Facility managers from across the country flocked to Orlando earlier this month to attend NFMT Remix. The two-day show brought together industry leaders to gain new insights and best practices on all things facilities management. From the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence to the benefits of mentoring, education sessions left nothing on the table for even the most seasoned facility manager.
Downstairs in the Expo Hall, attendees were able to discover the latest cutting-edge products. Live-demos in the product zones allowed attendees to see first-hand how the items could enhance their facilities. In addition, attendees were encouraged to network during lunch and at happy hour events, allowing many to find new connections in the field.
It was truly a remarkable week to be a part of the facilities management industry. Here are a few key takeaways from the show:
1.) The Next Generation of FM Leaders Are Here
Something was noticeably different among some of the NFMT Remix attendees: they were young. As the Baby Boomer and Gen X generations start to retire, it is important that younger facility managers are gaining industry knowledge. The next generation of facility managers were eager to participate in education sessions, diligently taking notes and asking questions. They also walked the show floor, engaging with exhibitors about what products would work best for them.
“I was encouraged by the increasing number of younger facility managers who walked the expo hall, attended education sessions, and were interested in learning more about their career,” Dave Lubach, chief editor of FacilitiesNet says. “It gave me hope for the next generation of managers. The future looks bright.”
Along with this, many female facility managers were also in attendance. The Women in FM panel discussion and breakfast covered topics ranging from confidence, mentoring to unwanted advances in the workplace.
“What an incredible day spent with such inspiring people,” Keri Steers, regional facility manager for Dutch Bros and Women in FM panelist said after the event. “I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to speak and share my perspective on being a woman in facilities the challenges we face, the growth we experience, and the importance of showing up confidently in spaces that haven’t always made room for us.”
2.) Technology Proves to Be Industry Driver
One of the driving forces behind a career in trades is that it is essentially AI-proof. However, that isn’t stopping the technology from being utilized within facilities management. Presenters explained how AI is essentially just a tool to have in one’s toolbelt, suggesting different use cases for it like work orders and preventative maintenance.
Meanwhile, the expo hall featured exhibitors showcasing technological products such as cleaning robots, building access control systems, window cleaning drones, SaaS and more. It just goes to show that while the industry won’t be replaced by new technology, it will only be enhanced by it. Attendees were able to learn how these products could free up their time to focus on more essential tasks.
3.) It’s All About Community
While many people believe that a career in facilities management is a solo endeavor, shows like NFMT Remix prove to be the opposite. To be a facility manager, you have to care about people. During networking events, attendees were able to connect with people that they have met at previous shows and share any challenges that they may be experiencing within their facility. Being able to talk with like-minded people made attendees feel less alone in their challenges, and they were able to walk away with real life solutions.
While NFMT Remix has come to an end, FacilitiesNet is pleased to announce NFMT East in Charlotte, North Carolina taking place March 10 – 12. The conference, which was previously held in Baltimore, brings together facility decision-makers from all commercial buildings, schools, municipalities, healthcare, government and more. Registration is now open. To learn more, please click here.
Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market and the host of the Facilities in Focus podcast.
