The State of Facility Management: IFMA World Workplace 2022

In the latest, special-edition episode of “Are We There Yet?”, host Grant Harrell speaks with leaders in facility management about current and forthcoming changes in the field.

Harrell discusses his visit to the annual IFMA World Workplace 2022, which kicked off in Nashville, Tennessee over the course of three days in late September.

Harrell noted that the event featured thousands of facility management companies and representatives from around the world who gathered in the Music City for the yearly trade show.

Since 1980, IFMA (International Facility Management Association) has hosted this annual event for the purpose of convening leading facility management companies to learn about the most important issues facing the industry. This year had over 100 speakers, 300 exhibitors, some 70 educational programs and sessions, and more than 5,000 attendees, stated Harrell.

This year identified a unique issue that has and continues to face every industry: COVID-19. Like every other field, new workplace habits and demands caused by the pandemic led to more dynamic developments. “It was an especially exciting conference this year and a very important conference with all of the change that we’ve seen over these last couple of years,” said Harrell.

Harrell mentioned that these changes took center stage at the IFMA event, and it was specifically highlighted due to pre- and post-COVID life evolving how many workplaces and companies function.

“If you think back over the last couple of years, with supply chain disruptions and COVID and so many things happening in the world, this has presented unique challenges for the facility management profession, and this year’s conference really focused upon that,” said Harrell. Of course, in terms of transportation and mobility, Harrell said commuting to work has also greatly changed, and further highlighted that it has affected how facility management functions today. Such changes are in fact largely due to the increase in remote and hybrid workplaces, as well as the rise and reliance of ride-sharing and electric vehicle and bike use.

“It was a fascinating conference to attend, and truly highlighted the amazing innovations happening within not only facility management, but also within transportation/mobility”, added Harrell.