World Workplace: What's Your FM Story?

In this Workplace Unplugged interview, Kim Coffey, Manager of Corporate Programs, and TJ Mendieta, World Workplace Expo Manager at the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), share insights about the upcoming World Workplace 2016 event in San Diego. Both have extensive experience with IFMA and emphasize the importance of relationship building within the association and the facilities management (FM) profession.

Kim Coffey highlights the value of supporting FM professionals and the passion members have for their careers. She notes that IFMA feels like a family, with members and staff sharing a vision for the profession.

TJ Mendieta describes World Workplace as a family reunion for the FM community, where attendees from around the world connect, network, and share their stories. The theme for this year’s conference is "Share Your FM Story," which will be reflected throughout the event, including the opening general session. Instead of a traditional keynote, several facilities managers at different career stages will each share their stories with attendees.

The event features over 100 education sessions across three days, covering the full spectrum of competencies for modern facilities managers. Topics range from building safety and emergency preparedness to technology and sustainability. Coffey notes that sustainability has become so integrated into FM that it is now an assumed standard rather than a unique selling point.

Attendees can expect a comprehensive experience that addresses both operational excellence and the well-being of people working within facilities. Facilities managers are responsible for everything from temperature control to accessibility and safety, ensuring optimal conditions for all occupants.

TJ Mendieta offers four must-do recommendations for attendees:

1. 1.First Timer’s Orientation Breakfast: Held the morning the show starts, this breakfast is an introduction to the event and IFMA, especially valuable for first-time attendees.
2. 2.The Expo: A place to discover solutions, network, and make lasting connections with providers and peers.
3. 3.Attend the Education Sessions: These sessions offer unparalleled idea-sharing and knowledge exchange, elevating attendees professionally and personally.
4. 4.The Welcome Reception: A major off-site event that allows attendees to experience the host city and network in a relaxed setting. This year’s reception will be held on the USS Midway.

Organizing World Workplace is a complex task, involving logistics, programming, and coordination with exhibitors and sponsors. The IFMA team focuses on delivering top-quality educational programming and attendee experiences, ensuring value for all participants.

IFMA’s World Workplace events have expanded globally, with conferences in Asia, India, UAE, and Europe. The association is committed to growing its international reach and partnering with organizations worldwide to elevate the FM profession.

A significant issue facing the FM industry is the aging workforce. Many experienced facility managers are nearing retirement, and there is a need to attract new talent to the profession. Coffey discusses efforts to make FM a career of choice, including promoting accredited degrees and encouraging companies to develop talent from within. The IFMA Foundation is researching pathways into the profession and supporting initiatives to address the talent gap.

For more information about IFMA’s World Workplace event in San Diego, visit: worldworkplace.ifma.org/.

For OfficeSpace Software, this will be their 7th World Workplace event.

Do you already have your tickets to World Workplace 2016? What are you most looking forward to about this year’s event?