From April 29 to May 1, our team at D Poole participated in the 86th Annual Conference & Exhibit Show in Grand Rapids. This premier event brought together experts in operations, vendors, and decision-makers committed to maintaining efficient, clean, and safe institutional facilities across Michigan.
Hosted at the Amway Grand Plaza and DeVos Place, the event highlighted the importance of proactive infrastructure management and maintenance. For us, it reinforced what we’ve observed in high-capacity kitchens and other facilities over the years: staying ahead of maintenance needs is crucial to keeping operations running smoothly without interruptions.
What the Event Covered
This gathering provided interactive sessions, exhibits, and valuable networking opportunities focused on infrastructure, maintenance, and operational efficiency. Among hundreds of participants, we engaged with key players looking for innovative solutions to manage cleaning and maintenance challenges effectively.
Conversations at the Booth
Throughout the event, we connected with facility managers, operations coordinators, and maintenance leaders who oversee high-demand kitchens in institutional settings. Despite varying organizational structures, common themes emerged in these discussions, including:
- Managing tight regulatory standards while maintaining uninterrupted operations
- Balancing the need for detailed cleaning and maintenance with limited staff availability
- Increasing interest in outsourcing solutions for specialized cleaning tasks like ventilation and sanitation
These insights mirrored trends we’ve seen in large-scale kitchens, where the pressure to maintain compliance and cleanliness is constant.
What We Shared
While keeping the focus on collaboration rather than a sales pitch, we outlined how D Poole helps food-service-heavy environments across Michigan tackle their cleaning and maintenance needs. This includes:
- Full cleanouts during scheduled closures or low-operation periods
- Support for routine inspections and compliance with high sanitation standards
- Quiet, behind-the-scenes cleaning for ventilation systems and grease-prone areas
Many attendees shared similar challenges we’ve helped resolve for institutional kitchens. We were thrilled to offer some practical insights based on our experience.
Relevant Services We Discussed
Some of the most frequent topics discussed at the booth included:
- Cleaning and servicing kitchen exhaust systems tied to aging infrastructure
- Providing extra support during busy times for facilities management teams
- Scheduled maintenance plans during periods of lower activity, like seasonal breaks
- Deep cleaning services to meet rigorous inspection requirements
- Specialized degreasing of under-equipment areas and ventilation systems
- Comprehensive resets to meet hygiene and safety standards for high-capacity kitchen environments
These conversations underscored the growing demand for structured, reliable maintenance support tailored to institutional needs.
Why Events Like This Matter
Participating in high-level conferences like this isn’t just about showcasing services. It’s about fostering a meaningful exchange of ideas and learning what facilities teams face day in and day out. At D Poole, we value these insights because they drive the evolution of our services, helping us better serve complex facilities with unique operational requirements.
From improving preventative maintenance strategies to working discreetly within busy schedules, we’re tailoring our approach to meet the demands we heard about during the event. Our goal is always to minimize disruption while delivering maximum results.
Trending Shifts in Facility Maintenance
Some of the broader takeaways we noticed included a shift toward solutions that prioritize both efficiency and safety, like:
- Professional cleaning of ventilation and kitchen systems for high-usage facilities
- Comprehensive cleaning services that extend beyond the surface to ensure lasting results
- Flexible, high-efficiency deep cleaning during off-peak times to reduce downtime
- Strong interest in working with contractors who deliver on timelines with precision and minimal impact
These shifts are shaping how organizations approach maintenance planning, and we’re committed to being a trusted partner in this process.
Thank You to Everyone We Met
To all the facility managers, operations experts, and vendors who stopped by to share their thoughts, thank you. Your honesty and feedback are invaluable as we refine our offerings to meet the real-world demands of Michigan’s institutional environments.
If your team is gearing up for seasonal cleaning, maintenance tasks, or larger-scale projects, D Poole stands ready to assist. With a focus on discretion, safety, and efficiency, we’re here to ensure your high-capacity kitchen and facility needs are met seamlessly.
Professional Kitchen Cleaning Made Simple
Whether you manage a bustling institutional kitchen or oversee multiple facilities, D Poole provides expert cleaning and maintenance services that deliver spotless results without interrupting your operations. Reach out to learn how we can support your team.