ISSA
ISSA is the global nonprofit trade association for the cleaning industry, serving 11,000+ member companies across distributors, manufacturers, contractors, and facility managers worldwide through certifications (CIMS, GBAC STAR), education, trade shows, advocacy, and consulting services.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1923
- HeadquartersLincolnwood, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What ISSA does
ISSA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association founded in 1923 and headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, operating as the leading global trade body for the cleaning and facility solutions industry. It serves more than 11,000 member companies across the supply chain — including distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, building service contractors, in-house service providers, and residential cleaners — through six regional offices in North America, EMEA, Canada, China, Korea, and Oceania. Its core offerings fall into three pillars: industry standards and certifications (Cleaning Industry Management Standard/CIMS, CIMS-Green Building with Honors, GBAC STAR Accreditation, ISSA Clean Standards, Official ISSA Cleaning Times); education and professional development through the Cleaning Management Institute, Online Learning Center, and the Inspire AR training platform; and a global events portfolio comprising ISSA Show North America, ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo (Australasia), ISSA Show Asia, China Clean Expo, and ISSA Pulire (Milan). Supporting revenue and engagement come from integrated media (ISSA Today, CMM, Cleanfax, Straight Talk! podcast/webcast), the ISSA Consulting Network, advocacy programs (Clean Advocacy Summit, International Cleaning Week), and charitable sub-brands (Cleaning for a Reason, Hygieia Network, ISSA Scholars).
ISSA generates revenue through six diversified streams: tiered annual membership dues (Basic, Plus, Premium, Industry Partner, plus US$1,000 Lifetime), trade show and event registration/exhibitor fees, certification and education program revenue (CMI, Online Learning Center, Cleaning Times guidebook), media advertising and sponsorships across magazines and digital channels, one-time lifetime membership fees, and professional consulting services delivered through a partner network. Its go-to-market combines event-driven acquisition (trade shows and summits), community-led engagement across seven industry-segment peer groups, and direct sales through regional offices. The association operates a hybrid segmentation model targeting primary B2B segments (Building Service Contractors, Distributors, Manufacturers) and use-case verticals (Healthcare, Hospitality, K-12/Higher Education, Government facilities). Distribution is multi-channel: direct membership sales, five regional trade shows, a self-serve online learning platform, regional offices acting as local resellers, and an integrated media portfolio for advertising reach.
ISSA firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ISSA
- Legal name
- International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)
- Website
- https://issa.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1923
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- ISSA is the global nonprofit trade association for the cleaning industry, serving 11,000+ member companies across distributors, manufacturers, contractors, and facility managers worldwide through certifications (CIMS, GBAC STAR), education, trade shows, advocacy, and consulting services.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where ISSA is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lincolnwood
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices7 records
Markets served
ISSA business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Membership Dues: Annual membership fees from more than 11,000 companies, organizations, and individuals in the cleaning industry. Membership pricing based on business type, company size, corporate location, and benefits selected.
- Trade Shows and Events: Revenue from global trade shows including ISSA Show North America, ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo, ISSA Show Asia, China Clean Expo, and ISSA Pulire. Also includes registration fees for Clean Advocacy Summit and other industry events.
- Education and Certifications: Revenue from professional certifications, Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) programs, online learning center subscriptions, and the Official ISSA Cleaning Times guidebook sales in multiple languages and formats.
- Media and Advertising: Revenue from ISSA Media brands including ISSA Today, CMM (Cleaning & Maintenance Management), and Cleanfax magazines. Also includes advertising in digital channels, newsletters (113,000+ subscribers), and sponsorships.
- Lifetime Benefits Program: One-time payment of US$1,000 for lifetime membership benefits including complimentary registration at ISSA Show North America, ISSA Today magazine, and member pricing on education and training.
- ISSA Consulting Services: Custom consulting services for cleaning businesses including audits, assessments, operational optimization, business management, and RFP/contract services through the ISSA Global Consulting Network.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Basic membership provides foundational benefits for startups and small businesses |
| Subscription | Annual | Plus membership offers enhanced tools for growing businesses |
| Subscription | Annual | Premium membership delivers comprehensive benefits for established companies |
| Subscription | Annual | Industry Partner membership for companies seeking enhanced brand visibility |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Lifetime membership for retiring professionals |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Official ISSA Cleaning Times guidebook |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels12 records
ISSA product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ISSA is a nonprofit trade association serving the global cleaning and facility solutions industry. It delivers value through tiered membership subscriptions, industry standards and certifications (CIMS, GBAC STAR), professional education (Cleaning Management Institute, Online Learning Center), international trade shows, consulting services, advocacy representation, and media publications.
Product overview
ISSA is the world's leading trade association for the cleaning industry, operating as a membership organization with more than 11,000 members including distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, building service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners, and associated service members. The organization offers a comprehensive portfolio centered around three core pillars: industry standards and certifications (CIMS, CIMS-GB, GBAC STAR), education and professional development (ISSA Learning Center, Cleaning Management Institute, Official ISSA Cleaning Times, ISSA Clean Standards), and global events (ISSA Show North America, ISSA Show Asia, ISSA PULIRE, China Clean Expo, ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo). Supporting offerings include ISSA Consulting services, advocacy programs (Clean Advocacy Summit, International Cleaning Week), media publications (ISSA Today, CMM, Cleanfax, Straight Talk!), and charitable initiatives (Cleaning for a Reason, ISSA Hygieia Network, ISSA Scholars). The organization provides technology tools including the Inspire AR Platform for augmented reality training and various toolkits for member business operations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS): Industry certification standard for cleaning organizations
- GBAC STAR Accreditation
- Cleaning Management Institute (CMI)
- ISSA Show North America
- ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo
- ISSA Show Asia
- ISSA Pulire
- ISSA Hygieia Network
- Cleaning for a Reason
- ISSA Scholars
Products and services
- ISSA Membership Tiered annual membership offering access to business resources, education, events, industry research, global trade shows, advocacy representation, and member discount programs for cleaning industry companies.
- Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) Certification Industry management certification evaluating cleaning organizations across five core pillars: Green Cleaning Policy, Cleaning Practices & Materials, High-Performance Equipment, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Management Commitment. Includes CIMS-GB (Green Building) and CIMS-STAR options.
- GBAC STAR Accreditation Accreditation program establishing commitment to safeguarding occupant health through rigorous facility assessment for biorisk preparedness, safety, and sustainability.
- ISSA Show North America North America's premiere trade event for commercial cleaning and maintenance industries, featuring manufacturers, distributors, and cleaning professionals.
- ISSA Show Asia Regional trade show connecting cleaning professionals and industry leaders across the Asia-Pacific region.
- ISSA PULIRE International fair for the cleaning and sanitation industry held in Milan, connecting global exhibitors and cleaning professionals.
- China Clean Expo (CCE) Asia's flagship cleaning expo organized with ISSA support, showcasing cleaning products, solutions, and advanced technologies including smart cleaning robots.
- ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo Australasia's premier annual event for cleaning and facility solutions held in Melbourne, Australia.
- Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) Educational and professional development division providing workshops, certification programs, and consulting services for cleaning and maintenance professionals.
- ISSA Consulting Services Custom consulting services through ISSA Global Consulting Network providing operational assessments, audits, mergers & acquisition support, RFP/contract services, and business optimization for cleaning businesses.
- Official ISSA Cleaning Times Comprehensive guidebook providing accurate tools, tasks, and workloading information for cleaning operations management, available in Imperial and Metric versions in English, Spanish, Arabic, and French.
- ISSA Clean Standards Framework using ATP measurement methodology to help schools and institutional facilities objectively assess cleaning effectiveness based on Clean, Measure, Monitor philosophy.
- ISSA Online Learning Center Self-paced online education and certification platform offering courses, professional certification programs, and access to the Official ISSA Cleaning Times digital edition.
- ISSA Today Magazine Bi-monthly publication featuring articles, thought-leadership content, and ISSA updates covering industry trends, certifications, technologies, legislation, and business advice.
- Cleaning & Maintenance Management (CMM) Magazine Leading media brand serving facility service providers with the latest insights and information shaping the cleaning industry.
- Cleanfax Magazine Top media resource for the specialty cleaning and restoration industry covering carpet, floor care, disaster restoration, and environmental services.
- Straight Talk! Podcast & Webcast Industry video program and companion podcast series hosted by Jeff Cross, spotlighting cleaning industry issues, news, how-to tips, and marketing strategies.
- Inspire AR Platform Augmented reality platform transforming employee training, cleaning verification, and real-time staff communication to boost workforce performance.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 11,000 member companies across the cleaning and facility solutions industry
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use ISSA
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments9 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
ISSA technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
ISSA partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- IM SinoexpocoreIM Sinoexpo organizes China Clean Expo (CCE), with ISSA as a supporting partner. CCE 2026 held March 31 - April 3, 2026 at Shanghai New International Expo Center, featuring nearly 500 exhibitors and 140,000 visitors from 176 countries.
- 24 Hour Fitnesscore24 Hour Fitness partnered with ISSA to require all of its nearly 250 general managers to become certified personal trainers by end of November, enhancing leadership quality and meeting evolving member expectations.
- U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)coreISSA's CIMS and CIMS-Green Building certification is recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council within the LEED-EB O&M v5 standard, establishing industry-wide credibility for sustainable cleaning practices.
- Healthcare Surfaces InstitutecoreCollaboration to reduce healthcare-associated infections and provide safer healthcare environments through targeted training, strategic task forces, and evidence-based practices.
- IEHA (International Executive Housekeepers Association)minorJoint initiatives including Housekeeping and Environmental Services Day and Housekeeping Olympics celebrating frontline industry professionals.
- INDA (Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry)minorCollaboration on WIPPES Act advocacy for Do Not Flush labeling standards for non-flushable wipes, supporting sustainable product practices.
- Hinz GroupcoreStrategic Pipeline Analysis and Proposal Development consulting partners within ISSA Global Consulting Network, led by Dan Marsh (CEO/Co-Chair) and Josh Thiel (AI Center of Excellence).
- Mulberry Marketing CommunicationsminorStrategic Marketing & Communications partner within ISSA Global Consulting Network, led by Matt Serra.
- Cornerstone Virtual PartnersminorOperational Strategy & Leadership partner within ISSA Global Consulting Network, led by Nicole Bernardo.
- Ikigai Management ConsultantsminorBusiness Strategy & Leadership Support partner within ISSA Global Consulting Network, led by Paul Greenland.
- ST Facility Maintenance Consulting, LLCminorOrganizational & Operational Optimization partner within ISSA Global Consulting Network, led by Richard Curry.
- Virginia TechminorPartnership with Virginia Tech for Core Selling Skills online course, available through ISSA Online Learning Center.
- Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI)coreCIRI worked directly with ISSA to develop the Clean Standard: K-12 through consensus-based process with experts from all industry sectors and facility management communities.
- Sunbelt RentalsminorPartnership offering specialized scholarship program for ISSA members seeking educational opportunities related to facility management and maintenance (CMI Sunbelt Scholarship).
- GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Council)coreGBAC is a division of ISSA focused on establishing standards for biorisk readiness and preparedness, including GBAC STAR accreditation for facilities.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
ISSA competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- BSCAI (Building Service Contractors Association International): BSCAI is a trade association specifically serving building service contractors, overlapping directly with ISSA's Building Service Contractors member segment. Both compete for the same contractor membership base, certifications, and event participation in the commercial cleaning industry.
- IFMA (International Facility Management Association): IFMA is the leading global trade association for facility management professionals, with overlapping membership in facility service providers and in-house cleaning teams. ISSA explicitly serves the facility solutions market and competes for adjacent member mindshare in facility services standards and events.
- American Cleaning Institute (ACI): ACI is the trade association for the U.S. cleaning products industry, representing manufacturers of cleaning products, soaps, and detergents. ACI overlaps with ISSA's manufacturer segment and competes for industry research, policy advocacy, and consumer education influence in the broader cleaning products and services ecosystem.
- IEHA (International Executive Housekeepers Association): IEHA is a professional association for housekeeping and environmental services professionals, overlapping with ISSA's hospitality and healthcare cleaning segments. IEHA and ISSA already co-host initiatives like Housekeeping and Environmental Services Day, while competing for member engagement and certification authority in the housekeeping space.
- Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI): CIRI is a research-focused institute serving the cleaning industry, which worked directly with ISSA to develop the Clean Standard: K-12. While CIRI focuses on scientific research rather than membership services, it represents an adjacent standards and thought-leadership peer for industry-defining research.
- ARCSI (Association of Residential Cleaning Services International): ARCSI is a trade association specifically for residential cleaning services, a member segment that ISSA also serves. Both associations compete for residential cleaners seeking professional development, certification, and business resources in the residential cleaning market.
Broad incumbents
- BOMA International (Building Owners and Managers Association): BOMA is a larger, more established trade association serving commercial real estate owners and managers, a constituency that includes buyers of professional cleaning services. While broader in scope than ISSA, BOMA overlaps in advocacy, education, and standards influence over commercial building operations where cleaning is a key tenant concern.
Emerging players
- INDA (Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry): INDA serves the nonwoven fabrics industry, including wipes and related cleaning product components. INDA partners with ISSA on the WIPPES Act advocacy for Do Not Flush labeling, and represents a partially overlapping constituency in the cleaning products supply chain.
- Ashkin Group: Ashkin Group is a sustainability consulting firm focused on the cleaning industry, providing advisory services that overlap with ISSA's consulting and sustainability certification offerings. It represents a smaller-scale private competitor in the cleaning industry advisory space.
Regional players
- ICRA (International Cleaning & Restoration Association): ICRA is an association focused on specialty cleaning, restoration, and disaster recovery services, with content also covered by ISSA's Cleanfax magazine. ICRA represents a partially overlapping specialty cleaning peer, particularly in the carpet, floor care, and restoration segments where ISSA also has presence.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ISSA social profiles
Digital presenceISSA compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
ISSA financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ISSA leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
ISSA subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries8 records
ISSA funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ISSA M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ISSA
What does ISSA do?
ISSA is a nonprofit trade association serving the global cleaning and facility solutions industry. It delivers value through tiered membership subscriptions, industry standards and certifications (CIMS, GBAC STAR), professional education (Cleaning Management Institute, Online Learning Center), international trade shows, consulting services, advocacy representation, and media publications.
Is ISSA a public or private company?
ISSA is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was ISSA founded?
ISSA was founded in 1923. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is ISSA based?
ISSA is headquartered in Lincolnwood, United States, in the North America region.
How does ISSA make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are trade Shows and Events, education and Certifications, media and Advertising, lifetime Benefits Program and ISSA Consulting Services.
Who are ISSA's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are BSCAI (Building Service Contractors Association International), IFMA (International Facility Management Association), American Cleaning Institute (ACI), IEHA (International Executive Housekeepers Association), Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI) and ARCSI (Association of Residential Cleaning Services International). BOMA International (Building Owners and Managers Association) is listed as a broad incumbent. Emerging players are INDA (Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry) and Ashkin Group. ICRA (International Cleaning & Restoration Association) is listed as a regional player.
Does ISSA have an API?
No public API is recorded for ISSA.