Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 16th April 2026 Issue no. 1206
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Sessions to look out for at Interclean Amsterdam 2026
The industry is gearing up for Interclean Amsterdam 2026, from 14th – 17th April, where an extensive programme will place knowledge, expertise and real-world insight at the centre of the experience.
From infection prevention and workforce transformation to smart facilities and AI, the programme reflects the growing complexity of modern cleaning and the need for shared expertise. Below is a selection of exciting sessions to look out for…
Main Stage: Healthcare, workforce and the future of facilities:
Infection prevention through innovation | 14th April 12:30 - 12:50
ISSA will lead a dedicated programme covering key sectors from healthcare to hospitality. In Tuesday's session on ‘Cleaning for health, safety & trust’, industry leaders Linda Lybert and Peter Gordon will explore how emerging innovations are shaping safer healthcare and long-term care environments. The session will be followed by further practical insights and an expert panel on creating safer spaces for both cleaners and patients, alongside the role of smart disinfection systems in improving efficiency.
What makes healthcare cleaning so different? | 14th April 16:00 - 17:00
Experts Brett Mitchell and Martin Kiernan, in collaboration with Clean Hospitals, will examine why healthcare cleaning is a discipline in its own right. The session will focus on interrupting transmission in environments where every action impacts patient safety, offering practical insight into managing invisible risks and adapting processes in fast-changing clinical settings.
Pest Control Panel | 16th April 11:30 - 12:15
Monica Biglietto, vice president of CEPA, (the body which represents the European Pest Management service sector) will lead this Main Stage panel exploring emerging trends and best practices in pest control. The session will reflect the growing importance of integrated facility services within the wider hygiene ecosystem.
Workforce training in the digital age (Panel) | 16th April 12:50 - 13:10
Hosted by EFCI (the voice of the European Cleaning & Facility Services Industry) and featuring President Avril McCarthy, this panel will explore how digital tools such as VR, AR and AI are transforming workforce training. With labour shortages and increasingly diverse teams, the discussion will focus on how technology can support skills development, improve safety and deliver measurable performance gains. This session forms part of ISSA's ‘Workplace & commercial - the future of smart’ programme.
Health & Hygiene Stage: Turning training into performance:
At the Health & Hygiene Stage in Hall 12, the focus will turn to one of the industry's most persistent challenges: how to translate training into consistent, real-world performance.
Is training enough? Managing employee expectations and changes | 14th April 15:00 - 15:45
British Institute of Cleaning Science president Neil Spencer-Cook will lead a session that looks beyond traditional training. The focus will be on building a broader framework that combines clear communication, strong leadership, ongoing support and continuous feedback. By addressing the human side of change, the session will offer practical guidance on how organisations can move from short-term compliance to long-term performance and consistency.
Specialist laundry programme: Deep dives and sector expertise:
Alongside the main stages, Interclean's specialist sessions provide deeper insight into specific sectors. The CINET Laundry Conference in Room E102 brings together international experts to explore the latest developments in professional textile care. Throughout the show, a programme of presentations, panel discussions and guided tours featuring leading exhibitors will highlight new technologies, AI-driven solutions and global best practices shaping the future of laundry operations.
26th March 2026