US cleaning firms question value of trade shows

29th of October 2012
US cleaning firms question value of trade shows

Many companies are now questioning the value of attending trade exhibitions, explains US correspondent Ron Segura.

Here in the United States organisations have been deciding whether or not to attend the annual BSCAI/ISSA Convention in Chicago. For many companies the past year has been tough financially and to spend money on travel and lodging seems out of the question. I thought I would give you a quick overview of what will be taking place in the city of Chicago from October 14-20 and some comments from those who will be attending.

The BSCAI Convention will take place October 18-20 with members having the opportunity to attend ISSA events, but they will also gather for a programme specific to the building service contractor.

BSCAI has selected and categorised all 25+ hours of this year’s annual convention education sessions and special seminars dependent on company size from small, to medium, to large - guaranteeing delegates attend only the education and networking opportunities pertinent to their company.

"My goal is to look for latest industry innovations in education and tools. Every time I'm able to take something new back to our organisation, or the understanding that we are on the cutting edge already," said Daniel Montes, ceo of Reliable Concepts Corporation in California. "The connections to people in our industry in other parts of the nation and world are very beneficial."

"The biggest benefit is everything I take back to my company," added Daniel Montes of Brilliant General Maintenance, also in California. "Whether it’s a new product/equipment or new contacts around the country to help grow our business."

ISSA/INTERCLEAN is the one event when all associations and the commercial and institutional cleaning industry come together to do business. In 2012, ISSA will welcome American journalism icon Tom Brokaw as the keynote speaker, the return of Don Aslett's Museum of Clean exhibit, and an expanded Innovation Product Showcase.

"The Chicago trade show this year will again host all the major trade organisations all in one place at one time, an amazing accomplishment for the associations, for the exhibitors and attendees," commented Janitorial Growth Solutions' Ed Selkow. "The scale and breadth of our industry is showcased, punctuated with the innovation that will be driving profitability for the next decades."

Networking opportunities among industry peers, a chance to learn from others and the camaraderie among fellow company owners are equally as important and provide an oasis of personal as well as professional renewal. Every company owner knows the reality of the maxim that it is lonely at the top and this trade show offers a rare chance to see your true place in this exciting industry.

The Association of Residential Cleaning Services International will be attending ISSA/INTERCLEAN and members will be able to attend sessions that deal specifically with the residential cleaning industry. Meanwhile facility management association IEHA's 46th annual conference is taking place - members will also be able to attend the ISSA/INTERCLEAN show.

Speaking as a consultant and an attendee for many years, the week in Chicago will be a nonstop series of meetings, networking, and an attempt to remember all the latest information that will be flying around the McCormick Center in Chicago!

 

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