CETA Edge: PowerClean 2025 Will Introduce New Innovation Award

by Diane M. Calabrese| Published May 2025

 

Does any season fly by faster than summer? No matter. Fall brings its own rewards. Especially this year because CETA PowerClean^® 2025 takes place September 25–28 in Reno, NV, at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino.

CETA celebrates 35 years in 2025. The anniversary adds to the rich program that PowerClean offers each year.

And this year the Cleaning Equipment Trade Association (CETA) inaugurates a new award at its annual meeting and tradeshow. The Innovation Award will be given to a manufacturer that introduces a leading-edge product or procedure to the industry.

The objective of the innovation award is to “encourage manufacturers to push boundaries in product development,” says Gus Alexander, chair for the award committee and CEO of FNA Group in Pleasant Prairie, WI. The award does so by illuminating excellence through the celebration of outstanding contributions to the industry.

The new award for innovation will take its place among the other awards that CETA bestows each year. But PowerClean is about much more than recognizing industry members who have excelled in some way; it is also about an opportunity to interact with colleagues and competitors.

Any business has challenges. The annual meeting may not offer a solution to every vexing issue, but it sparks ideas that make all things possible.

Attending PowerClean “has been great for me in learning more about the business and how others handle the day-to-day challenges of our industry,” says Phil Petty, general manager of Williams Cleaning Systems in Bakersfield, CA.

Petty reminds us of the classes and roundtable meetings that provide great ways to learn about new methods, regulations, and factors affecting the industry. “I typically have our sales reps attend these as this helps put new or different spins and perspectives on our industry.”

There is “so much to be gained” by attending PowerClean, says Petty. In fact, ‘immersion’ captures the fullness of the experience to be had.

Any conversation can turn into a business-to-business relationship. It might take place at an exhibit at the tradeshow or at the banquet or in any of the structured sessions. Or during a friendly game of golf in the competitive tournament for those who relish some time on the links.

But the essence of the annual meeting and tradeshow remains clear. It’s an immersive opportunity that cannot be matched by video chatting or any kind of digital interaction. It’s the difference between practicing your putt shot on a perfectly manicured green in the fresh air or on a practice pad in the den at home. Reality always beats simulation.

Chad Reiffer, the distribution program manager at Hydro-Chem Systems (HCS) in Caledonia, MI, currently serves as the chair for the CETA University committee. The purview of the committee extends beyond maintaining and expanding the digital repository of learning resources. It includes planning for learning opportunities at PowerClean.

The CETA U committee has acted with “amplified passion” to bolster educational and training content, says Reiffer. Members will find new opportunities to be seen and heard by other members, suppliers and manufacturers.

“PowerClean is the marquee event of our organization, CETA, which receives the full commitment and devotion from the governing board’s planning efforts,” says Reiffer. “Attending PowerClean is time well spent.”

There is an unparalleled opportunity to interact with other members of the industry, says Reiffer. It’s interaction that encompasses distributors, suppliers, and manufacturers. “This experience is irreplaceable for the unique industry we serve.”

Building on the strength of CETA starts with assessing the needs of members and responding to them. “Based on attendee feedback and committee experience, we are excited for the enhancements to the existing footprint of PowerClean that will provide attendees and exhibitors with even more value,” explains Reiffer.

Top-to-bottom, sideways, and in 360-degree view, the Reno meeting and tradeshow will meld the new—the Innovation Award; the strong foundation—35-year anniversary of CETA; and the best of the familiar—learning sessions, awards banquet, tradeshow, and more.

“Reno is looking like it’s going to be a great show,” says Aaron Auger with BE Power Equipment, which is headquartered in Abbotsford, BC, Canada. “The Peppermill has great amenities, from gaming to dining and a fantastic pool.”

While some may relish a swim, others may prefer to play a bit of golf. And if they want a competitive game, PowerClean offers just the thing.

“Our annual golf tournament will be held at Lake Ridge Golf Course,” says Auger. “It features an island green which is a challenge to any golfer.”

For the many types of engagement—from structured learning sessions to time out for recreation—there’s one aspect of PowerClean that Auger appreciates most. “Getting together with your peers is always at the top of the list. Catching up with old friends and seeing what’s new on the tradeshow floor are worth the time spent coming to the show.”

Although the idea of mingling and exchanging ideas with competitors may seem new, it’s not. Moreover, the benefit all participants derive from getting together and comparing offerings cannot be overstated.

Think of horse shows, farm shows, and harvest festivals just to start the list through the centuries. Noting that someone else is doing something better—and then using that knowledge as motivation to excel—is a good thing. When everyone is inspired by excellence, our industry just keeps getting better.

“The recognition that CETA is celebrating its 35^th anniversary is a testament to the tools and support that the organization has provided to its members over all of these years,” says Gary Ashurst, an executive vice president at Kärcher North America, Inc. in Aurora. CO. He adds the success of CETA illustrates the value its members realize from the association.

The excitement about the initiation of an award for innovation during the 2025 meeting has carried over to the seminar planning. “This year we will be dedicating a panel discussion specifically around innovation,” says Ashurst.

Haven’t been to PowerClean recently? Expect an experience that is the best ever with a new award, a robust tradeshow, excellent panels and learning sessions, and an anniversary

“Reconnecting with industry friends and discovering fresh ideas and perspectives from the exhibitors are among the highlights,” says Tim Mendoza, president and CEO of H2O Power Equipment in Commerce City, CO, and a member of the innovation award committee. PowerClean immersion elevates all who participate.

“Being on the CETA board has been great for me and my company,” says Delany Johnson, senior sales engineer at Wayne Combustion Systems in Fort Wayne, IN. “We are working on making the whole industry better, not just our company.”

And Johnson advises anyone concerned about business-to-business privileged contacts to reconsider. “Anyone who is smart enough to go to the web can learn about your competitors.”

Thus, take advantage of the opportunity to interact with colleagues. “It is a great way to stay in touch with what’s happening in the industry,” says Johnson.

Want to know more about the meeting sessions and the venue? Be sure to follow the updates at the CETA website (CETA.org). A YouTube video introducing the Peppermill Resort Spa, which is available now, is a good place to begin for members who want to combine a family trip with PowerClean