Industry Trade Organizations – Knowledge and Networks
Recognizing that you’re part of a vibrant industry, a larger community dedicated to growth and progress is a rare and profound opportunity. Many of us wake up each day, putting our best foot forward in our tasks, but it’s easy to lose sight of the incredible network around us – clients, service partners and colleagues who are equally committed to their roles. While that’s rewarding and fulfilling, there’s so much more outside the confines of our daily responsibilities. Have you ever wondered how you can expand your horizons and tap into a wealth of knowledge that will propel your job performance forward?
This is where trade associations and their annual conferences come into play. These incredible platforms serve as a treasure trove for networking, learning, and engaging within the facilities industry. They create vibrant spaces where clients and suppliers unite to share insights, exchange best practices, and discuss innovative technologies and ongoing challenges. The value of these gatherings is immeasurable; they unlock access to critical information that will help to improve your store maintenance program.
It’s a common misconception that these organizations solely cater to those focused on sales or business growth. While there’s indeed value in that perspective – it expands opportunities for partnerships – there’s so much more happening beneath the surface. These conferences are fundamentally about empowering individuals across all aspects of their careers. Whether you’re looking to enhance your technical expertise, delve into the latest innovations, or develop leadership and team-building skills, you’ll find that these environments foster incredible growth. Whether you’re a supplier or facility manager (FM), investing your time and energy here is absolutely worthwhile. Additionally, engaging in such initiatives can lead to certifications that reflect your commitment and broaden your knowledge base. Remember, the notion of “you don’t know what you don’t know” applies perfectly in these contexts – these forums provide the answer!
For those involved in multi-site facility management, I highly recommend exploring two particular organizations that stand out. If you work in retail, ConnexFM (www.connexfm.com) is dedicated to supporting regional and national brands while also adding value to related industries like medical services, logistics, and self-storage solutions. On the other hand, if you’re in the restaurant sector, the Restaurant Facility Management Association (www.rfmaonline.com) focuses on the unique needs of the food and beverage industry. Both organizations offer excellent networking events, a major annual conference, and access to invaluable white papers and cutting-edge publications.
It takes an investment to realize the gains, but you and your company will benefit from deploying this strategy. There are so many passionate and intelligent people with so much experience that you simply cannot afford not to connect your team with them. Seize these opportunities that exist and rise to the top!
