There seems to be a misconception that a career in facilities management means that you are working by yourself, but as NFMT East proves – that is anything but the case.
For over 20 years NFMT has shined a spotlight on the facilities management industry, encouraging facilities professionals of all levels to come together and collaborate on industry best practices. For the first time since its conception, NFMT East took place in Charlotte, bringing a wealth of industry knowledge that helped facility professionals grow in all areas of their career.
“We enjoyed bringing the NFMT East experience to Charlotte,” says Dave Lubach, chief editor for facilities. “The energy at the show was inspiring to our staff, which savors the opportunity to meet our readers and learn from them and the exhibitors about the latest facilities management trends, and also have a little fun while doing it.”
During the general session, Lubach was joined by Charlotte Hornets facility executives Donna Julian and Ronnie Bryant to discuss facility operations at the Spectrum Center, located in the heart of downtown Charlotte. Attendees were able to learn how the NBA arena’s facilities team operates behind the scenes to enable players and fans to enjoy their experiences. The conversation focused on the day-to-day challenges of keeping a 20,000- seat stadium up to date with the latest in technologies such as AI and building automation, as well as managing game-day duties such as crowd control, cleaning and security responsibilities.
Downstairs in the Expo Hall, attendees discovered the latest cutting-edge products from leading industry providers, including representatives from operational support services, fire safety, AI, generators, grounds care, building automation, lighting and dozens more. At the Learning Lab stages, attendees witnessed first-hand how certain products could enhance their facilities. Meanwhile, over at Show Central, Building Operating Management editors Lubach and Mackenna Moralez lead conversations with facility managers across various building markets ranging in topics from security, retrofits, appealing to the C-suite, backup power and more.
Safety and security remain hot topics among facility managers. In a group discussion that had over 50 participants, managers discussed pain points that they are currently facing. 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. Education sessions also provided attendees with continued education opportunities with topics ranging from disaster preparedness, recruiting the next generation of facility managers, building resiliency, deferred maintenance, and more.
Attendees and exhibitors were also welcomed to the NASCAR Hall of Fame for the opening night welcome reception. Partygoers were able to participate in NASCAR simulations, be a part of the pit crew and even meet a life size Lightning McQueen. During this networking event, 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.
The newly named “Women Who Make It Work” panel featured Gretchen Catlin, chief facilities and general services officer at University of Maine System; Tahja Ingram, facilities program manager at Tuskegee University; and Paula Murphy, business development administrator at Supreme Maintenance Organization as speakers. In this candid, insight-driven discussion, attendees heard firsthand perspectives on leadership, career growth and navigating challenges within the industry from women who are directly changing the way we approach the future of facilities management.
“One of the highlights for me was attending the Women Who Make It Work panel and hearing different perspectives from women across the industry,” Jennifer Flamenco, key account manager, Metro Compact Service Inc., wrote on LinkedIn after the event. “Many of the conversations touched on challenges that extend beyond one field, from equal pay to ensuring our voices are heard and having opportunities for leadership. It was also great to see a few men in the room supporting the conversation. Moments like that matter. It was refreshing to hear honest experiences and realize how many of us are navigating similar paths.”
NFMT East makes its return to Baltimore March 31 – April 2, 2027. Attendees can expect to gain new insights and best practices on all things facilities management. If you can’t wait a whole year, NFMT West will take place Nov. 3-4, 2026, in Las Vegas.
Mackenna Moralez is the managing editor of the facilities market and the host of the Facilities in Focus podcast.
