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. |