Membership in a chapter, council or community of practice adds special value to your IFMA experience. Unique forums for facility management professionals to network and share knowledge and best practices with their peers, chapters, councils and communities of practice provide many avenues for professional and personal development.

Take advantage of local networking and career support through geography-based IFMA chapters. Members benefit from professional and personal development through monthly meetings, educational courses, social functions and facility tours.

Councils and communities of practice (CoP) are special-interest groups that reflect the diverse types of facilities and job responsibilities represented by IFMA members. Transcending geographic boundaries, councils and CoPs enable members to interact with other professionals who share an interest in a particular FM practice or who work in the same business sector.

IFMA Chapters
The association’s commitment to supporting local chapters is our strength in expanding the FM global network. In addition to the resources provided by IFMA headquarters, local chapters offer members a wealth of educational and networking opportunities.

Chapter Benefits
Top Five Reasons to Join an IFMA Chapter

1. Local networking with professional peers
IFMA chapters create the best possible environment for establishing beneficial working relationships on a local level. Chapter members exchange information, knowledge and expertise; and share similar issues, problems and solutions. There are more than 125 chapters worldwide in 60 countries, making them accessible for most members.

2. Chapter-specific member resources
In addition to information and tools available through your IFMA membership, chapters offer resources specific to your local interests. Many chapters maintain their own Web sites, publish newsletters and local membership directories, and provide employment referral services. Chapter resources are important to your career growth, industry knowledge and networking.

3. Best practice sharing with local peers
Through chapter Web sites, meetings and events, you have the opportunity to talk with peers about workplace challenges and pose industry-related questions, receiving timely answers. Chapters bring IFMA resources directly to you, making your membership experience more personal.

4. Local professional development programs
Chapters sponsor IFMA educational seminars, offer round table and panel discussions, and present “hot topic” speakers to members. Chapters also organize certification study groups designed for members planning to take IFMA’s CFM exam. Peer support and knowledge sharing contribute to enhancing your professional development.

5. Leadership opportunities
Chapter committees and leadership positions allow members to contribute in areas such as program and event planning, marketing, Web development and member recruitment. As a source of personal development, participation as a chapter leader or organizer is highly rewarding. Chapter involvement is a source of pride, accomplishment and honor.

Be a part of the local community of FMs!
Interaction, information, career support—the benefits of chapter membership are unsurpassed.

IFMA Councils and Communities of Practices
IFMA formed councils and communities of practice (CoP) to meet the industry-specific networking and information needs of its members. Truly global in nature, councils and CoPs are not limited by geographic boundaries. You are able to communicate with colleagues worldwide about issues, concerns and best practices specific to your area of facility management.

Councils and Communities of Practice Benefits
Top Five Reasons to Join an IFMA Councils and/or Community of Practice

1. Focused Networking
Your facility is unique. You have a unique set of skills reflecting the special needs of your work environment. You possess specialized knowledge about the business you support. When you have a facility-related question, you want to confer with a peer who has shared experiences in that particular work environment. IFMA councils and CoPs unite members who have similar responsibilities and working situations.

2. Targeted Information
Participation in a council and/or CoP is the ideal solution for facility professionals seeking highly targeted information in particular areas of expertise. Councils and CoPs allow you to share work experiences and case studies with industry peers around the world. Connect with colleagues worldwide about issues, concerns and best practices specific to your area of facility management.

3. Part of a Community With Common Concerns
Council and CoP members discuss challenges and solutions common to particular types of facilities. Practitioners who work in similar environments, supporting similar industries can relate to the stories, issues, questions and concerns shared among members.

4. Information Sharing
Sharing information is a necessity in today’s global business community. Councils and CoPs are networks of facility managers and other professionals who share resources, benefit from continuing education and advance the FM profession as it relates to specific industries. Meetings, webinars, discussion groups and roundtables help members keep current on the latest practices, products and technologies.

5. Heightens your marketability
Now more than ever, professionals who possess specialized knowledge and skills have a distinct advantage in the workplace. Councils and CoPs allow you to focus on programs you’re working on right now in your organization and discuss needs and opportunities unique to the industry you support. Keeping on top of relevant trends and ensuring your skills are up-to-date helps validate the importance of your position.

Most Councils and Communities of Practice offer the following benefits:

Newsletters: Covering current industry-specific council and CoP news and member articles on “hot topics.”

Directories: Membership rosters are available to all council and CoP members.

Online Community Discussion Forums: Connect with fellow council and CoP members and discuss benchmarking and best practices at http://www.ifmacommunity.org.

Webinars: A venue for learning, discussing and sharing industry-specific topics of interest. View the webinar calendar here.

Web sites: Frequently updated to keep council and CoP members current on the latest activities and discussions.

Seminars and Conferences: Most councils and CoPs will meet in October at IFMA’s World Workplace Conference & Expo. Council and CoP on-site meetings are held in the spring.