ISSA, the association for the cleaning industry, has partnered with Amsterdam RAI and AFIDAMP, the Italian Assn. of Manufacturers and Distributors of Professional Cleaning Equipment and Products, and that partnership has reached an agreement with Clean Asia Media to acquire the Clean Asia trade show and magazine.

Planning has begun for the partnership to host the ISSA/INTERCLEAN China trade show and educational exhibition. The first edition of the show is scheduled for Sept. 20–22, 2006, at the ShanghaiMart Expo in Shanghai, China.

ISSA/INTERCLEAN China hopes to attract a wide range of high-quality visitors from the facility management, professional cleaning and janitorial distribution sectors. In addition to the trade show, there will be a comprehensive educational conference covering topical issues, practical experience, and relevant business advice for those interested in pursuing business in China's growing cleaning industry.

The acquisition also signals the launch of the Asia Cleaning Journal, which will incorporate the former Clean Asia magazine. The journal will be the official magazine for ISSA members in Asia, and the official publication for the trade show.

For more information, visit www.issa.com.

With its first meeting in the one-convention format in San Antonio, May 20–22, the Industrial Supply Assn. has its first chance to introduce significant change to the long-running event, according to association information.

The association sent out a brochure detailing some of the changes made to the event, including: a new format designed to bring in-depth participation from attendee companies, that also will bring together networking, educational programming and a product showcase into one event; a track-based series of educational programs that will appeal to more layers of management in manufacturing and distribution companies; and the new Trade Fair, which will allow distributors to examine new lines and reinforce relationships, provide a venue for meetings, and include the new Rep Fair, which will allow manufacturers' reps to meet with manufacturers.

For more information, visit www.isapartners.org.

The National Assn. of Electrical Distributors is joining with 26 other professional distribution trade associations to host the 2006 University of Industrial Distribution/University of Electrical Distribution, March 5–8, at Indiana University/Purdue University in Indianapolis. This year's program includes 32 courses by 19 of the industry's most popular speakers.

UID/UED participants—who usually range from sales staff and supplier representatives to marketing directors and branch managers—choose from several industry-specific educational workshops, led by top business and economic experts. Presenters include: Dr. Al Bates, president of Profit Planning Group, who will present, "Improving the Distributor's Bottom Line" and "Improving Order Economics;" J. Michael Marks, principal with Indian River Consulting Group, who will lead sessions on "Marketing & Pricing Strategies," "Creating Channel Alignment," and "Fundamentals of Purchasing;" and Dr. Kathryne Newton, associate professor of industrial distribution at Purdue, who will present, "Personal Productivity Improvement."

Throughout the program, NAED attendees will be able to refine existing sales, marketing, operational and managerial skills while cross-training in new areas. They also are invited to an NAED-only networking event on March 5.

For more information, visit www.naed.org.

kgriffiths@reedbusiness.com