Hydro-Chem Systems proudly returned as a sponsor and presenter at Wash & Learn Midwest, the free education and training event hosted by Wash Works Supply in Schaumburg, IL.

This was the third time the event had been hosted, and once again it drew over 500 registered attendees. The event combined outdoor hands-on pressure washing training with packed classroom seminars and expert panel discussions at the Hyatt Regency.

Reflecting on the growth, it's worth pointing out that the original version of this show took place three years ago in a small warehouse space among folding tables and inventory shelves. Wash Works Supply owners Anthony Hervas and Nathan Stoltenberg, along with their team of employees and family, have continued to pour their passion and resources into growing this successful event.

Watch video highlights from the event on the Hydro-Chem Systems YouTube channel.

Combining Classroom with Hands-On Experience

Seeing as how the majority of attendees were contract cleaners or end-users performing pressure washing applications, it made sense to combine both elements. Sessions had staggered start times, allowing attendees to experience multiple training sessions.

Outdoor education and hands-on training included:

• Fleet Washing
• Chemical Awareness
• Drone Cleaning
• Paver Sanding/Sealing
• Soft Wash
• Wash Trailers & Equipment Setup

Indoor group sessions included:

• Property Protection
• Safety & Regulatory
• Insurance
• Pricing
• AI & Tech Tools
• Business Growth
• Industry Expert Panel

New Faces & New Places

If April showers bring May flowers, springtime in the Midwest also brings an influx of new startup companies, end-user contract cleaners, and expanded service offerings.

Wash & Learn Midwest takes place at a great time during the season, allowing many of these new washers or expanded service providers to experience training for their business and discover resources to help safely grow and succeed.

April through August are the busiest months for residential and commercial cleaning opportunities in the Midwest. The education and resources provided for newer faces to the industry will hopefully enable them to succeed long-term and continue to create opportunities for year-round services like fleet washing, industrial cleaning, holiday lighting, and more.

Experienced Operators Need to Evolve Too

While the majority of attendees to the Wash & Learn Midwest event had less than 2-3 years of experience, there were also a number of highly experienced business owners in attendance.

These experienced washers were valuable to attendees and exhibitors, providing their experience in the industry as well as feedback on products, equipment, and techniques.

However, as the pressure cleaning industry continues to grow and evolve, it's also crucial for experienced end-users and businesses to keep up with change. Change in the industry can come in the form of new equipment, new technology, new methods, new regulations, as well as new connections and networking.

Safety & Best Management Practices

Some of the most predominant themes throughout the duration of the Wash & Learn sessions were safety and best practices. Safety was addressed from the standpoint of operating equipment, handling chemicals and detergents, as well as managing the safety for your customer's assets and property.

Best management practices for pressure washing companies covered a variety of topics intended to elevate the professional status of attendee businesses. Common discussions surrounding best practices included pricing, costing, route planning, maintenance, training, compliance, technology, and growth scaling.

Thank You to Fellow Sponsors & Experts

Once again, thank you to Anthony and Nathan from Wash Works Supply, as well as their families and employees for being involved in the event. Also, thank you to fellow sponsors and exhibitors who hosted educational sessions, product demonstrations, and networking groups.

There were also a number of attendees and industry experts who contributed their knowledge, experience, trials, and tribulations for all to share. Even those that were not featured on stage or in the exhibit hall, there were several experts who voiced their input for questions, answers, and advice.

If you were unable to take part in the Wash & Learn Midwest event, be sure to follow Wash Works Supply on Facebook for more updates and content from the show. Also mark your calendars for October 8-11 in Orlando for the PowerClean Convention hosted by CETA (Cleaning Equipment Trade Association).