This year's NFMT Remix conference wrapped up in Las Vegas at the Paris Hotel and Casino last week. With a sold-out exhibit hall and packed session rooms, the event was a huge success.
Attendees from across the United States representing a variety of facility types and titles saw the latest product innovations and networked with peers, all the while learning about the trends impacting the industry. Here are five takeaways from the show:
Where are the Workers?: Ever since the “Great Resignation,” facility departments have been struggling to fill position vacancies. From entry-level skilled trades positions to mid-management and higher, facility managers are on the lookout for new employees.
During the “Huddle Happy Hour,” the tables discussing staffing struggles were full and lively with attendees looking for answers. Many managers stressed reaching potential candidates early, such as offering internships with their local high schools. Promoting in-house custodians to facility-related opportunities was another successful strategy for filling the candidate pool. Other attendees shared that they found new recruits from local hardware stores after a sales rep exhibited great customer service.
Staff Development Struggles: Hiring wasn't the only staffing pain point. Once departments have employees in the door, the problems only continue when trying to get new recruits onboarded and then continuingly developing in their careers.
More than 120 attendees filled every seat at FMD columnist and CEO of AMG International Consulting Andy Gager's session on Leadership and Supervision. Gager discussed how to tailor management styles to different types of employees, as well as how to develop team members into better performers.
Meanwhile, the Facility Influencer panel encouraged attendees to seek out certifications for not only leaders, but for team members, too. Along with these credentials, the presenters — Clarence Carson, president of CCRS Group, and John Rimer, president, FM360 Consulting, — discussed getting employees to understand "why" they perform certain tasks rather than "how." This understanding gives employee value.
Emergency Preparedness Top of Mind: Hurricanes Helene and Milton have put emergency preparedness and response to the top of the priority list for many facility managers. Attendees in the Huddle discussion on this topic urged their peers to not only have documented plans, but to review and practice these action plans regularly. After a disaster, review the scenarios again and address what went right, wrong and anything unexpected.
These plans should address all types of emergencies: hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, wildfires, active shooter and more. Keep actions simple so employees all know their roles and can respond quickly and decisively.
Show Me the Money: The General Session featuring Gager and Larry Morgan, senior facilities manager for SAP Global Facilities Management, Americas was fittingly titled “Thrills, Chills and Building Ills: Overcoming FM Nightmares” to coincide with Halloween week. It quickly became apparent that these nightmares were often due to lack of budget. This wasn't the only session where money became a focal point either.
Unfortunately for facility managers, the C-suite and corner offices holding the purse strings don't always understand the need and urgency for facility dollars and, as a result, capital budgets are short-changed. This leads to mounting deferred maintenance costs. Overtime, disasters happen. To combat these problems, facility personnel need to capture usage data and use it when presenting their budgets.
Celebrate Diversity: There's no denying that facility management is a predominantly male industry. However, each year, more and more women not only join the industry, but make their presence known. The Women in FM Panel — featuring three leaders, Lori Olson-Arzaga, director of Environmental Services for Clark County School District; Kimberly Case-Nichols, general manager, Strategic Operations and Facilities Management for Nevada Health & Bioscience Asset Corporation; and Danielle Wells, president of PM Silicone — was a dynamic session illustrating both the challenges and successes of women in this industry.
One reoccurring theme for many women in attendance was the feeling of having to act and dress a certain way to fit in and not make waves. Although this still may be the sentiment for some, it's great to hear that more women are allowing themselves to be their authentic selves and still earn the respect they deserve.
These are just some of the issues and trends seen and heard during NFMT Remix. Come join the discussion at next year's NFMT Remix in Orlando. But facility managers don't even have to wait that long. NFMT Baltimore is taking place March 25-27 at the Baltimore Convention Center in the Inner Harbor. Registration is open.
Dan Weltin is the editor-in-chief of the facility market. He has more than 20 years of experience writing about facility-related issues.
