Wrap-up of highly successful ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo Australia in Melbourne.

The opening of the first ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo Australia. From left: Dianna Steinbach, ISSA, John Barrett, ISSA, Kim Taranto, ISSA, Stuart Nichol, Quipment and Simon Cooper, Interpoint Events

The inaugural ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo Australia, which took place on 9 to 10 May in Melbourne, has been deemed a great success by organisers, exhibitors and visitors alike.

This year’s show was a sell-out, after having previously been extended to include additional exhibitors.

Winter Olympic medalist Alisa Camplin delivered the show’s first ever Australian keynote, followed by business coach Mike Clark, with the session sponsored by Abco Products.

The Education Program included more than 20 speakers across a variety of sectors including cleaning, healthcare, infection prevention, risk management, technology and facility management.

Another first for the show was the launch of the ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo app, giving delegates more access and information than ever before.

The ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo app enabled users to view the event schedule, education sessions, floor plan and exhibitors, with delegates also able to contact each other via the app’s messaging platform.

The INCLEAN Innovation Awards, announced following the first day of the trade-show, also received a record number of entries.

Kim Taranto, ISSA Oceania Manager, described the sold-out show as a “turning point” for Australia’s cleaning industry.

“After decades of fighting to remain relevant, professionals of all levels and from all company types took one more chance on the market and were beaming with pride at the new energy they felt in the expo aisles and sessions,” she said.

“From a personal and professional perspective, it is fantastic to see the industry unite again after being fragmented for so long – this is the driving force we needed to enforce change and raise the profile of what we do and what we stand for.

“With a strong team working together – ISSA, Interpoint Events and INCLEAN magazine – along with the support and backing of the industry, we truly can create something amazing. I hope this first ISSA Expo has opened people’s eyes and they can see that ISSA is committed to this industry and the people that make it great.”

ISSA’s first Australian keynote and Winter Olympic gold medallist Alisa Camplin with former INCLEAN editor Alan Hardcastle

Simon Cooper, managing director of organiser Interpoint Events and publisher of INCLEAN magazine, said the show delivered an excellent return for exhibitors and visitors and has been warmly welcomed by the cleaning industry.

“This was reflected in the exhibition hall selling out, with more than 70 exhibitors and attendance significantly increased on previous years,” he said.

“The co-location with National Manufacturing Week was welcomed whilst an improved education program drew standing room audiences at many sessions. Along with a record number of entries for the INCLEAN Awards the industry is in a strong position for future development.”

Cummins Facility Services’ president Jill Frey with ISSA’s John Barrett

Dianna Steinbach, ISSA Director Europe, Middle East, Africa and Oceania said the enthusiasm and energy felt from exhibitors and attendees by the end of the first day was astounding.

“It was fantastic to see so many shiny pennies at the ISSA Expo that were once tarnished and jaded – hardworking people who had almost given up on their own industry,” she said.

“I commend each and every one for embracing the ISSA values and believing that together we can make a difference. With so many great ideas flowing from the ISSA Advisory Council and Exhibition Committee we are already underway for the 2018 ISSA Expo, which is only going to bigger and better – the only way is up.”

Read more about the ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo in the upcoming July/August issue of INCLEAN magazine.

Check out some of the highlights in the image gallery below