Future-Proofing Education Facilities: Meeting the Next Decade’s Challenges.
Educational facilities colleagues and business partners alike are encouraged to submit proposals addressing the current and emerging challenges facing K-12 and higher education facilities management, especially within this year’s theme:
“Future-Proofing Education Facilities: Meeting the Next Decade’s Challenges.”
Single presenters, group presentations, and panel formats will all be considered. Sessions should be designed for approximately 45 minutes of content or activity, plus 10–15 minutes for Q&A (about 60 minutes total).
We are especially interested in sessions that could qualify for Continuing Education credits (CEUs/PDHs) for professionals such as engineers, architects, CPAs, project managers, energy managers, facilities leaders, and licensed tradespersons.
Conference Tracks
To help guide proposal development, this year’s program will be organized around five tracks. These provide a framework for forward-focused and practical sessions, while giving presenters flexibility to bring unique perspectives.
People in the Age of AI – Emotional intelligence, leadership, and adaptability in a tech-driven workplace
Closing the Trades Gap – Apprenticeships, training, and strategies to address workforce shortages
Securing the Smart Campus – Cybersecurity, IoT integration, and safeguarding connected infrastructure
Tech in Action – BIM, drones, predictive analytics, and other tools reshaping daily operations
Innovation at the Edge – Vendors showcasing what’s next for facilities management and campus sustainability
The Presentation Submission Form will guide you through the process. To submit a proposal for the 2026 Conference, please complete your submission no later than end of business on February 1, 2026.
When submitting, you’ll be asked to provide:
Presentation Title – clear and concise, suitable for the program.
Abstract/Description – a short summary of your session (150–250 words).
Conference Track – select the best fit from the five themes:
People in the Age of AI, Closing the Trades Gap, Securing the Smart Campus, Tech in Action, Innovation at the Edge.Learning Objectives – key takeaways participants will gain.
Speaker Information – name, title, institution/company, short bio, and headshot.
Format Preference – presentation, panel, or interactive session.
Target Audience – K-12, higher education, vendors, or mixed.
Thank you!
Adam Moyer,
VP for Conferences
Some suggestions to spur your thinking:
We are looking for proposals that bring practical solutions, forward-looking ideas, and real-world experiences that help K-12 and higher education facilities prepare for what’s ahead.
Here are a few examples to inspire your submission:
People in the Age of AI
Developing emotional intelligence to balance the rise of AI
Leading teams through disruption and change
Building resilient and adaptable workforces
Closing the Trades Gap
Building a modern apprenticeship program
Attracting and retaining the next generation of skilled trades
Creating internal training pipelines for long-term workforce stability
Securing the Smart Campus
Addressing cybersecurity risks in smart buildings
Integrating IoT while protecting data and infrastructure
Real-world lessons from securing connected campuses
Tech in Action
Using BIM in daily operations, not just construction
Drone technology and imaging for inspections
Leveraging predictive analytics for maintenance and planning
Innovation at the Edge
Emerging technologies for energy management
Market shifts vendors see shaping the next decade
New tools that could transform facilities management