by Brianna Crandall — November 23, 2020 — The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) will host its annual World Workplace Conference and Expo virtually this December 9-10. The immersive online experience will feature five hours of programming each day, with beneficial learning, professional networking and celebratory events in a safe and convenient format.
Disruption strategist Shawn Kanungo and environmental advocates Céline and Fabien Cousteau headline IFMA’s World Workplace 2020 Virtual Experience. Image courtesy IFMA
Keynote speaker Shawn Kanungo will open the program on December 9. A disruption strategist, Kanungo has been recognized globally for his work in the innovation space after 12 years at Deloitte. He has been recognized as one of Avenue magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” and was named one of Inc.’s “100 Most Innovative Leadership Speakers” in 2018.
Grandchildren of famed oceanographic explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, keynote speakers Céline and Fabien Cousteau will open the December 10 program. As environmental advocates, they are committed to educating the world about our shared home, the water planet. In their illuminating presentation, the Cousteaus make the connection between business and the environment, illustrating how Corporate America’s contribution to the sustainability of the planet impacts the overall economy.
Following the keynotes, more than 25 educational sessions will be offered, with the opportunity to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Certified Facility Manager (CFM) recertification activity credit. Sessions will focus on top-of-mind priorities such as managing through crisis, mitigating risks, developing plans for resilience, occupant health and well-being, achieving net-zero energy, and digital transformation.
Crisis expert Dr. Steven Goldman will present “Facility Management, Business Continuity and COVID-19: What Have We Learned?” FM technology experts Paul Head, Doug Stewart and IFMA Fellow Eric Teicholz will present “PropTech: Disruption Technology or Hype?” Together with Jonathan Bissell, Carlos Santamaria and Diane Levine, MCR, Lynn Baez, CFM, SFP, FMP will present “Your Key to Success in FM Training and Development: A Google Case Study.” The full educational program will be available soon.
Attendees will also have a dedicated timeframe to participate in the Virtual Expo, with opportunities to schedule live video calls with vendors and gain knowledge on innovative products and service solutions. They can also play the interactive expo scavenger hunt and expo games for a chance to win prizes.
Special events include IFMA’s 40-year Anniversary Celebration and Welcome Reception on Day One and a Council and Community Virtual Happy Hour on Day Two. Attendees can view special presentations traditionally held during World Workplace, including IFMA’s Awards of Excellence, the induction of this year’s Class of IFMA Fellows, the presentation of the Chair Citation, and the IFMA Foundation’s IgniteFM! student competition. Recipients of the new Forty Under 40 awards will also be recognized.
World Workplace is IFMA’s flagship event, considered a gold standard in facilities management education, knowledge exchange, career development and professional network building. Register online.
FMLink is a Participating Partner for the event.
