« Back to Facilities Management News Home
Dallas, Texas — Feb. 17, 2016 — The Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association (PRSM), an authority on retail, multi-site facilities management, has announced that Philippe Petit, the world-renowned high-wire artist documented in the 2015 film The Walk and the 2008 Academy Award-winning film Man On Wire, will be the keynote speaker for the PRSM 2016 National Conference, April 25-27, in Long Beach, Calif.
Petit’s presentation fits the PRSM2016 National Conference theme perfectly, which is to “Expect the Unexpected.” Retail facilities executives perform a creative balancing act every day, constantly striving to provide attractive, safe, comfortable shopping environments, while they adapt to severe changes in the weather, economy, changing budgets, new technology, and other uncontrollable factors.
Since well before his epic, illegal, 1974 walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, Petit had become an artist not only on the high wire, but also as a magician, street juggler, visual artist, and writer. His rebellious attitude spawned a unique approach to the creative process and problem solving that makes him an inspiration to audiences worldwide.
Retail facilities managers need to have a perfect view of what is going on around them, not unlike the view Petit had when walking across the 110-story chasm between the Twin Towers. Petit’s unique style inspires audiences to take in the view, challenge the status quo, and look for innovative ways to solve everyday problems.
Petit’s message kicks off two full days that provide retail facilities leaders new information and unique tools to solve problems, opportunities to meet and network with retail industry leaders and suppliers from across North America, and the inspiration to tackle obstacles.
Attendees should expect the unexpected as they attend unique educational sessions, connect with suppliers in the exhibit hall, share solutions, and develop their own creative ways to manage thousands of retail stores across the U.S. and Canada.
The PRSM Association empowers the retail industry's facilities management with best practices, benchmarking, education, discussion forums, and trusted partnerships.
