It has been a tradition for Detroit Sponge to support the IWCA and attend their yearly convention. This year we had the honor once again to contribute a booth in the trade show and help sponsor the event. We value the IWCA, the International Window Cleaning Association, and what they stand for since their start in the 80’s. Their website states, “The mission of the IWCA promotes the success of members through standards of safety, education, advocacy and research.” Like Detroit Sponge, the IWCA wants to support window cleaners and their businesses.
The yearly convention and trade show is used to connect window cleaners, manufacturers who support their business and classes. Classes can range from the basics of window cleaning to necessary safety classes for certifications. One of our goals is to help give resources to window cleaners and we believe IWCA is a great resource in helping to promote safety and education.
This year the Convention and Trade Show was hosted at the end of January in Galveston, TX. A few of our team members went to host our trade show booth. On the evening we set up, we had the opportunity to be around during the first timers event. We met a bunch of new IWCA attendees and window cleaners. We were able to talk to them about why we enjoy the events and what we were offering for the show. Following this event, we had two days of trade show to talk with other attendees.
This year we chose 6 items to giveaway for visiting our booth, we also gave out special stickers and pen/flashlight sets. We picked from 6 of our top manufacturers we sell. As it is important to highlight Detroit Sponge, we value supporting our manufactures. We gave away an Unger Powerpad, Ettore Limited Edition blue channel and handle, Sorbo Godfather channel and red handle, Moerman Drywalker, Maykker Hedgehog Complete, and the IPC Techno Pad. Congratulation again to all of our winners. We also gave away Detroit Sponge swag bags in the claw game!
A new opportunity we had this year was to showcase a local window cleaners artwork. Jarrett Bambery from a young age has had a passion for art, now he uses his knowledge of cleaning in the field to create window cleaning inspired artwork. He wants window cleaners to enjoy his artwork and says, “I hope you find humorous, nostalgic, and recognize familiar experiences and daydreams.” He enjoys sharing his work with others and we enjoyed sharing his work at the trade show. Some window cleaners purchase his prints and donated a set of prints to the auction.
Overall the trade show was another successful year of connection with new and old customers, manufacturers and supporting the industry as a whole. Thank you to the IWCA board who made this years trade show possible. Check out their website to learn more. Detroit Sponge looks forward to hearing where the next show will be hosted, stay tuned!