HOUSTON - The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has combined its 2010 spring events into one conference offering facility professionals a fusion of new ideas, best practices, and leadership and management training. According to the association, IFMA Facility Fusion will help built environment professionals recharge their careers through instructor-led educational programming; an expo showcasing the latest products and services; cutting-edge facility tours, and other professional development opportunities.

To be held April 13-15 in Philadelphia, at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Facility Fusion will feature an Energy Forum hosted by a panel of government experts; three industry-leading power speakers; and an opportunity for attendees to meet new IFMA President and CEO Tony Keane, CAE.

“As decisions made in Washington increasingly affect the built environment, it’s critical that we routinely engage those agencies at the forefront of promoting energy efficiency and sustainable practices,” said Jeffrey Johnson, IFMA director of government relations. “We’re pleased to have a growing list of government members who can provide perspective on the current administration’s approach to energy policy, how it’s affecting their agency, and what effect those priorities may have on the private sector.”

The first day will feature educational sessions highlighting sustainability case studies, resource conservation best practices, and more. Representatives from the city of Orlando, Green Building Services, and Texas A&M University’s Health Science Center will present.

Day two will begin with a presentation from power speaker William Rodgers Jr., president and CEO of GoodCents and former president and CEO of EMCOR Facilities Services. Rodgers will present “How to Make the Case to the C-Suite,” a presentation in which he teaches facility professionals how to develop clear sustainability initiatives and programs and then sell them to upper management.

The conference will conclude with presentations from power speakers Jim Mathis and Sheila Brown. Mathis, an author, business consultant, and president of The Mathis Group, will focus on responding to the recession through a market-oriented, consumer-driven business plan. Brown, an associate with Stantec consulting who helped develop Canada’s LEED® credentials, will discuss the latest energy, environmental, and sustainability issues affecting the built environment and provide tips for making the business case for green building operations.

For more information, e-mail communications@ifma.org or visit www.ifmafacilityfusion.org.

Publication date: 02/22/2010