Lead the Way: Developing Tomorrow's Facilities Leaders - At No Cost, With Purpose-Driven Growth

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A No-Cost Investment in the Future of Facilities Leadership

The 2026 VAPPA Future Leaders of Facilities Summit is back – and it’s built to push the next generation of FM leadership forward. Our mission: spark innovation, strengthen collaboration, and drive strategic growth across Virginia’s educational institutions.

Specifically designed for newly promoted supervisors and front-line employees with leadership in their sights, this summit brings together facilities professionals from universities, K-12 schools, and private institutions across the Commonwealth – alongside expert coaches who have been in the rooms you’re trying to get into.

We’re proud to keep this experience completely free to attendees. No registration fees. Participation is driven by potential, not budget availability.

Attendees will be housed in private on-campus dorm rooms with all meals included, so you can step away from the day-to-day and fully focus on the sessions, connections, and conversations happening around you.

Check-in opens Tuesday, July 22 by 5:00 PM, with programming running July 23-24.

This isn’t just a conference – it’s a launchpad. Each school’s participation helps build a stronger, more connected cohort of future FM leaders across the state.

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We are excited to announce that the 2026  VAPPA Future Leaders of Facilities Summit is a no cost event, offering an unparalleled opportunity for professional growth without financial barriers. 

Attendees will enjoy complimentary overnight lodging (you’ll have your own room) in the historic Venable Hall on the beautiful Hampden-Sydney campus, immersing themselves in the rich heritage of the college. In addition, all meals will be provided, ensuring that participants can fully engage in the summit’s activities without any concerns. Each educational institution’s involvement will effectively build a cohort of future leaders in FM across Virginia.

Hosted by
Hampden-Sydney College

Founded in 1775, Hampden-Sydney College is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States, with a rich tradition of academic excellence and leadership development. Nestled in the heart of Virginia, the college is renowned for its commitment to forming men of character, equipped with the skills and knowledge to lead in an ever-changing world. With a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, a strong emphasis on ethics, and a vibrant campus life, Hampden-Sydney College fosters a close-knit community where students are encouraged to think critically, communicate effectively, and act responsibly. The college’s picturesque campus and historic buildings provide an inspiring backdrop for events such as the Future Leaders of Facilities Summit, making it an ideal setting for fostering innovation and collaboration.

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Why Attend?

The 2026 Future Leaders of Facilities Summit is designed to sharpen your leadership edge and connect you with the people shaping the future of this field. This year we’re raising the bar – with professional coaching at the center of the experience, every session is built around real challenges, practical tools, and honest conversation.

Expect hands-on workshops, candid peer discussions, and takeaways you can put to work on Monday morning. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your leadership toolkit, expand your network, or just get some breathing room to think bigger – this is the place to do it.

Step away from the day-to-day and into a room of peers who are ready to grow. Leave with the clarity and confidence to lead at the next level.

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Develop your Leadership skills

Learn from industry leaders and enhance your leadership capabilities.

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Enhance Skills

Participate in workshops that equip you with actionable strategies for managing educational facilities.

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Gain Insights

Stay ahead of emerging trends in academic facility management.

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Drive Innovation

Discover new technologies and approaches to elevate your facility management practices.

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Expand your Network

Connect with like-minded professionals in the academic sector and build valuable relationships.

Meet Your Facilitators
"Transforming intentions into results, together." - Positive Professionals

This year’s summit is facilitated by Positive Professionals – a team of certified coaches with over 70 years of combined leadership experience in senior executive and government roles. They specialize in individual and team coaching, Diversity Equity and Belonging, and helping emerging leaders break through the patterns that hold them back.

Their approach isn’t theoretical. Kim and Liz have built multidisciplinary teams, led large organizations, navigated difficult personnel challenges, and driven change in high-stakes environments. They bring that experience directly into the room with you.

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Kim Harris
Associate Certified Coach | Senior Executive Service (ret.)

Kim brings executive-level leadership experience and a talent for helping people identify and move past the self-limiting behaviors that quietly derail careers – things like imposter syndrome, over-control, and avoiding difficult conversations. Her sessions weave Positive Intelligence principles into real, candid discussion that people leave energized by, not just informed.

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Liz Brooks
Associate Certified Coach | Senior Executive Service (ret.)

Liz specializes in career transitions, resilience, and helping people build the habits and confidence that make leadership sustainable. She has a direct, practical style that cuts through the noise and focuses on what actually changes behavior – and she brings that same discipline to every session she leads.

Summit Dining - Sponsored by Trane

The 2026 VAPPA Future Leaders of Facilities Summit, proudly sponsored by Trane, will feature a delightful array of meals, ensuring a memorable culinary experience for all attendees.

Thursday, July 23

  • 9am Venable Hall – Breakfast
    • Enjoy a hearty breakfast including Chicken Biscuits, Sausage Biscuits, and Hash Brown Patties, accompanied by Coffee and Juice.  
  • 12pm Pannill Commons – Lunch Buffett
    • Savor a sumptuous lunch Buffet Style at the Pannill Commons.  
  • 6pm Chalgrove Lake (Rain site is the Tiger Inn) – Dinner
    • Slow Roasted Beef Brisket, complemented by a Coffee Molasses BBQ Sauce, Creamy Maple Mustard Sauce, and Cherry Apple Chow Chow. Side dishes include Broccoli Salad, Sliced Local Tomatoes with Basil Vinaigrette, Local Sweet Corn with Herbed Butter, Classic Potato Salad, and Bacon Cornbread Stuffing. Freshly baked Oatmeal Pan Bread and Sweet Potato Muffins will also be available. For dessert, indulge in Vanilla Raspberry Swirl Cupcakes and Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes. Beverages include Beer, Wine, Cider, and Smoked Old Fashioned cocktails.

Friday, July 24

  • 12pm Venable Hall – Lunch 
    • A convenient and delicious box lunch featuring Freshly Made Sandwiches, Chips, Cut Fruit, Brownies, and your choice of Soft Drink or Bottled Water.

Enjoy the rich flavors and warm hospitality of Hampden-Sydney College throughout the summit, with generous support from Trane!

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Trane provides innovative heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability. Their Richmond, VA office offers personalized support for all your commercial HVAC needs, including system upgrades, maintenance, and rentals. Enjoy an evening of networking and insights into the latest advancements in HVAC technology with Trane.

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Summit Schedule

Contact Information

For more information about the 2026 VAPPA Future Leaders of Facilities Summit, please reach out to event coordinator Kevin Miller at Kmiller@hsc.edu, or VAPPA President Adam Moyer at Moyeraw@vmi.edu. They’re happy to assist with any questions, provide additional details, and help with registration or logistics. We look forward to seeing you there.

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