Although shy of its numbers from previous years, the CleanScene trade show – co-located with the Safety in Action show – compensated with some of the latest technological cleaning innovations from Europe and a number of impressive exhibitor stands all bidding for the show’s infamous ‘best stand’ trophy.
Held at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 15 to 17 September, the National Cleaning Suppliers Association (NCSA) reinstated the Innovative Product awards this year and also organised the gala dinner at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, at which the Legends of the Industry plaque was awarded for the second year.
The Legends plaque was fittingly bestowed to Terry Fraser, retired NCSA CEO, for his great contribution to the industry and the Association. “Over the last 40 to 50 years this man has contributed more to the industry than most people know,” shared NCSA national president Stuart Nicol. “Terry was a very colourful character in this industry back in the 70s and I met him after he launched Rotobic Aussie Products into the Australian market, which was the first company to introduce the backpack vacuum and suction polisher into the country. These were innovations not just here but worldwide and Terry was at the forefront of that evolution.
“While there were many changes in direction throughout Terry’s career, he came back to support and lead the NCSA and we believe he fits the mould of someone who has contributed so much and helped change the dynamics of the people, places and products within this industry. All in all he has done us very proud,” added Nicol.
Due to ill health, accepting the award on behalf of her father was Susanne Fraser who said it was an honour to receive such commendation for her dad. “For those who have never met him, my father is a man of great vision and inventiveness; he has contributed considerably to the way the commercial cleaning industry delivers its services today,” shared Fraser. “Dad also devoted much of his time to the NCSA because he believed in the Association and passes on his honoured thanks to be recognised with this award.”
The awards for best stand were announced next with Abco receiving Best Small Stand (under 18 square metre), Rubbermaid Newell for Best Large Stand (over 18 square metre) and E.D. Oates taking out the overall win and cup with Best Display of the show. National industrial sales manager Lucas Paris accepted the award stating that Oates optimises what it is trying to achieve in the industry by covering all aspects of business in the market.
“At Oates we go out of our way to invest time money and effort into the show, and we do this so that we do get a lot out of it. We invest in our product to see the rewards,” noted Paris. “Oates will be there for as long as the show keeps going. This is the first time we’ve won the best stand trophy and now we will go all out to hold onto it for a few years running.”
The final award of the night was the Innovative Product award which Nicol admitted was a tough decision and was tasked to two independent judges to select the most innovative product at the show. With competition such as Conquest’s Genie XS scrubbing machine and Fleetcare’s Eureka On-Site Escalator and Travelator deep cleaner, the decision came down to technological advancements and was therefore awarded to Abco for the ‘revolutionary cleaning’ i-mop. The award was accepted by Daniele Puglia from US Group.
For more event photos visit INCLEAN’s photo album.
