This year marks my 20th anniversary with Trade Press Media Group. Although I've only been with Building Operating Management for three years, I'm no stranger to the facility management industry — I previously covered the world of commercial cleaning. One thing I have learned during this time is whether you are a building service contractor, product distributor or facility manager, the best way to learn how to solve a problem is to ask your peers.
Peer-to-peer networking and peer-led education lets attendees learn from facility managers who have already faced similar challenges. They can share what worked and what pitfalls to avoid.
That's why I hope many of you will be able to join us as the NFMT Conference and Trade Show returns to the Baltimore Convention Center March 21-23. We will have more than 100 education sessions — many featuring past and current facility managers — to learn about the latest trends in technology, security, sustainability, operations, wellness and more.
There are a lot of great sessions to choose from, but I specifically want to highlight our “Think Tanks.” These small-group networking sessions debuted last year to high acclaim. Attendees will spend an hour discussing challenges, asking questions, and sharing their experiences with their peers. We will be covering educational facility trends, hiring challenges, capital project planning, working with the next generation, and hybrid workplaces.
Larger networking events are also planned for all three days of the show. On Tuesday, we'll have our big networking party with plenty of food and drinks to celebrate the opening day of the event. Wednesday features a few different ways to mingle. For our fnPrime members and NFMT Elite registrants, we'll be having an ice cream social at the fnPrime booth as a chance for members to meet and share best practices. Also on Wednesday, there is a reception immediately following the popular Women in FM panel discussion. And, if you can't make that event, Wednesday also features the Solutions Exchange where attendees can discuss specific facility-related topics over a bucket of beer. Finally, on Thursday, the show ends with a networking discussion at the Closing Ceremony.
If you are looking for answers — or better yet, have advice to share — then NFMT is the place for you. Click the QR code to register today for what is sure to be a fantastic event. I hope to see you there.
