Expo puts health and hygiene on the radar

The plaudits have come thick and fast for the cleaning sector during COVID-19 — and justifiably so.

Cleaners, chemical suppliers and hygiene-products distributors have been at the forefront of saving lives and safeguarding hospitals, aged-care centres and healthcare facilities during the pandemic. In many cases, they have put their own health at risk.

This hard-won respect and reflections on high-touchpoint cleaning and the use of chemicals will be among the big discussion points as the cleaning world reconnects at the 2022 ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo in Sydney on September 14–15.

ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, is hosting the event at the Sydney International Convention Centre, where cleaning contractors, product distributors and healthcare representatives will be among the crowd.

Lauren Micallef, Oceania Manager ISSA, says the Expo is the first chance since the outbreak of COVID-19 for the wider cleaning industry to come together to acknowledge its impact on health and hygiene during COVID-19. “This is a real opportunity for the industry to celebrate its efforts over the past two years and to discuss strategies to excel in the years to come,” Micallef says.

This year’s event will feature more than 3000 attendees, 70 exhibitors, more than 40 speakers, 16 free-to-attend speaker sessions, plus four other workshops.

Product showcase

Mark Phelan, Commercial Director – Professional at Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions, is one of those who will be attending. He says the Expo is the “perfect stage” to introduce new products and solutions to the market. “We’re looking to this event to show our cleaning solutions and see what the other exhibitors are proposing,” he says.

One of Freudenberg’s brands, Vileda Professional, has been developing and manufacturing cleaning systems for the healthcare market across Europe for more than 25 years and is known for its microfibre mops, among other products. While showcasing products will be important, Phelan believes that making connections and understanding the latest trends in healthcare and other sectors is the key. “It’s the possibility to talk to people, understand what the new directions and challenges are and be inspired to improve and be better in what we do.”

The two-day, free-to-attend event in Darling Harbour is the only show in the southern hemisphere that is dedicated to the cleaning and hygiene industry. Exhibitors will unveil their latest products, services and innovations.

Dr Greg Whiteley, Executive Chairman of Whiteley, says the Expo is a vital part of the cleaning industry, “especially this year as it gives all attendees the ability to tap into the latest industry trends as businesses emerge from COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions”.

“Our industry is dynamic and everything is subject to constant change and evolution,” he says. “If you do not keep up with changes, new products and technologies, as well as changes in processes, then you and your business will be left behind the competition. You will ultimately run the risk of losing business to your competitors. Sometimes the changes only benefit your customers, but there are often other innovations that will improve profitability for those that adopt the changes effectively and in a timely manner.”

Educational focus

The education program at the Expo promises to be a highlight and will include presentations from Dr Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, Senior Director at the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, and Dr Whiteley, whose ongoing research interests focus on biofilms found within healthcare settings, healthcare hygiene, and the cleanliness of medical devices.

Education sessions will cover a wide range of important topics, including corporate social responsibility; technology and innovation; aged-care cleaning and hygiene; the risk of working with chemicals; the importance of collaboration; coping with change; and delivering successful tenders and quotes.

“One of the things that the pandemic has brought to the table is the lack of education in some parts of the industry about disinfecting and how to maintain effective cleaning regimes,” says Stuart Nicol, ISSA Advisory Council chair and a director of Quipment. “The Expo’s education sessions will help address that.”

To register for free to attend the 2022 ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo, visit www.issacleaninghygieneexpo.com.