From housekeeper health to cleaning with smart water to leadership development, the IEHA convention is an essential self and business development event, complete with international networking and Las Vegas-style fun.

It’s almost that time again! IEHA is once again rolling out the red carpet for its members and other attendees. We will all be heading to Las Vegas November 16-20, 2013, for our 47th Annual Conference and Convention. This year, IEHA is headquartered at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, right on the Las Vegas Strip and a short walk from dozens of attractions, day and night.

Before you check out the convention lineup below, visit www.ieha.org/convention for information regarding online registration, and member ticket packages. Don’t miss this great opportunity to make connections with other IEHA members along with tons of new equipment/services/etc., while also advancing your career and improving your own skills.

The activities kick off bright and early on Saturday, Nov. 14th, with the REH/CEH Certification Boot Camp, which is a two-day intense study session with an instructor. If you’ve been thinking of earning your certification but haven’t had the time, consider attending Boot Camp. Spaces are still available!

Anyone with a Red Carpet Package or Complete Convention Package will want to arrive before 8 p.m. so as not to miss IEHA’s Welcome Reception with drinks, hors d’oeuvres and dancing. It’s a Denim and Diamonds party, so feel free to rock your favorite blue jeans with a touch of classic glitz — diamonds, rhinestones and anything that sparkles in the light.

While Boot Camp continues on Sunday, the first day of education sessions will be underway at 8:00 a.m. John Scherberger starts off the day with Unlocking the Secrets of Diversity, followed by Robin McKinney presenting Are You Healthy Enough to Lead? Between sessions, you’ll have a 10-minute break.

Quality Tools in Housekeeping will be presented by Liz Lycette who’s flown in from Australia for the event, and Robert Powitz will cap off the afternoon with a talk about Vapor Technology and “Smart Water.”

Monday begins with the 8 a.m. Vendor Showcase Breakfast. Grab a bite to eat and meet with vendors who support IEHA and recognize the value of consulting with the decision-makers in hospitality and environmental services. The showcase will be open all day — between education sessions, during lunch and after the presentations.

Education starts off with David Green’s Engagement, Heart and Mind, followed by Master REH Frank Pessolano’s Business Critical Leadership Development.

Following a 12 p.m. luncheon, Brian Benz and Sister Martha Ann Reich of IEHA’s Education Committee will present on Training the Trainer, an overview of the changes to IEHA’s popular Frontline program and also several ideas on how to make your chapter meetings work better!  Mark Mason will finish off the education sessions with his presentation, Housekeepers Driving the New Day in Health Care.

Starting on Tuesday, the first of ISSA’s three keynote speakers, former Blue Angels pilot John Foley, begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center. ISSA Exhibits will be open from 9:30 am–5:00 pm.

Wednesday begins with keynote speaker Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com, at 8:30 a.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center with exhibits open until 5:30 pm.

Take some time to stop by the IEHA Booth 2595 to review all of the new publications and information regarding membership. The convention will conclude Thursday with exhibits open from 9:30 am–1:30 pm. at the convention center. We hope to see you in Las Vegas! 

Beth B. Risinger is the CEO/Executive Director for the IEHA, located in Westerville, Ohio. She has been with the association since 1987 and has more than thirty-seven years of experience in the society and association fields.