by Brianna Crandall — December 18, 2013—The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has officially implemented a striking new logo following unanimous approval by its board of directors at the recent 2013 World Workplace Conference and Expo in Philadelphia. Affiliated facilities managers around the world may notice that the new logo represents the most significant aesthetic change to IFMA’s brand and image since the original logo was adopted in 1983.
“In the last 30 years, IFMA’s membership has grown and evolved with the facility management discipline,” said IFMA President and CEO Tony Keane, CAE. “IFMA is widely recognized for its thought leadership. As an organization, we have not only embraced progress but we’ve empowered our members to bring about the changes they hope for. For some, this means professional development through our internationally recognized credentials. For others, it’s access to education and networking opportunities at an IFMA conference and expo. For 30 years, IFMA has helped to change the face of facility management. Our new logo symbolizes the commitment to keep driving that change for the next 30 years and beyond.”
The new logo was conceived and executed by the IFMA marketing team led by Marketing Director Stewart Dallas in partnership with Neiger Design. The year-long project involved extensive research including surveys and interviews of IFMA members and stakeholders. The findings were then infused into the symbolism and typography of the final design, which IFMA feels represents everything the organization stands for, redefines its visual legacy, and charts a bold path forward.
According to IFMA, the globe-like circular symbol in the logo reflects the organization’s global citizenship and its multifaceted role in the FM industry, with the lines implying awareness and direction, and the shapes within the globe representing the built environment. The way each element works together echoes the aspects of connectivity and collaboration that set IFMA members apart.
The colors that research respondents identified as best representing IFMA were red, providing visual continuity with the former brand, and blue and green to reflect IFMA’s global sensibility and sustainability focus. The particular shades were chosen for their vibrancy and their fresh, broad appeal, as well as to embody the approachable, educational aspects of IFMA. The typography is considered international in appeal, and both modern and timeless.
Although the new logo was approved in October, it is expected to take at least a year for it to be fully implemented across the IFMA organization. The new logo will gradually take its place on everything from Web sites to letterhead and clothing. To prevent needless waste, IFMA is also taking steps to ensure the transition is sustainable. Whenever possible, physical products featuring the old logo will be used rather than discarded.
IFMA supports more than 23,500 members in 94 countries. The association’s members, represented in 130 chapters and 17 councils worldwide, are said to manage more than 37 billion square feet of property and annually purchase more than $100 billion in products and services. Formed in 1980, IFMA certifies professionals in facilities management, conducts research, provides educational programs, and produces World Workplace, billed as the world’s largest FM management conference and exposition.
