IFMA Announces Out-of-This-World Keynote Speakers for World Workplace Conference and Expo in Houston
The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has upped the stakes for its flagship event, the World Workplace Conference and Expo, by introducing a keynote speaker lineup that is out of this world. For the opening keynote, visionary economist Jeremy Rifkin will look beyond the world as it is today to see the possibilities of tomorrow. The closing keynote speakers, Captains Mark and Scott Kelly, will share their experiences from leaving the planet as NASA astronauts.
IFMA will hold World Workplace in Houston, Texas, USA, on Oct. 18-20 in collaboration with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The 2017 keynote speakers align with this yearâs theme, âWe are FM: A Universe of Possibilitiesâ â a nod to the fact that this is the first time in the eventâs 20+-year history that IFMA is hosting it in Space City, home of the organizationâs global Service Center of Excellence office.
Jeremy Rifkin is the author of âThe Zero Marginal Cost Societyâ and âThe Third Industrial Revolution: How Lateral Power is Transforming Energy, the Economy, and the World.â Rifkin, an advisor to the European Union, the Peopleâs Republic of China and heads of state around the world, will discuss how we can create a smart, economically robust and sustainable society. He will be available for a meet and greet and book signing immediately prior to his opening address.
Captains Mark and Scott Kelly are highly decorated NASA astronauts and retired U.S. Navy captains whose presentation will draw from their experiences leading teams in dynamic environments, in combat and as space mission commanders. Theyâll reveal powerful lessons on leadership, teamwork and sacrifice. From NASAâs Twin Study and Scottâs Year in Space, to flying in combat and personal reflections on dealing with tragedy, the Kelly brothersâ perspective and lessons will leave the audience doubly inspired and motivated. They will hold a book signing following their Friday lunch keynote session.
Following Hurricane Harvey, IFMA has declared âall systems goâ for World Workplace following careful consultation with city and conference center planners. The area hosting the conference was not significantly impacted by flooding and city officials have underscored the importance of continuing business to stimulate economic recovery following the storm.
Registration is open at www.worldworkplace.org.
What:Â World Workplace Conference and Expo
When:Â Oct. 18-20, 2017
Where: George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, Texas, USA
World Workplace is the original all-encompassing learning and networking event on facilities and how to manage them. Thereâs program value for FM professionals at every point of their careers and across all types of facilities. Although many have tried to imitate its success, World Workplace remains the gold standard for discovering new ideas and technology impacting the FM industry. Just as Houston has been a key staging point for humanityâs exploration of outer space, World Workplace in Houston will be the launching point for FM professionals into exciting new dimensions of discovery.
About IFMA
IFMA is the world’s largest and most widely recognized international association for facility management professionals, supporting over 24,000 members in more than 100 countries. This diverse membership participates in focused component groups equipped to address their unique situations by region (134 chapters), industry (16 councils) and areas of interest (six communities). Together they manage more than 78 billion square feet of property and annually purchase more than US$526 billion in products and services. Formed in 1980, IFMA certifies professionals in facility management; conducts research; provides educational programs, content and resources; and produces World Workplace, the world’s largest series of facility management conferences and expositions. To join and follow IFMA’s social media outlets online, visit the association’s LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr pages. For more information, visit the IFMA press room or www.ifma.org.
About RICS
RICS is a global professional body. We promote and enforce the highest professional qualification and standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. Our name promises the consistent delivery of standards â bringing confidence to the markets we serve. The work of our professionals creates a safer world: we are proud of our professionâs reputation and we guard it fiercely.
