; Weber State University; Boise State University; University of Southern California; and California State University, Fullerton. What to expect: Speed selling challenges, role-play presentations, and live finals—judged by industry professionals. Learn more here on the ISSA Show website.
The Indoor Environmental Healthcare and Hospitality Association (IEHA), a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, proudly announces the 35th annual IEHA Housekeeping Olympics, taking place Monday, Nov. 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. PST at the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Teams from across the hospitality and healthcare sectors, including hotels, hospitals, clinics, and other facilities—will compete for the prestigious grand prize trophy in a high-energy display of skill and teamwork. The event is hosted in conjunction with ISSA Show North America 2025, the industry’s largest annual gathering, drawing over 12,000 professionals from 75+ countries. This year, IEHA further expands participation into the healthcare sector, showcasing its vital role within the ISSA Healthcare Platform. “The Housekeeping Olympics offers a unique opportunity for cleaning professionals in hospitality and healthcare to unite, celebrate their expertise, and engage in friendly competition,” said IEHA Executive Director Michael Patterson. “We’re excited to welcome more environmental services teams and building service contractors from medical environments to recognize their dedication to safe and hygienic facilities.” Participating teams will compete in fun, creative, and classic challenges such as precision bed-making, mop relays, and rapid vacuum races, representing their organizations and demonstrating best practices, innovative techniques, and team spirit. Winners and standout teams are acknowledged through industry media and celebrated in front of their peers. Sponsorship of the Housekeeping Olympics offers organizations a powerful platform to showcase their brand in front of thousands of cleaning and facility professionals from around the world. Sponsors receive recognition before, during, and after the event—through signage, announcements, and industry media coverage—while aligning with an energetic, highly visible celebration of frontline cleaning excellence. Customized sponsorship packages are available to fit a variety of budgets and engagement goals. For more information about team registration, sponsorship, or attending the event, visit the Housekeeping Olympics website.
ISSA Show North America 2025—the annual trade show that brings together leaders from the commercial, institutional, and residential cleaning industry—is open for registration. The show takes place Nov. 10-13 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Along with workshops and certification courses, the ISSA Show offers 30- to 60-minute education sessions, free for attendees with an All-Access Pass, in convention center classrooms and on the show floor. These more than 90 educational sessions and workshops are divided into 11 tracks. The Business Growth track comprises 15 sessions. On Monday, Nov. 10 kick-off the first day of education in a thought-provoking, expert-led industry forecast. On Monday afternoon, attend, “Becoming Closer to the Customer,” whose speakers will focus on transaction versus trust-based relationship selling and strengthening long-term relationships. On Tuesday, Nov. 11, attend “Clone the Owner® 2.0: How to Build a Business That Doesn’t Break When You Step Away,” hosted by Dean Mercado, Online Marketing Muscle CEO and master coach. Mercado reveals the strategic blueprint for creating a company that thrives—even when the owner steps away. The track also includes a building service contractor panel, “Develop a Winning Strategy for Employee Recruitment AND Retention,” on Wednesday morning. A panel of industry experts will explore recruitment techniques to identify and attract the best candidates for your workforce, along with best practices for building a company culture that values employee development and satisfaction. Additionally, the show floor opens at 10 a.m. on Tuesday and features the Business Solutions Theater, where quick-hit sessions tackle marketing, recruitment, and business growth ideas. For full details and registration, navigate to issashow.com.
Keeping up with industry changes isn’t easy, but ISSA Show North America 2025 makes it possible. The show takes place Nov. 10-13 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The education program kicks off Monday morning and runs through Thursday. You can choose from a variety of full-day or half-day workshops or certification courses, such as: IEHA’s Certified Environmental Services Executive (CESE)/ Registered Environmental Services Executive (RESE) credential: This three-day program is ideal for facility service professionals in the healthcare and hospitality sector of the cleaning industry. IEHA’s Master Environmental Services Registered Executive (MESRE)/Master Environmental Services Certified Executive (MESCE) credential: This two-day master’s program is designed for elite members who are committed to continuous improvement and professionalism in their field. ISSA’s Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) Certification Expert (CCE) credential: This workshop is for professionals in the industrial, commercial, residential, and public venue cleaning industry who want to learn the principles of effective cleaning management. Certified Workloading Specialist (CWS) program: Taught in Spanish, this updated course offers a workloading strategy with the ability to rebuild today's cleaning culture toward one of efficiency, innovation, balanced workload, and high-performance thinking. BSCAI’s Bidding & Estimating Seminars: Held in conjunction with the ISSA Show, the Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI’s) Contracting Success 2025 show features two Bidding and Estimating Seminars. The 101-level seminar is designed for leaders and sales professionals who are ready to transition from residential and specialty cleaning clients to commercial janitorial customers. The 201-level seminar is intended for individuals seeking to enhance their best practices and elevate their skills to the next level.
The annual trade show that brings together leaders from the commercial, institutional, and residential cleaning industry—ISSA Show North America 2025—is open for registration. The show takes place Nov. 10-13 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Starting Sunday, Nov. 9, the show offers more than 90 educational sessions and workshops with dedicated tracks for building service contractors (BSCs), facility services professionals, and environmental services staff in the healthcare and hospitality industries. The show floor opens on Tuesday, Nov. 11, spotlighting the latest products and innovations in the cleaning industry. Attendees have numerous networking opportunities throughout the show, from happy hours and roundtable discussions to breakfasts and evening social events. Visit issashow.com to register, receive Las Vegas hotel and travel discounts, and learn how the show can help you grow your business.
