The 2026 PWNA Education Summit brought together some of the most experienced professionals in the exterior cleaning industry to help build the next generation of PWNA education. This year, we didn’t just gather around a table and talk about training. We took the cameras into the field. Our instructors worked through real-world demonstrations, hands-on techniques, equipment setup, safety practices, chemical application, surface-specific cleaning methods, and jobsite procedures so contractors can see these processes in action—not just hear about them in a classroom. By the end of 2026, PWNA will be rolling out new and updated education in: • Commercial Cleaning • Parking Garage Cleaning • Paver Sealing • Fleet Washing • Advanced Soft Wash • Roof Cleaning These courses are being designed to help contractors sharpen their skills, train their teams, expand into new services responsibly, and bring greater safety, consistency, and professionalism to the work they perform every day.
NEW CONGRESSIONAL ACTION ON CALIFORNIA'S 2028 PRESSURE WASHER RULES
Facility managers are invited to see firsthand how the Apellix Power Wash Drone eliminates fall-risk exposure and rope-access costs on naval and government assets JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Apellix, the Jacksonville, Florida-based manufacturer of autonomous power washing drones, will host a live demonstration for facility managers and building service teams showing how autonomous exterior cleaning removes elevated-work risk from maintenance programs. The demonstration will show the Apellix Power Wash Drone performing a live cleaning pass on the exterior of a decommissioned Navy destroyer — a surface with the kind of complex geometry, height, and access challenges when cleaning over the water that facility teams face on many commercial buildings — without a technician ever leaving the ground. Apellix will hold a live demonstration of its Power Wash Drone aboard the USS Orleck Naval Museum, 610 E Bay St, Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The USS Orleck (DD-886), a decommissioned Gearing-class Navy destroyer, offers a fitting backdrop for the demonstration: Apellix's systems are National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)-compliant and are flown by the U.S. Army, and the event will showcase the drone's AirShift and AirTrace AI autonomy features on the exterior of a historic naval vessel. "Apellix drones are powerful tools, but the pilot remains the commander. Apellix Intelligence (AI) is a copilot for cleaning drone operations - reducing the cognitive workload of flying, helping operators stay focused on the mission, and providing the insights needed to measure and document the project's success." — Shivam Tripathy, Robotics Engineer at Apellix and technical lead in the development of Apellix Intelligence Event Details Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Location: USS Orleck Naval Museum, 610 E Bay St, Jacksonville, FL 32202 About the USS Orleck Before the USS Orleck became a floating museum in Jacksonville, parts of her radar scope were pulled out and used as props in Tom Hanks' WWII film Greyhound. The destroyer earned four battle stars in Korea, fired more than 11,000 rounds in Vietnam, and later served two decades in the Turkish Navy before returning to U.S. soil in 2000. On September 24, 2026, a very different kind of technology will fly along the USS Orleck: an autonomous drone, not enemy fire. About Apellix Apellix’ Power Wash Drone is the most widely deployed commercial cleaning drone worldwide, with active operators in 21 countries and 5 continents as of 2026. Founded in 2014, Apellix designs and manufactures autonomous drones for power washing, spray painting, inspection, and building maintenance. Apellix has National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compliant systems, employs disabled veterans, and is flown by the U.S. Army.
We’re excited to announce a valuable new benefit for PWNA members—exclusive access to shipping rebates through our partnership with Estes , one of the nation’s most trusted freight shipping providers. Whether you’re launching a new service, managing bulk equipment orders, or just looking for reliable, cost-effective shipping, Estes offers precision logistics designed to support the unique needs of pressure washing and exterior cleaning professionals. Why Choose Estes? Estes specializes in product rollouts and freight solutions with an emphasis on: Single point of contact throughout your entire shipment Dedicated logistics experts who plan every detail Advanced shipment tracking for full visibility Flexible load planning to reduce handling and potential damage A nationwide terminal network and robust fleet PWNA members can now take advantage of shipping rebates and the support of a logistics team that understands time-sensitive deliveries, high-volume freight, and tight schedules. Get Started To learn more or take advantage of your member discount, contact: Contact Sundee Coin at Sundee.Coin@Estes-Express.com Ready to save on your next shipment? Estes delivers.
We are happy to announce the Sunbelt Rentals member benefit is active! Below are the details on how to participate in this benefit. PWNA Member Benefit: EQUIPMENT PRICING Sunbelt will give Independent Contractors a 7.5% discount on daily rates, a 10% discount on weekly rates, and a 15% off discount on 4-week rates for any equipment rented under this agreement. The discount would be calculated off of the current Regional or Divisional Rate for the area in which the equipment is rented. Said discount does not apply to any equipment contained in this agreement as the discount has already been applied. The rates contained herein will be good through the date stated on the rate quote but will not automatically renew even though the agreement does. The rental rates do not include any applicable taxes, freight charges, fuel charges, environmental fees, Rental Protection Plan, or any other applicable ancillary charges. Email info@pwna.org with your Sunbelt account number. Need to set up a new account, go here . Add the following to your email: Please add my company _________________ to the PWNA purchasing program with Sunbelt Rental. Include your contact information Processing takes 3-5 business days
Each year, the Power Washers of North America celebrates the individuals and companies that go above and beyond for our industry. Whether they are raising the standard for professionalism and safety, supporting fellow contractors, or strengthening the exterior cleaning community, their contributions help move our industry forward—and they deserve to be recognized. Nominations are now open for the 2027 PWNA Awards , which will be presented at ELEVATE 2027 , the PWNA Annual Convention, taking place February 4–6, 2027, at Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock, Texas. How to Nominate You must be a current PWNA member to submit a nomination. Think of a contractor, vendor, employee, or industry professional whose leadership, service, or dedication has made a meaningful difference. Select the appropriate award category below and tell us why your nominee deserves to be recognized. Nominations are simple to submit and only take a few minutes. 2027 Award Categories PWNA Award of Excellence – Contractor Category Recognizes a PWNA contractor or company that demonstrates outstanding professionalism, safety, service, ethics, and community impact. Joseph Walters Award – Vendor Category Honors a PWNA industry vendor that provides exceptional support, builds strong relationships with contractors, and demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the PWNA community. Craftsman of the Year Celebrates a PWNA member employee whose craftsmanship, attention to detail, dedication to safety, and commitment to excellence set the standard for our industry. Phil Ackland Legacy Award Honors a kitchen exhaust cleaning contractor who demonstrates exceptional leadership, integrity, and professionalism, along with a strong commitment to fire prevention, life safety, education, and industry standards. Nomination Deadline: September 15, 2026 All nominations will be reviewed by the PWNA Board of Directors. Votes will be collected anonymously, and award recipients will be determined by a majority vote of the Board. In the event of a tie, the Board may conduct an additional vote or choose to recognize both candidates at its discretion. Help us shine a spotlight on the individuals and companies that represent the very best of our industry. Nominate someone deserving today, and join us as we recognize the winners at ELEVATE 2027!
