BIFMA 360° Leadership Conference set for Sarasota

If you ask 10 office furniture leaders their opinions on where the industry is headed, you’ll likely get 10 very different answers. A few years ago, those opinions would be much more similar. That’s why an event like the 360° is so important.

Organized by the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association, the 360° Leadership Conference is an annual event that brings together the top leaders to discuss issues important to the industry.

The 360° Leadership Conference, scheduled for Jan. 22-24 in Sarasota, Fla., is about fostering communication among industry executives, but it is designed for those leaders to listen more than speak. The 360° Leadership Conference brings together industry executives with thought leaders and speakers from other sectors, providing a fresh look at common challenges and ideas for helping the office furniture industry move forward. 

This year the theme — Experimental Excellence — continues to build upon the conversations BIFMA started at previous events, though new attendees will feel right at home at the event.

“Building off the 2023 360 Leadership Conference, focused on the ‘Future First,’ the 2024 conference paves the way through ‘Experimental Excellence,’” said Deirdre Jimenez, president and CEO of BIFMA. “Finding breakthrough innovation requires space and willingness to experiment in all areas of the business. This year we will cover topics from creating experimental space and mindset, exploring how Gen Z will change work, understanding and applying AI, CRE workplace strategies, right sizing experimentation for your organization, to the current economic framework.”

The conference is known for its fantastic slate of speakers and this year’s 360° is no different. The event will be anchored by two keynote addresses: 

The opening keynote is “The Mindset We Need To Build The Future We Want” presented by Nancy Giordano, CEO and founder of PLAY BIG Inc. In the presentation, Giordano will explain how it’s becoming clear that outdated industrial era processes, metrics and beliefs focused on efficiency, growth and scale need to give way to more dynamic practices, systemic yardsticks and deep alignment in order to empower and improve humane decision-making.

The closing keynote is “Winning at Your Big Bets” by John Rossman, founder of Rossman Partners. He will present on how successful transformation in this hyper digital era is not only possible, but can become a core competency. Dismissing many traditional corporate rules, policies and perspectives, Rossman provides a playbook for winning at your “Big Bets.”

While the keynotes are certain to attract attendees, there are several excellent presenters that will cover a range of topics.

Generational experts David and Jonah Stillman will present on generational Influence on work and the workplace. The father and son duo have been researching the next generation and how generation Z’s debut in the workplace will alter the future of work and team.

Several speakers will focus on the corporate workplace, including: Stewart Flemming, senior director of Americas Portfolio Planning at Oracle; Jennifer Kolstad, global design and brand director at Ford Motor Company; Kim Sauvageau, global workplace architect at Shell. They will share how organizations are experimenting with innovative workplace strategies to optimize the employee experience and maximize business performance.

Gernard Baumohl, chief global economist at The Economic Outlook Group will focus on risks and opportunities in the economy. Efforts to fully reboot the global economy after the COVID pandemic has been challenging because in many respects the world has forever changed. Supply chains are restructuring.

Innovation strategist Shawn Kanungo will focus on “The Age of AI” and dive deep into the age of artificial intelligence and infinite leverage and understand how it will impact culture, business, technology, and individuals. Attendees will walk away with a roadmap on how organizations can create a brighter future, together.

The event leaves some time for networking and fun as well. There are several optional events for attendees, including a tour of the Ringling Museum of Art and Bayfront Gardens and a trip to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

Additionally, there is a welcome reception on Monday night followed by a “speed” dining event where attendees move to different tables for each course of the meal. It is a great way to meet other industry executives.

“The BIFMA 360 Leadership Conference has become a must-attend event for executives to hear from a line-up of globally recognized consultants addressing common business challenges in the world today. Attracting both member and non-member industry stakeholders from various countries, it also provides an opportunity to connect and network with peers,” said Jimenez.