Staying on top of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in facilities management is crucial, and attending conferences is a great way to gain insights and build a network of peers. These events are not just about listening to speakers but about engaging in meaningful conversations that can spark change and improvement in our properties.
Here are some of the best conferences for enhancing your facilities operations and improving your bottom line.
Best Facilities Management Conferences 2024 Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best facilities management conferences I think are worth attending in 2024:
- WASBO Facilities Management Conference - Wisconsin Dells, WI (February 2024)
- National Facilities Management & Technology Conference 2024 - Baltimore, MD (March 2024)
- Central Valley Facilities Expo - Modesto, CA (March 2024)
- Facilities Expo - Multiple Dates and Locations
- Southern California Facilities Expo - Anaheim, CA (April 2024)
- Facility Fusion IFMA Conference & Expo - Boston, MA (May 2024)
- The Buildings Conference - New York, NY (May 2024)
- 2024 NFPA Conference & Expo - Orlando, FL (June 2024)
- 2024 BOMA International Conference & Expo - Philadelphia, PA (July 2024)
- IFMA World Workplace - San Antonio, TX (October 2024)
- Greenbuild International Conference and Expo - Philadelphia, PA (November 2024)
- NFMT Remix - Las Vegas, NV (October 2024)
Find more details about each conference below.
Best Facilities Management Conferences Conferences Of 2024
1. WASBO Facilities Management Conference - Wisconsin Dells, WI (February 2024)
- Dates: February 13-14, 2024
- Location: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Wisconsin Dells, WI
- Pricing:
- District Professional Membership - $275 Annually
- Service Affiliate Membership - $275 Annually
- Retiree Membership - $75 Annually
- Website: WASBO Facilities Management Conference
- Social Media: Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
This conference focuses and deep dive into the broader aspects of facilities management, with a particular emphasis on educational settings. However, its sessions on safety, maintenance, and sustainability are highly relevant to hotel managers and hospitality leaders. Speakers typically include seasoned professionals from the education and facilities management sectors.
Why You Should Attend:
Given the increasing importance of sustainability and safety in the hospitality industry, the WASBO conference offers valuable cross-industry insights that can be applied to hotel management. It's a chance to see how educational session facilities tackle similar challenges and adapt their solutions to our industry.
2. National Facilities Management & Technology Conference 2024 - Baltimore, MD (March 2024)
- Dates: March 12-14, 2024
- Location: Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD
- Pricing: Free
- Website: National Facilities Management & Technology Conference Baltimore
- Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
NFMT Baltimore is a comprehensive conference covering all aspects of facilities management, from energy efficiency to technology integration. The event attracts a diverse group of professionals, offering insights into innovative practices and the latest trends in the field.
Why You Should Attend:
For those of us in the hospitality sector, attendees and exhibitors know NFMT Baltimore is a goldmine of information on how to enhance our facilities with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. Also, NFMT is an educational conference and trade show for facility professionals responsible for the management, operations, maintenance, and renovation. Networking opportunities with experts outside of our industry can also lead to innovative cross-sector collaborations.
With industry experts and leaders like Richard Anderson and Paul Askham speaking, NFMT Baltimore is a prime spot for learning about sustainable practices and energy management. Their expertise offers actionable insights for enhancing your facility's operations with a focus on sustainability and efficiency, making it a valuable opportunity for any hospitality industry professional looking to innovate and improve their property's performance.
3. Central Valley Facilities Expo - Modesto, CA (March 2024)
- Dates: March 20-21, 2024
- Location: Modesto Centre Plaza, Modesto, CA
- Pricing: Free for attendees
- Website: Central Valley Facilities Expo
- Social Media: Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
This regional conference focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities in facilities management within California's Central Valley. Topics include energy management, maintenance best practices, and regulatory compliance.
Why You Should Attend:
The Central Valley Facilities Expo stands out with speakers like Mike DeBono from Bay Power, Inc., and Andy Bull, President of C.H. Bull Co., offering unique perspectives on electrical solutions and industrial equipment, respectively. Their participation underscores the expo's focus on practical, hands-on solutions to operational challenges in facilities management.
Engaging with these industry veterans can provide valuable insights into improving your facility's efficiency and safety, making it a must-attend event for those in the hospitality industry eager to enhance their property's infrastructure and operational capabilities.
4. Facilities Expo - Multiple Dates and Locations
- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: Facilities Expo
- Social Media: Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
The Facilities Expo series takes place across several locations, each tailored to the regional concerns and opportunities of facilities management. These events cover a broad spectrum of topics, including energy efficiency, workplace safety, and sustainability.
Facilities Expo: Conference Events, Locations & Dates
| Locations | Dates |
| Central Valley Facilities Expo | Modesto Centre Plaza, Modesto, CA | March 20-21, 2024 |
| Southern California Facilities Expo | Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA | April 17-18, 2024 |
| Northwest Facilities Expo | Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR | May 8-9, 2024 |
| Reno Facilities Expo | Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, NV | August 21-22, 2024 |
| Northern California Facilities Expo | Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, CA | Fall 2024 |
| North Texas Facilities Expo | ESPORTS Stadium Arlington & Expo Center, Arlington, TX | October 29-30, 2024 |
Why You Should Attend:
Attending an event close to your operation offers direct insights into regional trends and solutions in facilities management. The localized focus can help in addressing specific challenges faced by your hotel or resort.
5. Southern California Facilities Expo - Anaheim, CA (April 2024)
- Dates: April 17-18, 2024
- Location: Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA
- Pricing: Free for attendees
- Website: Southern California Facilities Expo
- Social Media: Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
Similar to its Central Valley counterpart, this expo zeroes in on the unique landscape of Southern California, covering topics pertinent to the region's facilities managers.
Why You Should Attend:
The regional focus makes it a must-attend for those managing facilities in Southern California, offering insights into dealing with the local climate, regulatory environment, and sustainability trends.
6. Facility Fusion IFMA Conference & Expo - Boston, MA (May 2024)
- Dates: May 5-7, 2024
- Location: Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA
- Pricing:
- One-day Passes: $350 (Full Member) and $450 (Regular)
- Full Event Passes: $650 (Full Member) and $850 (Regular)
- Website: Facility Fusion IFMA Conference & Expo
- Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
This event by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is designed to focus on the future of the work environment, technology, and leadership in facilities management.
Why You Should Attend:
Facility Fusion IFMA Conference & Expo is not just another event in the facilities management calendar. The participation of Heather Berlin, a renowned cognitive neuroscientist and host of PBS Nova’s "Your Brain," alongside Rex Miller, a respected futurist, author, and coach, brings a unique blend of neuroscience and future-focused insights to the table. Berlin's expertise will offer a deeper understanding of the cognitive aspects influencing workplace design and employee well-being.
At the same time, Miller's forward-thinking approaches can help you anticipate and prepare for future trends in facilities management. Their contributions make this conference a pivotal opportunity for hospitality leaders looking to innovate and create spaces that meet today's standards and are poised for tomorrow's challenges.
7. The Buildings Conference - New York, NY (May 2024)
- Dates: May 22-23, 2024
- Location: Convene 237 Park Avenue New York, NY
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: The Buildings Conference
Overview:
This conference focuses on the future of building technology, construction, and management. It's a great opportunity to learn about the latest trends in smart building technologies and how they can be applied to the hospitality industry.
Why You Should Attend:
The Buildings Conference shines by including Pallavi Mantha, Associate in Climate and Sustainability at Arup, and Sean Wrenn, a research analyst at BuiltWorlds. Mantha's expertise in sustainability and climate initiatives is critical for those in the hospitality industry looking to adopt greener practices and reduce their carbon footprint. Meanwhile, Wrenn's analytical insights into the latest trends and technologies in the built environment can guide strategic investments in smart building technologies.
Their sessions promise to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to future-proof their properties, making this conference essential for any hospitality professional focused on sustainability and technological innovation in their facilities.
8. 2024 NFPA Conference & Expo - Orlando, FL (June 2024)
- Dates: June 17–19, 2024
- Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
- Pricing: Starts at $995
- Website: NFPA Conference
- Social Media: Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
This conference focuses on fire, electrical, and building safety. It's an essential event for anyone responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of hotel facilities.
Why You Should Attend:
The 2024 NFPA Conference & Expo is set apart by the presence of David Pogue, a distinguished author, CBS Sunday Morning correspondent, NOVA host on PBS, and a New York Times contributor. Pogue's involvement brings a unique blend of storytelling, technology insight, and public safety awareness to the event, offering attendees a broader perspective on the importance of fire, electrical, and building safety. His ability to distill complex topics into engaging and understandable presentations will be invaluable for hospitality industry leaders seeking to enhance their safety protocols.
Pogue's session alone makes this conference a critical opportunity for those committed to ensuring their facilities are not only compliant with safety standards but are also at the forefront of adopting best practices in safety and technology.
9. 2024 BOMA International Conference & Expo - Philadelphia, PA (July 2024)
- Dates: July 13-16, 2024
- Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: BOMA International Conference & Expo
- Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
This event covers all aspects of commercial property management, emphasizing operational excellence and sustainability.
Why You Should Attend:
While focused on commercial properties, the BOMA conference offers valuable insights for hotel managers, especially in sustainability, tenant relations (or guest satisfaction), and technology.
10. IFMA World Workplace 2024 - San Antonio, TX (October 2024)
- Dates: October 9-11, 2024
- Location: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, TX
- Pricing:
- One-day Passes: $445 (Full Member) and $545 (Regular)
- Full Event Passes: $835 (Full Member) and $1125 (Regular)
- Website: IFMA World Workplace
- Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
This is IFMA's flagship conference, offering a global perspective on facilities management, with a wide range of topics from technology integration to sustainability practices.
Why You Should Attend:
For a global view of facilities management and to understand international standards and practices, this conference is unmatched. Learn everything you ever wanted to as a facility management professional, connect with facility professionals and decision-makers, and showcase your innovative products and solutions at the most respected, established FM conference in the world. It’s an excellent opportunity for networking with professionals from around the world.
11. Greenbuild International Conference and Expo - Philadelphia, PA (November 2024)
- Dates: November 12-15, 2024
- Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center Philadelphia, PA
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: Greenbuild International Conference and Expo
- Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
Overview:
Greenbuild is the largest conference and expo dedicated to green building. The event showcases the latest in sustainable practices, products, and technologies.
Why You Should Attend:
With sustainability becoming a significant selling point for guests, understanding the latest green technologies and practices can help your hotel stand out and reduce operational costs.
12. NFMT Remix - Las Vegas, NV (October 2024)
- Dates: October 29-30, 2024
- Location: In person in Las Vegas, NV
- Pricing: Starts at $49
- Website: NFMT Remix
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
NFMT Remix offers a fresh take on facilities management, focusing on innovation, technology, and leadership in a more interactive and engaging format.
Why You Should Attend:
For those looking for new perspectives and cutting-edge solutions in facilities management, NFMT Remix is a can't-miss. Its unique format encourages more direct engagement with speakers and vendors.
Summary
These conferences provide a wealth of knowledge, networking opportunities, and insights into the future of facilities management in the hospitality industry. Whether you're interested in sustainability, technology, safety, or operational efficiency, there's an event tailored to your needs. If you know of other conferences that would be beneficial for hospitality professionals, feel free to share. Let's keep the conversation going and continue to push our industry forward.
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