The long-awaited ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo has returned to Sydney, giving the industry the opportunity to come together for two days of education, networking, and business building.

The free-to-attend event, and only show in the southern hemisphere dedicated to the cleaning and hygiene industry, welcomed business owners, suppliers, facility managers, purchasing officers, building service contractors, and more than 80 exhibitors.

“We have been thrilled to see the industry reunited in-person after more than two years. The show floor has been buzzing and the wait has been worth it,” said Lauren Micallef, ISSA Oceania manager.

“There has been something for everyone at the event from education seminars, training workshops, and networking opportunities. Exhibitors have also raised the bar this year, with their products, services, and stands on display.”

Stuart Nicol, ISSA Oceania advisory council chair, said the feedback from exhibitors following the first day has been extremely positive.

“The standard from exhibitors has once again been raised, and we have seen a broader range of customers from across the country attend the expo.”

Leaders share insights

Former Sydney Swans AFL star Michael O’Loughlin kicked off this year’s education program, discussing his journey from AFL to the building services industry.

O’Loughlin, who is managing director of ARA Indigenous Services, is also an advocate and mentor in the Indigenous community.

During the program’s first panel session, Tim Edmonson, managing director of Edco Cleaning Products and Oliver Lazarevic, CEO of Supply Clusters, discussed how their businesses adapted during COVID and shared learnings since the pandemic.

“It’s not so much that the rule book has been thrown out the window [since COVID], the game is still the same, it just feels like there is twice as many opponents, the field size has changed, and even the referee is against you,” said Edmonson.

“It’s a matter of using the experience you have, relying on the knowledge developed over the years, and assessing each situation individually, and then making the best decision you can.

“Don’t be afraid to change course if that first decision isn’t working. Always be willing to review what you have done.”

Edmonson and Lazarevic also discussed the importance of building and maintaining supplier relationships.

“Having deep relationships with your key partners is absolutely critical because during tough times they are the ones that you lean on,” said Lazarevic.

During a panel discussion on social sustainability, Gareth Marriott, managing director of OCS Australia and New Zealand, spoke of the importance of company culture.

“In this industry, your people are your biggest asset. If you get the people element right, you will be a successful organisation.

“If you don’t have the right culture within your organisation, you won’t be able to entice or encourage the next generation,” said Marriott.

Another highlight was the program’s innovation panel, where delegates discussed  emerging technologies in the cleaning industry.

“Artificial intelligence, robotics, and evidence-based cleaning are the next trends that we as an industry are only at the start of,” said Mark Phelan, commercial director, Fruendenberg Home & Cleaning Solutions.

Thomas Culver, founder, The Robot Factory, said the industry needs to embrace to robotics.

“It’s not true that the robots are coming, they are already here,” said Culver.

More broadly, the education program ensured visitors from all areas of the cleaning and hygiene industry received practical advice from industry experts.

Day two of the education program will see business leaders discuss topics such as infectious disease prevention, the importance of collaboration between BSCs and FMs, and delivering successful tenders and quotes.

INCLEAN Excellence Awards

The highly anticipated 2022 INCLEAN Excellence Awards were announced following the conclusion of the first day.

The INCLEAN Excellence Awards seek to distinguish and showcase innovative and progressive products and services within the cleaning industry.

(Read more about the awards here)

The ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo is free to attend and provides access to the show floor and a chance to meet with more than 80 leading exhibitors, along with attendance to the speaker theatre and networking events.

The ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo continues tomorrow (Thursday, 15 September) at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Sydney.

Read more about the ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo is the November/December issue of INCLEAN magazine. 

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