• “I attend industry-focused trade shows for two reasons: 1) It is the relationship with our business partners that is supported with our attendance. 2) It provides us with update information on practices, equipment, trends, etc., that are critical to our staying current in our profession.”
  — Brian Wormwood, Assistant Director, Physical Plant at University of Central Florida
  
  
• “Attending and becoming involved in industry-focused trade shows usually are a ‘rare treat’ in that the focus — at least in our region — is on new products and proven methods of techniques used in the industry. We find it as a form of practice-practice-practice, that is valuable and worth revisiting. Our workforce is a mixture of much experienced, not a lot of experience, and always, new hires. So, trade shows are our opportunity to evaluate ‘how we are doing’ in our employee training and in our day-to-day regimen. Updated equipment demos are valuable also, as well as the entertainment and fun things that usually accompany a gathering of this type. All in all, they are informative and pleasurable!”
  — George Kom, Custodial Coordinator at Idaho State University
  
  
• “I attend trade shows because in the electronic security industry the products are always being improved and you have to keep up with the changes within the industry. Also, it helps to network with your peers within the industry to exchange ideas and to help each other to solve problems and create solutions for them.”
  — Kim Harris, Electronic Systems Technician at North Georgia College & State University

October Question:
What is your biggest end of year/winter weather challenge?
E-mail Housekeeping Solutions your response and look for the results in the October issue of the eReader.

The end of the year is always a busy time in the cleaning industry as manufacturers travel from trade show to trade show touting new and innovative products, and consumers flock to test them out. After a quick glance at the calendar, it is obvious that this year is no different. But what should in-house cleaning managers do to prepare themselves for the shows?

First, it is essential to budget for the end-of-year shows because they might often require travel and accommodations, in addition to show registration and daily expenses.

Secondly, know what you want to get out of the show. If new products are your main focus, watch for industry publications to announce what to look for in their pre-show issues and map out those manufacturers at the show in advance. If educational opportunities are your key objective, scheduling can be easy by using timelines that are available prior to the show.

Finally, know your facility. Identifying cleaning times in preparation for a show will be tremendously useful when comparing new products to existing cleaning methods within your facility.