BSCs Build a Professional Network

Being the chief editor a popular magazine has gifted me with tens of thousands of experts at my disposal, and the ability to build a network of specialists I can rely on. But that doesn't happen in a vacuum — I have to get out there and connect with people face-to-face. 

This is why this is my favorite time of year. It's the start of my trade show season, which kicks off with Building Service Contractors Association International's (BSCAI) Contracting Success Conference in Las Vegas. This event highlights networking at its finest. Small group roundtables, receptions, promotion of peer groups — there are options abound to share ideas with experts.  

That event is co-located with ISSA where networking with product and equipment manufacturers is aplenty. It's a great way to get hands-on with top products and scope out emerging trends. 

Trade show season flows into 2026 with BSCAI's CEO Seminar, a January event focused on top management and their challenges. This is a more intimate outing, structured to encourage networking and the exchange of ideas. (It also doesn't hurt that the event is in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, during winter in Wisconsin.) 

Fast forward to March and you'll find our team at Clean Buildings, held in Charlotte, North Carolina, in conjunction with NFMT East. This one is unique because it combines cleaning education, networking, and expo with other facility/property management topics and professionals. The event promotes opportunities to network and learn about both cleaning and other diversified service offerings to help BSCs grow their business. 

In April, I'll fly off to the Netherlands to attend Interclean Amsterdam, the world's largest cleaning event. For those able to travel abroad, this is a remarkable experience to network and exchange best practices with cleaning professionals from around the world. I highly recommend attending at least once. It’s an opportunity to see product trends on a global scale, which often influence the industry here at home in the states.  

Technology has given us opportunities to stay connected, but nothing compares to the benefits of face-to-face interaction. Forging these relationships allows professionals to build a network of resources. So, when you're stumped on a problem or just need to bounce an idea off someone who has experienced what you're going through, you have people to talk to. 

In the meantime, I'm happy to share what I know or help make connections for you. And if you're attending any of these events, please stop me to say hello!