There are myriad benefits to looking outside of the workplace for the betterment of your career. Attending industry trade shows such as NFMT provides unmatched value. No matter the location, who you’re with, or the duration you plan to be in attendance, the benefits gained are undeniable because it’s an education that’s in a league of its own.
I specifically mention the upcoming NFMT show in Baltimore in March, not because I’ve spoken there before and will be again, but because it’s put on by the people behind Building Operating Management magazine and FacilitiesNet. If you enjoy the content you find in these pages or online, you will find value attending this show.
In my experience the only downside of trade shows could be that you’re spending time away from the facility you have a responsibility of maintaining and making better. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, either. Sometimes it’s great to take a step back to see clearly the big picture in front of you.
A key part of our role as facility executives and managers is to keep our facilities at an advantage, and attending these shows certainly keeps things that way. By attending conferences, you’ll gain knowledge in the areas you’re curious about. This is a great benefit, but not the only one. There’s nothing like being among other facility executives from across the country to talk shop, share ideas and accolades of your accomplishments. Since I started attending shows like NFMT back in 2015, the contacts page on my phone has grown after every show.
Having a game plan before you walk in the door gives you a full map of who you need to talk to, what products you need to check out, what instructional seminars to attend, and so on. Out of that preparedness alone, your network can grow naturally and not be forced. After some conferences you may walk away with one solid contact while others provide 10-plus. It all depends on what the game plan is before you step foot into the venue.
For some, it can be a drag to walk into the same facility every day with the same routine, solving the same problems with the same people. So going to a trade show for even one day would be beneficial just for the newfound motivation waiting for you.
No matter how well I believe I'm doing in my career, I get humbled by everything that’s available to see at these shows. It can certainly be scary going to talk with someone that you’ve seen in the latest issue of Building Operating Management magazine. It can also be scary to go and talk with someone that works at an organization you’d love to work for. And it can also be scary speaking up with a question you have right in the middle of a presentation or even just pulling out your business card to the facilities professional you’ve been holding conversation with in between sessions. However, it’s all worth it when you get back home with your game raised, perspective shifted, and inspiration to get back into your facility with newfound motivation.
If you want to perfect your facilities management craft, you can't afford not to attend these shows.
Charles M. Thomas is an operations professional, consultant, and writer who has held positions with reputable organizations as a facilities & operations manager, operations manager, and a technical writer. As a facility operations consultant with LACE Management Services, he helps organizations build their programs from the ground up, enhances their existing programs, and serves as a communicator for a generation of young professionals.
