Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 5th March 2026 Issue no. 1200
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ISSA VEO Conference: A celebration of Latino power and recognition
Energy and enthusiasm continue to build toward a hugely anticipated event - the inaugural ISSA VEO Conference - Visión. Empeño. Oportunidad - set to take place in Chicago at the Fairmont Hotel, 29th -30th September 2025, during National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Latinos are the unsung heroes of the commercial cleaning world - the invisible force that keeps schools, hospitals, government buildings and businesses spotless and safe. VEO is a movement by ISSA to empower, elevate and celebrate Hispanic professionals who represent nearly 70% of the cleaning industry's frontline workforce, which is 2.5 million workers strong.
With high-energy keynotes, bilingual programming and excellent networking opportunities, the VEO Conference will honour the Hispanic community while accelerating excellence in business, leadership and innovation.
"We launched ISSA VEO this summer as a long-term commitment to Hispanic advancement," explains ISSA executive director John Barrett. "Now the excitement is building. The conference will celebrate Hispanic heritage and provide powerful tools, connections and inspiration for the future."
At this high-energy event, attendees will hear from a powerhouse line-up of leaders and changemakers, including:
* Rebecca Contreras, former White House advisor and bestselling author on leadership resilience
* María Cardona, principal at Dewey Square Group, CNN commentator, and one of the most influential Latinas in U.S. politics
* Gilbert Villegas, Alderman, City of Chicago, 36th Ward
* Corporate leaders, including the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and more.
The bilingual program is packed with actionable insights and cultural relevance, featuring:
* Workshops and Learning Tracks in Spanish and English covering finance, operations, leadership, and growth strategy
* Training for career mobility to help managers and frontline workers advance into executive and ownership roles
* Visionario Awards Gala honoring leaders from the Hispanic cleaning community
* Networking and community building with executives, entrepreneurs, and advocates committed to Hispanic excellence.
ISSA chief global membership officer Rosie Rangel (pictured) says of the event: "The VEO Conference is perfectly timed with National Hispanic Heritage Month. It's a celebration, a rallying point and a launchpad for lasting impact in our industry."
18th September 2025