Eptura is excited to announce we will be at the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) World Workplace 2024 conference, October 9-11 in San Antonio, TX.
The annual event features various activities, including preconference courses, educational sessions, keynote speeches, and an expo showcasing cutting-edge products and services. With opportunities to network with peers and industry leaders, attendees can gain valuable insights, helping them stay updated on the latest trends and topics in facility management.
Gain academic and practical professional development
IFMA World Workplace 2024 offers many opportunities for facility and workplace professionals to develop and deepen their skill sets while widening their professional networks, including:
- Tactics and strategies: Practical tactics and strategies professionals can immediately implement in their organizations to improve operations and efficiency.
- Real-world action plans: Real-world action plans for safeguarding lives and assets, enhancing operational agility and resilience, creating healthy and sustainable spaces, building inclusive workplace experiences.
- Hands-on experience: Direct access to new and necessary products and services, which can be crucial for staying updated with the latest in facility management technology and solutions.
- Expert instruction: Opportunities to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Certified Facility Manager (CFM) maintenance points, which are essential for professional development and certification maintenance.
- Peer connection: Chances to meet and connect with colleagues at The Expo, networking activities, welcome reception, IFMA Foundation Charity Gala, and the Explore FM Community Service Project
Explore the expo floor and meet exhibitors
In past years, the expo has been a highlight of the multi-day event, and 2024 includes exhibitors for more than 350 products and services. Attendees can engage in one-on-one discussions with FM solution providers, learn about the latest tools and technologies, and find answers to pressing questions related to their facilities.
There will be exhibitors representing FM solutions in multiple product and service categories, including:
- Worktech
- Asset management
- Operations & maintenance
- Building automation
- Energy management
- Access control and security
- Emergency response
- Disaster recovery
- Water management
- Fire safety
- Landscaping
- HVAC
- Construction
The expo features vendors and suppliers directly connected with important trends affecting the industry. The more professionals learn about them, the further ahead they’ll be in their careers.
Learn how to implement worktech to boost productivity, the employee experience
Workplace technology, including desk and room booking systems and service request software, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and productivity of modern offices. Implementing desk and room booking solutions allows employees to easily reserve workspaces and meeting rooms, optimizing space utilization and reducing the time spent searching for available areas, providing real-time availability updates and even integrate with calendars to streamline the booking process. And they can offer insights into space usage patterns, helping facility managers make data-driven decisions about office layout and resource allocation.
Service request software is another important feature workplace tech, enabling employees to quickly report issues or request maintenance services. These platforms often feature user-friendly interfaces where staff can submit requests, track their status, and receive updates.
For facility managers, service request software provides a centralized system for managing and prioritizing tasks, ensuring that issues are addressed promptly and efficiently.
Discover the connection between cutting carbon and costs with energy management
Energy management, for example, is quickly becoming a key concern for workplace and facility leaders. By implementing effective management strategies, leaders can significantly cut energy use, helping them reduce operational expenses while also meeting tough sustainability targets.
Regular audits and the use of smart technologies can help pinpoint areas where energy is wasted, allowing for targeted improvements. And, investing in energy-efficient equipment and systems can lead to long-term savings, as these often consume less energy and require less frequent maintenance.
Energy management also plays a pivotal role in achieving sustainability goals. Reducing energy consumption directly lowers a facility’s carbon footprint, contributing to broader environmental objectives.
Many organizations are increasingly prioritizing sustainability as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives, and effective energy management can enhance a company’s reputation in this regard. Meeting sustainability goals can open doors to various incentives, such as government rebates and tax credits, which further cut costs.
See how to make a good first impression, safely
Effective visitor management is a crucial component for workplace and facility leaders, as it impacts the first impression of an organization and ensures the safety and security of all occupants. A well-structured visitor management system starts with a seamless and welcoming check-in process supported by user-friendly digital sign-in systems that not only expedite the registration process but also provide a modern, tech-savvy image of the company.
Personalized greetings and clear directions to meeting areas further enhance the visitor experience, demonstrating the organization’s attention to detail and commitment to efficiency and hospitality.
Beyond making a good first impression, visitor management is essential for maintaining a secure and safe environment. Implementing robust security measures helps prevent unauthorized entry and ensures that only legitimate visitors are granted access to the facility.
Real-time tracking of occupancy numbers allows for quick responses in case of emergencies, while comprehensive visitor logs can be invaluable for post-incident analysis. By prioritizing visitor management, workplace and facility leaders can create a welcoming and secure environment that instills confidence in both visitors and employees.
Start moving toward a unified digital solution to get ahead
The latest trends in workplace and facility management are part of an overall move to automated.
Automated systems, such as building automation systems and Internet of Things devices, provide real-time monitoring and control over various aspects of a facility, including HVAC, lighting, and security.
These systems can automatically adjust settings based on occupancy, time of day, or other predefined parameters, ensuring optimal performance and reducing energy waste. For instance, smart lighting systems can turn off lights in unoccupied areas, while automated HVAC controls can maintain comfortable temperatures without unnecessary energy consumption.
Automation can streamline maintenance tasks and improve response times to issues. Predictive maintenance algorithms can analyze data from sensors to anticipate equipment failures before they occur, allowing for proactive repairs and minimizing downtime.
Automated work order systems can dispatch maintenance teams more efficiently, ensuring that issues are addressed promptly. Additionally, automation can enhance safety and security by integrating with access control systems, surveillance cameras, and emergency response protocols.
All of these are important topics for our industry, and Eptura will be announcing related features that embrace the future of worktech at our product announcement in early October.
Register for Americas/EMEA times zones and APAC time zones.
Eptura presentations, talks, panels at World Workplace 2024
Eptura, a Gold Corporate Sustaining Partner since 2013, will be hosting exciting events at the expo this year.
The Digital Thread to Realizing a Net-Zero Future
Thursday, Oct 10, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM CDT Location: 221B
Recent research reveals we’re already outside six of Earth’s nine planetary boundaries that define a safe operating zone for humans. We need to collectively cut carbon emissions, but where should we start? With 40% of global carbon emissions coming from buildings, workplace leaders are an important part of the solution.
In this session, Megan Riley, Supervisor at Global Facilities Services Systems, and Erin Sevitz, VP Content at Eptura profile examples of global businesses — from medical device manufacturers to multinational banks – that are successfully connecting data to cut carbon across the facility life cycle. Gain insights into how organizations are leveraging technology within the built environment, with practical takeaways for facility professionals looking for a single, unified view of their business and climate impact.
Radical Change in FM: Lean In or be Left Behind
Friday, Oct 11, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM CDT Location: 302AB
Mike Petrusky brings back the panel from the Workplace Innovator podcast’s World Workplace preview episode to continue the conversation on change. Together they’ll explore the new frontier of the built environment from different perspectives, including:
- FM practitioners
- Workplace consultants
- Industry partners
With opinions, insights, and advice from Lena Thompson, Director Building Operations and Office of Facility Management at the American Psychological Association, Kay Sargent, Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors at HOK, Mayra Portalatin, Vice President of Facilities Services, NVE, Inc., and Geoff Snavely, LEED AP, Vice President – General Manager at milliCare by EBC Carpet Services, a wide range of facility, workplace, and real estate professionals can learn how to “be comfortable being uncomfortable.”
See you at World Workplace 2024
We’d love to connect with you, so make sure to join Eptura at booth 2509 to learn more about our integrated, cloud-based worktech platform packed with robust feature sets for workplace, facility, and maintenance management, including occupancy sensors and visitor management. It’s your opportunity to connect with the only market leader with a unified platform and learn more about the future of intelligent worktech.
By Erin Sevitz
Erin has 15 years of experience, including 10 years in thought leadership on workplace management and the built environment. In her current role she oversees teams responsible for worktech insights and engaging Eptura’s 16,000 customers worldwide. Previously she led communications for the International Facility Management Association, a global industry nonprofit dedicated to professional development for workplace strategists, building managers, and corporate real estate.
