The Next Wave of Facility Management:
Past Lessons, Future Horizons
Background & Context
Since its inception in 2022, the IFMA Executive Summit has convened C-Suite leaders from across the North American facility management industry to explore the forces shaping the profession. Each year has uncovered a defining theme:
- 2022: Leading Digital Transformation in FM
- 2023: Managing Digital Risk & FM’s Role in Protecting Digitized Buildings
- 2024: Navigating the Technological Landscape for FM
- 2025: Building Collaborative Strategies for Circular FM Transition
Together, these summits have revealed FM’s expanding role at the nexus of business resilience, technological innovation, and sustainability.
The 5th Edition in 2026 provides a unique milestone. It will be both a reflection — distilling lessons learned over the past five years of disruption and innovation — and a foresight exercise — envisioning the next wave of challenges and opportunities for the profession.
Summit Objective
This year’s theme asks FM leaders to reflect on how the profession has evolved and to anticipate how it must continue to adapt. Anchored around the pillars of People, Purpose, and Planet, the Summit will explore how FM can:
- Strengthen organizational cultures that prioritize adaptability, wellbeing, and social impact.
- Reimagine the workplace as a driver of digital and human connection, performance, and innovation.
- Lead the charge in advancing sustainability, resilience, and circular strategies.
Knowledge Café Activity
To foster collaborative insights, the Summit will employ a Knowledge Café activity, based on the World Café methodology, which promotes rich, diverse input through group rotations. Participants will rotate between stations and each table will address one dimension of FM’s “next wave.” Leaders will rotate across all tables, collectively building a multi-perspective picture of the future.
People – Redefining the Human Experience of FM- How will FM foster wellbeing, inclusivity, and adaptability in a changing workforce?
- What leadership qualities will define the next generation of FM executives?
- How will physical and digital environments converge to support productivity and community?
- What role will FM play in creating workplaces of purpose and connection?
Planet – Driving Sustainability and Resilience
- How can FM accelerate progress on climate action, circular economy, and energy efficiency?
- What partnerships and metrics will be required to demonstrate true impact?
Technology & Data – Harnessing the Next Wave of Innovation
- Beyond AI and smart buildings, what emerging technologies will reshape FM?
- How can FM integrate digital insights while managing risk and trust?
The FM Identity – Expanding Influence and Purpose
- How will FM evolve as a strategic business partner over the next five years?
- What does the future FM value proposition look like for organizations and society?