IEHA.orgWelcome to Chicago! To prepare for our 50th Conference and Convention, we’ve been digging through the IEHA archives and have uncovered some spectacular bits of IEHA history that we’re excited to share with you. Did you know that IEHA held its third “Congress” (the original name for our annual gatherings) in May 1936 right here at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago? So 85 years ago, there was a group of people who shared very similar titles and responsibilities, convening in virtually the same place, so they could stay educated on the latest processes and technology to do their jobs, while also having a little fun in the process?
Amazing, right? Our Association’s history is so rich with amazing people and ideas that have pushed the cleaning profession forward.
To celebrate our 50th Conference and Convention, we’ve got a great line-up of all-star IEHA leaders who have helped guide the organization to where we are today. The theme of this year’s convention is “Building a Better Tomorrow through Teamwork” and will examine various aspects of leadership and teamwork. Before you check out the convention line-up below, visit www.ieha.org/convention to register online - it’s not too late to join us!
Friday, Oct. 21
The activities kick off bright and early on Friday with the REH/CEH Boot Camp, which is a two-day intense classroom style review session with an instructor. If you’ve been studying for your certification but would benefit from a comprehensive review session before you take the exam, we’d highly suggest this option. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and class starts promptly at 8 a.m. in the Shakespeare Room.
Saturday, Oct. 22
Boot Camp will continue through most of the day on Sunday in the Shakespeare Room. Participants will take their exams at 1 p.m. If you know anyone who will be taking the exam, make sure to send them any good luck messages before 1 p.m. CT!
Sunday, Oct. 23
The doors to our registration desks will open bright and early Sunday morning at 8 a.m. You’ll have a few hours to take a stroll down the Chicago River or maybe do some quick shopping on the Magnificent Mile before we kick off the first in our CEU credited educational sessions at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. IEHA’s Executive Committee will lead a Chapter Leadership, Growth and Development Workshop in the Sauganash Room designed for any IEHA member who wishes to become more involved and help grow the organization at a local level. While the sessions will be focused on Chapter leadership, you’ll gain practical advice and insights into organizing and leading any group.
Later that evening, we’ll convene for an evening of fun! Celebrating the “team” theme, please wear the apparel of your favorite sports team (collegiate or professional) to our Welcome Party which will kick off at 7 p.m. in the LaSalle Room. This can include t-shirts, sweatshirts or jerseys-with jeans. One of the most fun and lively events of the week, the Welcome Party will have drinks, delicious hors d’oeuvres and a DJ who will keep us dancing all night long. This is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and if you’re new to the Association, meet some new industry colleagues.
Monday, Oct. 24
Monday is a full day of education followed by a whole lot of fun! The day begins promptly at 7:30 a.m. in the Sauganash Room with a Breakfast and Learn session facilitated by IEHA Past President Harry Kendrick, MREH who will discuss the various aspects of what it takes to be an effective leader.
After a short break, we’ll reconvene in the Sauganash Room for a showcase of some of the new products and technologies that help cleaning professionals provide cleaner, safer and more efficient operations. You’ll get a chance to speak one-on-one with vendors who can suggest practical solutions to whatever cleaning-related challenge you might be facing. Be sure to thank the vendors for their support of our Association! The showcase will be open all day — between education sessions, during lunch and after the presentations.
IEHA Past President Sherry Sidwell, MREH, will kick off the next educational session at 10 a.m. on “Integrated Support Services: A Team Approach to an Effective Service Delivery.” This will be followed by a five-minute Vendor Moment where you’ll get a chance to hear directly from some of our vendors about the innovations and solutions they offer.
Just before lunch, Ed Vizvarie, REH, of IEHA’s Vert Mont Chapter will speak on “Coaching for Success,” and provide tips to fostering growth and development on your team.
Following a 12 p.m. luncheon and vendor showcase, IEHA Past President Anna Rodriguez, MREH, will speak on key strategies for effective mentorship in “Mentoring a Rewarding Journey” at 1:30 p.m. Following a vendor moment, IEHA Past President Gene Woodard will share details of an ergonomics program he’s been working on in “Participatory Ergonomics: Reducing Cleaners’ Discomfort” at 2:30 p.m.
Following a short break, we’ll reconvene to conclude the day with a town hall style question and answer session titled “Ask the Coaches.” If you have any burning questions regarding the current or future operations of the organization or the industry, this is a great opportunity to ask them.
We’ll close out the day celebrating our 50th Conference and Convention Banquet in the Wolf Point Ballroom. Catch up with friends or meet some new contacts during our social hour which will start at 7 p.m. just outside the banquet room. Doors to the banquet will open at 8 p.m. Attire for this event is business/semi-formal and will feature a great meal followed by a short awards presentation and dancing.
Tuesday, Oct. 25
After our evening of fun, we’ll start Tuesday bright and early in the Sauganash Room with another Breakfast and Learn session at 7:45 a.m. IEHA Past President and infection control guru Darrel Hicks, MREH, CHESP, will present a session on “The Power of Cleaning and Disinfection in the 21st Century.”
Following a short break, we’ll conclude our educational tract for the day with our dynamic keynote speaker, Ada Baldwin, MREH who will present “Whoosh! Leading Your Team to Victory.”
Our business session and awards presentation will begin promptly at 10 a.m. We’ve experienced a lot of positive changes recently, so if you’re a member, come prepared with any questions. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to hear what’s next for the Association.
We’ll also be offering an optional bus tour of the City of Chicago. Space is limited, and seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. A suggested donation of $20.00 is recommended and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the IEHA Education Foundation.
Later that evening, President Michael Patterson will host a President’s Reception in the LaSalle Room which is open to all members. Please join us for a little informal gathering with light appetizers, drink and dancing.
Wednesday, Oct. 21 - Friday, Oct. 23
Before you head over to McCormick Place Convention Center for the ISSA Tradeshow, make sure you have your wristband!
IEHA’s bus service will pick up outside the hotel by the Merchandise Mart. Please see the bus schedule for a full list of times, but if you want to see ISSA’s Keynote Speaker Rob O’Neill at 8 a.m., make sure you catch either the 7 a.m. or 7:15 a.m. bus. O’Neill is a former Navy SEAL and a legend in the U.S. military. His session is titled “Never Quit.”
Exhibits will be open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Please take the time to stop by our booth #2464 and say hello! We’d also encourage all members to stop by the booths of some of our supporting sponsors to thank them for their time at our 50th Conference and Convention.
Thursday begins with keynote speaker Dennis Miller at 8 a.m. The acclaimed comedian, talk-show host, sports commentator and actor will present “The Big Speech: A Unique Take on Politics, Celebrity and Society’s Most Idiotic Foibles.”
While education will take place on the show floor for most of the day, make sure to stop by the Educational Theater (booth 5262) to listen to IEHA’s President Michael Patterson, MREH speak on “Bridging the Gap between Infection Control and Environmental Services” at 12 p.m.
The convention will conclude on Friday with exhibits open from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at the convention center. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak will provide the closing keynote presentation “Going for Great: A Moderated Q&A with the Woz” at 1 p.m.
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