Florida Facility Fusion-why you should attend
Renee Ponik, CFMNASA
Facility managers have a unique opportunity to thrive in the state of Florida
Florida Chapters of IFMA
Through programs like Get There: Florida’s Workforce Education Initiative and the 2021 Reimagining Education and Career Help (REACH) Act, Florida has a goal to be the best state in the nation for workforce development by 2030. Resources, funding and legislation are geared toward helping residents develop their skills and obtain meaningful and sustaining work within the state. Inspired by these initiatives, the Jacksonville, Suncoast, Orlando and South Florida Chapters of IFMA will host the IFMA Florida Facilities Summit 2022: FM Expertise on Display this Aug. 3-5. Affordable pricing for essential learning. Full-time FM degree students attend free.
Facility managers have a unique opportunity to thrive in the state of Florida
With a goal to be the best state in the nation for career and education support, Florida is committed to preparing a thriving workforce. In 2020, Gov. Ron DeSantis proclaimed September as Workforce Development Month, providing resources and passing legislation for residents to develop their skills and obtain meaningful and sustaining work within the state. Through programs like Get There: Florida’s Workforce Education Initiative, employers and employees have the means to build careers and grow the economy.
The 2021 Reimagining Education and Career Help (REACH) Act provides coordination and alignment in Florida’s workforce development system. As reported by the Tampa, Florida, CBS affiliate, “Part of that program includes an online portal giving Floridians access to tools to help with career planning, employment and getting connected to different vocational education opportunities. It also establishes a money-back guarantee program for students at institutions in the Florida College System. This means students in vocational schools who are not able to find a job within six months of completing their programs will get a refund of the cost of their tuition.” REACH also provides more funding and flexibility for apprenticeship programs in the state.
Gov. DeSantis has emphasized that a four-year college education is not the only path to success, stating, “Pursuing a career in the skilled trades … can lead you to a very productive career.”
Inspired by these initiatives, the Florida Chapters of IFMA – Jacksonville, Suncoast, Orlando and South Florida – have organized the IFMA Florida Facilities Summit 2022: FM Expertise on Display, to be held Aug. 3-5 in Orlando. An exceptional gathering of facility management talent, as well as an essential opportunity for youth and displaced workers, this unique experience offers:
- Sessions presented by practicing and retired FM professionals representing IFMA’s Florida chapters
- Keynote address by IFMA President and CEO Don Gilpin and First Vice Chair of IFMA's Global Board of Directors Laurie A. Gilmer
- Tours of Kennedy Space Center, the City of Orlando, and the UCF Rosen School of Education
- CFM Exam Prep Workshop
- Networking with statewide vendors
- Low ticket prices for two-day event
- Free for students pursuing a degree in FM
Join fellow FMs this August to learn how to best utilize the experience and resources within the state and the industry to thrive as a facility management professional. Register at https://www.floridafacilitysummit.com.
