ELEVATE 2026 Convention Recap

A Recap of the Industry's Premier Gathering for Exterior Cleaning Professionals

The exterior cleaning industry showed up — and showed out — at the 2026 ELEVATE PWNA/IWCA Convention, and the numbers say it all. With 1,039 total attendees including exhibitors and over 800 contractors walking through the doors, this year's event set a new benchmark for what the industry's premier convention can be. It was, by every measure, a record-breaking gathering and a powerful reminder of just how far this profession has come.

From certification classes and hands-on training to a buzzing trade show floor, meaningful networking, and a memorable awards ceremony, ELEVATE 2026 delivered on every front. The energy was palpable from the moment the doors opened, and it didn't let up until the final gavel fell. If you were there, you already know. If you weren't — keep reading, because this one's worth understanding.

Tuesday, February 17th — The Deep Dive Before the Storm

For the contractors who arrived early, Tuesday was a full day of serious, focused education before the convention crowd descended. These pre-convention intensives are designed for professionals who want to go deeper than a standard session allows, and this year's lineup delivered exactly that.

Steve Williams of ISCA led a full eight-hour Solar Safety & Cleaning course that drew contractors eager to position themselves ahead of one of the fastest-growing service categories in the industry. Solar panel cleaning isn't a niche anymore — it's becoming a genuine revenue driver for exterior cleaning companies across the country, and the safety considerations that come with it are not something you want to learn on the job. Williams walked attendees through the proper protocols, safety standards, and technical nuances that separate contractors who do it right from those who create liability. For the contractors in that room, Tuesday was worth the trip on its own.

Running simultaneously, Carlos Gonzales filled the day with his Niche Market & Gas Station Cleaning training — a course that had 61 contractors enrolled by the time all was said and done. Gas station and fleet cleaning represents a significant commercial revenue opportunity that many residential-focused contractors haven't fully explored, and Carlos brought the kind of real-world, boots-on-the-ground knowledge that you can't find in a YouTube video. His ability to break down complex chemical applications and surface-specific challenges into practical, actionable technique is exactly why he's one of the most sought-after educators in this space.

Tuesday wrapped up with the PWNA Enterprise Member Welcome Social, giving the association's top-tier members a chance to connect in a relaxed, informal setting before the week hit full speed. These early evening gatherings tend to produce some of the best conversations of the entire convention — the kind that turn into referral relationships, partnerships, and friendships that last well beyond the event itself.

Wednesday, February 18th — The Engine Warms Up

Wednesday was the day the convention truly came to life. The morning was dedicated to exhibitor move-in and setup, with vendors transforming the show floor into what would become one of the most active trade environments this industry has seen in years. While that was happening, certification classes and hands-on training were already running full steam, giving early-arriving contractors the chance to knock out credentials before the trade show opened.

By mid-afternoon, the outdoor demo area was drawing crowds. Watching equipment perform in real conditions — seeing chemical reactions happen on actual surfaces, watching operators work through real-world scenarios — is the kind of hands-on education you simply cannot replicate in a classroom. Contractors huddled around demonstrations, asking questions, comparing notes, and picking up techniques they could bring home and put to use immediately.

Then came the Opening Reception, and if there's one moment that captures the spirit of ELEVATE, it's this one. A DJ kept the energy high while contractors, vendors, and industry professionals mixed and mingled in a setting that was equal parts celebration and community. The Corn Hole Tournament became an instant hit — competitive enough to get people fired up, relaxed enough to break the ice with someone you'd never met before. By the end of the night, business cards had been exchanged, plans had been made, and the tone for the rest of the week had been set perfectly.

Thursday, February 19th — Education, Empowerment, and the Trade Show Floor Opens

Thursday hit the ground running with a packed morning of technical, business, sales, and marketing classes — and the rooms were full. This is where ELEVATE separates itself from a standard industry gathering. The educational programming isn't filler. It covers the full spectrum of what a modern exterior cleaning business needs to operate and grow: advanced technical training for the crew in the field, business development strategies for the owner in the office, and sales and marketing guidance for the professional trying to scale. Attendees bounced between sessions that spoke directly to where their businesses were and where they wanted to go.

Midday brought one of the convention's most talked-about events — the Women's Wine & Wash. Running from 11:30am to 1pm, this gathering has become a genuine tradition at ELEVATE, bringing together some of the most accomplished and driven women in the exterior cleaning industry for meaningful conversation, connection, and community. It's more than a social event. It's a space where women in a traditionally male-dominated trade can share experiences, exchange ideas, and build the kind of professional relationships that support long-term success. The energy in that room is something special, and its growth year over year reflects how much this industry is evolving.

When the afternoon arrived, the trade show floor opened its doors — and the energy was immediate. Giveaways were flowing, exhibitors were demonstrating products, and the floor buzzed with the kind of activity that only happens when over a thousand industry professionals are under one roof with a shared purpose. Contractors who had been in class all morning were now getting their hands on equipment, talking directly to the people behind the products they use every day, and discovering solutions to problems they'd been carrying for months. This is the trade show experience done right.

Friday, February 20th — Final Push, Awards, and the Moment Nobody Forgets

Friday carried the energy of a week well spent. The morning once again featured a full slate of technical, business, sales, and marketing sessions, with contractors squeezing every last bit of education out of the convention before the afternoon arrived.

The trade show floor opened for its final run alongside a live auction that added a charge of excitement to the afternoon. Giveaways continued drawing crowds, exhibitors made their final push, and the floor had the kind of controlled chaos that makes you want to stay just a little bit longer before it's all over.

And then came the Awards Ceremony — the moment that brought the entire convention together in the most meaningful way.

Awards: Honoring the People Who Make This Industry What It Is

In a deeply moving moment that set the tone for everything that followed, Jan Walters took the stage to present the Joseph Walters Award on behalf of her late husband. Joseph Walters left an indelible mark on this industry and on PWNA, and having Jan there to carry his legacy forward was a reminder of why this association exists — not just to do business, but to honor the people who built something worth being proud of. There was not a distracted person in the room when she spoke.

This year's award recipients represent the full range of what excellence in this industry looks like:

Joseph Walters Award — Carlos Gonzales, Enviro Bio Cleaner: Carlos has spent years being more than a vendor to the contractors he serves. He's an educator, a problem-solver, and a genuine advocate for the success of every operator he works with. His Niche Market Training at this very convention drew 61 contractors — which tells you everything you need to know about the trust and respect he's built. Receiving this award from Jan Walters herself made the moment all the more significant. Congratulations, Carlos. It's well earned.

PWNA Award of Excellence (Contractor) — Ronny Estrada, Ferretti Softwash: Ronny leads Ferretti Softwash with a relentless focus on safety, compliance, and technical proficiency. As a PWNA Enterprise Member, he doesn't just hold a membership — he uses it. He's brought PWNA education and resources directly into his operation, building a team that reflects the values this association champions. Ronny is the kind of contractor who makes the whole industry look better. Congratulations.

PWNA Award of Excellence (Contractor) — Chuck Doherty, Pressure Kleen: Twenty-plus years of PWNA membership. Let that sink in. Chuck Doherty has been showing up for this association and this industry longer than many of today's contractors have been in business. His commitment to professionalism, ethical practice, and continuous improvement is a model worth following at any stage of a career. Congratulations, Chuck — and thank you for everything you've given to this community.

PWNA President's Award — Trevor Shamblin, PWNA Board Member: Trevor's work on behalf of PWNA and its members doesn't always happen in the spotlight, but it matters deeply. This recognition is the association's way of saying what the membership already knows — that the work Trevor puts in for this organization makes a real difference. Thank you, Trevor.

The Numbers Behind the Education

If the awards were the emotional heartbeat of ELEVATE 2026, the certification numbers were the backbone. This year saw a record enrollment across PWNA's full certification curriculum — over 500 credentials being pursued in a single week:

Concrete and Paver Sealing — 120 enrolled
Flatwork Certification — 118 enrolled
PWNA Roof Cleaning — 104 enrolled
House Washing — 86 enrolled
Niche Market Training with Carlos Gonzales — 61 enrolled
Fleet Washing — 52 enrolled

These numbers reflect a workforce that is taking professionalism seriously. Contractors aren't just showing up to walk the trade show floor — they're showing up to get better, get certified, and go home with credentials that set them apart in their markets.

What Contractors Who Didn't Attend Actually Missed

Let's be honest — sitting this one out was costly.

Over 800+ contractors spent the week getting certified, getting educated, and getting connected in ways that don't happen behind a screen. They walked a trade show floor packed with vendors who actually wanted to talk, discovered solutions to problems they'd been working around for months, and left with credentials that carry real weight in their markets.

They made the kind of connections that turn into referral relationships, partnerships, and mentorships — because there is no substitute for being in a room with so many people who understand exactly what your life looks like. The contractor you grab dinner with on Wednesday might be the one who sends you a major commercial account in the spring. It happens every year.

Start Planning for ELEVATE 2027

PWNA is already looking ahead to ELEVATE 2027, taking place February 4–6, 2027, at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Round Rock, Texas. After the momentum and growth seen at this year’s convention, 2027 is shaping up to be another major gathering for the exterior cleaning industry.

ELEVATE is more than a trade show. It is an investment in your business, your education, your network, and your future in this industry. Contractors who attend are not just showing up for a few days of classes and exhibits — they are positioning themselves to grow, lead, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

With expanded opportunities for education, connection, and industry engagement, ELEVATE 2027 will be a place for contractors, vendors, and leaders to come together and move the industry forward. If you have been waiting for the right time to get involved, this is it.

Mark your calendar, make your plans early, and get ready to join PWNA in Texas for ELEVATE 2027.

We'll see you at ELEVATE 2027

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Apellix to Host Autonomous Cleaning Drone Demonstration at Pepperdine University — Power Washing Professionals Invited to Fly the Drone Themselves

By Apellix Power Wash Drones • June 18, 2026

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — June 2026 — Apellix, the Jacksonville-based manufacturer of semi-autonomous drones, will host a free, hands-on demonstration of its Power Wash Drone at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Power washing contractors, exterior cleaning operators, and facility managers are invited to watch the drone clean a section of the iconic hillside campus, and then take the controls themselves. The Apellix Power Wash Drone cleans all commercial, residential and industrial exteriors (from windows, roofs, office buildings, hospitals, universities, solar panels, stadiums, etc.) without scaffolding, lifts, or ladders — reducing the time, cost, and liability of traditional exterior cleaning methods. It is NDAA-compliant and American-made. Attendees will also see a live demonstration of Apellix Intelligence (AI), including the company's AirShift and AirTrace autonomous features, as the drone cleans a pre-programmed section of the building hands-free. "Working at height shouldn't mean putting people at height. According to OSHA, 37% of construction fatalities in 2024 were fatal falls. Apellix would like to bring that number to zero. Keep window cleaners boots on the ground and send the drone to dangerous heights instead. " said Grace Dahlstrom, Chief of Staff at Apellix. "This event is built for the contractors and operators who do this work every day. We want them to see the drone fly, fly it themselves, and walk away with the real numbers on what drone cleaning means for their labor costs, their liability, and their ability to win bigger jobs." Founder Bob Dahlstrom has spoken at length about how cleaning drones can save lives and shares a poignant story about meeting a window cleaner whose father, also a window cleaner, fell to his death. Click here for the story. Event highlights include: Live demonstration of the Apellix drone cleaning a campus building Live demonstration of Apellix Intelligence (AI) autonomous cleaning features Hands-on, guided flight time alongside the Apellix team A breakdown of the economics: labor savings, reduced downtime, lower liability, and new revenue opportunities Insights on getting started, including financing, training, and support Q&A with the Apellix team and networking with operators, facility leaders, and industry innovators Event details: What: Apellix Autonomous Cleaning Drone Demonstration in partnership with Pepperdine University When: Saturday, July 25, 2026 Where: Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA Cost: Free; space is limited

Drone Cleaning 101: How to Start a Drone Cleaning Business in 2026

By Apellix Power Wash Drones • June 18, 2026

If you run a pressure washing or exterior cleaning company, you have probably watched the same problem play out on every mid-rise and high-rise bid: the work is up there, and getting to it is expensive, slow, and dangerous. Lifts, swing stages, rope access, and scaffolding can consume more of a job's budget than the cleaning itself, and falls from height remain one of the most persistent safety risks in our industry. OSHA sites construction related fatalities as 37% caused by fatal falls and it’s similar pressure washing at height. Drone cleaning changes that math. A spray-capable drone tethered to a ground-based pump can soft wash or pressure wash building exteriors, windows, roofs, tanks, and stadiums while every member of the crew keeps their boots on the ground. What was a niche curiosity a few years ago is now a maturing service category, and 2026 is arguably the best time yet to enter it: the technology has stabilized, training programs exist, and most regional markets still have little or no drone cleaning competition. Here is what you need to know to launch a drone cleaning business or add drone services to an existing exterior cleaning company. Why Drones, and Why Now The value proposition rests on three pillars: Safety. Crews stay on the ground instead of working at height. No swing stages, no rope access, and dramatically reduced fall exposure, which also tends to mean better insurance conversations. Speed. Jobs that took days with lifts or scaffolding can often be completed in hours. There is no equipment mobilization for aerial access, and setup time is measured in minutes. For example, CleanFlight Solutions in St. Petersburg Florida cleaned the Raymond James headquarters in 11 hours using an Apellix Power Wash Drone, when the job conventionally took 11 days. Access economics. Mid-rise buildings (roughly 3 to 15 stories) are the sweet spot, too tall for extension poles, but where traditional access costs make conventional cleaning painful. Many of these properties are simply cleaned less often than they should be because access is so expensive. That is latent demand. Tile roofs are also a sweet spot where homeowners don’t want someone accidentally stepping on, and cracking a tile. Demand-side momentum is real, too. Property managers, HOAs, municipalities, and facility managers increasingly ask for drone services by name, both for the cost savings and because it photographs and markets extremely well. The Drone Girl reported on a story where the Blue Cross Blue Shield RFP specifically requested drone cleaning. How Drone Cleaning Actually Works Purpose-built cleaning drones do not carry water onboard; water is far too heavy. There is a 55lb weight limit set by the FAA so the drone plus the water and tether must stay under 55lbs. Instead, the drone flies with a hose tether connected to a ground-based pump, drawing soft wash chemicals or pressurized water from below. The pilot (and in most setups a visual observer) operates from the ground, positioning the drone's spray nozzle against the work surface. Capabilities vary significantly by platform: working reach ranges from about 150 feet to nearly 200 feet on leading purpose-built systems, pressures run from soft wash levels up to 4,000+ PSI, and flight times per battery range from under 20 minutes to over 30. Some platforms now include autonomy features like AirTrace, which reduces pilot fatigue and improve consistency on large facades. Step 1: Get Legal — FAA Part 107 and Beyond Commercial drone operation in the U.S. requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. The good news: it is a knowledge test, not a flight test. Plan on a few weeks of study (aeronautical charts, airspace classes, weather, regulations), a roughly $175 testing fee, and you are certificated. Each pilot on your team who flies commercially needs one. Beyond Part 107, build these into your operating plan: Most cleaning drones exceed the 55-pound threshold only rarely, but verify your platform's takeoff weight with full tether and rigging. Heavier configurations can require additional FAA authorization. Airspace authorizations (LAANC) for jobs near airports, most are instant approvals through apps, but check before you quote, not after. State and local rules. Some municipalities have their own drone ordinances, and wastewater/runoff rules for cleaning chemicals apply to drone work just as they do to ground-based washing. Drone registration. Every commercial aircraft must be registered with the FAA. Step 2: Choose Your Platform This is the largest decision you will make, and the market has consolidated meaningfully. A few years ago, operators commonly modified off-the-shelf camera drones (most famously the DJI Matrice 300 RTK) with aftermarket spray kits. That path is closing: new DJI enterprise aircraft are no longer readily available for purchase in the U.S. after the FCC cracked down on foreign-made drones, and DIY conversions come with reliability, support, and liability tradeoffs that are hard to justify for a business built on uptime. In 2026, the practical choice for most new operators is between purpose-built American platforms. The comparison chart below summarizes the current landscape across the factors that matter most: price, reach, pressure, training, battery life, and NDAA compliance (which determines eligibility for government and many institutional contracts). A few buying notes beyond the spec sheet: NDAA compliance is a revenue gate. Government, military, utility, and certain facility contracts require a NDAA-compliant aircraft. If ports, highways, courthouses, universities or other government work is in your plan, this is non-negotiable. Training is part of the price. Factor in what it costs to get your second and third pilots certified on the equipment, not just the first. Reach defines your market. A drone that reaches 195 feet bids a different building than one that reaches 150 feet. Step 3: Insurance and Risk Management Standard pressure washing liability policies generally do not cover aircraft operations. You will need aviation liability coverage (commonly $1M–$5M depending on the buildings you target) plus hull coverage for the drone itself. Several insurers now specialize in commercial drone operations, and some offer on-demand per-flight coverage that works well while you ramp up. Expect commercial property managers to require certificates of insurance naming them as additional insured, same as ground work, just with the aviation layer added. Build a written operations manual: pre-flight checklists, weather minimums (wind is your main constraint, most spray work wants sustained winds under roughly 15 mph), tether management procedures, and emergency protocols. Beyond reducing risk, a documented safety program is always a good idea. Step 4: Pricing and Services Drone cleaning commands a premium over ground-based work because you are replacing far more expensive access methods. Common service lines and how operators typically price them: Building soft washing (the core service): typically priced per square foot of facade, with rates increasing for a difficult to reach area like a building next to a retention pond. Window cleaning for mid-rise commercial properties, often on recurring contracts. Roof cleaning, especially steep, fragile, or high roofs that are dangerous to walk. Specialty work: water towers, stadiums, signage, solar arrays, storage tanks, and post-construction cleanup. When quoting, anchor against the client's alternative. If a lift rental plus a three-day crew runs $15,000, a one-day drone job at $9,000 is an easy yes, and a healthy margin for you. Recurring maintenance contracts (quarterly or semi-annual washes) are where the business model really shines, because buildings that were washed every five years for cost reasons can now be maintained annually. Step 5: Marketing That Works for Drone Services Drone cleaning is the rare service that markets itself on video. Some companies like Apellix offer free, basic marketing material along with drone purchase so be sure to check you’re your drone manufacturer. Prioritize: Job-site footage. Every job is content. A 30-second clip of a drone washing a six-story facade outperforms any brochure. Direct outreach to property managers, HOA boards, and facility directors. BOMA and IFMA chapter events are good places to meet them. Your existing customer base, if you are adding drones to a pressure washing company. The buildings you already wash at ground level have upper floors nobody is cleaning. Industry credibility. PWNA membership, manufacturer certifications, and documented safety programs all close institutional deals. A Realistic Launch Timeline Study for and pass the FAA Part 107 exam; register your aircraft. Select and purchase your platform; complete manufacturer training. Secure aviation liability and hull insurance; write your operations manual. Fly practice jobs and capture video. Launch with introductory pricing for 3–5 anchor clients, then raise rates as your portfolio builds. The capital requirement is real — plan on 75,000 all-in for a purpose-built platform, training, insurance, ground rig (which is usually $25,000) and working capital. The Bottom Line Exterior cleaning is moving up the building, and drones are how it gets there safely. The regulatory path is well-marked, the equipment has matured into reliable purpose-built platforms, and demand from property managers is ahead of supply in most markets. For pressure washing professionals, drone cleaning is not a replacement for what you do. It is the same business you already know, with new technology. 2026 is the year the early movers separate from the pack. The question is whether you will be one of them. About Apellix Apellix is a Jacksonville, Florida-based aerial robotics company that designs and manufactures American-made drones for industrial cleaning, soft washing, power washing, spray painting, coating, and inspection. Their drone systems are built to help contractors work safer and more efficiently by reducing the need for ladders, lifts, scaffolding, and rope access on high-risk jobs. With technology used in commercial, industrial, and government applications, Apellix is helping advance the future of exterior cleaning through safer, smarter robotic solutions. Learn more at Apellix.com

General Liability Insurance:Your Work vs. Care, Custody, and Control Coverage

By Shelby Bryan • March 31, 2026

Running a pressure washing business means focusing on the job in front of you, not getting buried in insurance language. Still, having the right coverage plays an important role in protecting your business.

The PWNA Contractor's Spring Start-Up Playbook

By PWNA • March 16, 2026

The jobs are already out there. The only question is whether your equipment is ready to take them. Spring doesn't ease in for exterior cleaning contractors. One week you're slow, and the next your voicemail is full and your estimate calendar looks like a game of Tetris. There's no warm-up period. No dress rehearsal. The season opens hard, and whoever's standing at the plate with a working rig and stocked chemicals gets the at-bats. That's the whole game. At PWNA, we talk a lot about what it...

March is National Ladder Safety Month

By PWNA • March 10, 2026

As members of the Power Washers of North America (PWNA), attaining certification and training in the specialized area of pressure washing endows you with a distinct competitive edge. In today's digital age, discerning consumers extensively research via the internet and other resources to identify contractors who are not only reputable but also possess advanced training, thereby ensuring the protection of their property and the efficient use of their time. To this end, the PWNA provides a...

Building a Stronger Pressure Washing Business: How Berry Little Advocates for Smarter Operations and Sustainable Growth

By PWNA • January 31, 2026

As a PWNA Enterprise Member, Berry Little represents the type of contractor the industry needs more of: experienced, reflective, and willing to share lessons learned. His advocacy is rooted in real experience—not theory—and focuses on helping the next generation of contractors avoid common pitfalls while building businesses they can be proud of.