Chapter, Council and Communities of Practice memberships add special value to your IFMA experience. A unique forum for FM professionals to network locally with their peers, chapters, councils and communities of practice provide many avenues for professional and personal development through educational, social functions and community activities.

Chapters, Councils and Communities of Practices are special-interest groups reflecting the diverse types of facilities and job responsibilities represented by IFMA members. They provide opportunities for interaction that transcend geographic boundaries, enabling members to meet other professionals who share an interest in a particular FM practice or who work in the same business sector.

Our commitment to 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 add special value to your membership experience. A unique forum for FM professionals to network locally with their peers, chapters provide many avenues for professional and personal development through monthly meetings, educational courses, social functions and facility tours.

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 formed Councils and Communities of Practices to meet the industry-specific networking and information needs of its members. Councils and Communities of Practices provide opportunities for interaction that transcend chapter and regional boundaries, enabling members to meet other professionals who share an interest in a specific FM practice or who work in the same business sector.

Sharing information is a necessity in today’s global business community.
Truly global in nature, Councils and Communities of Practices 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 Communities 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 Communities of Practices unite members who have similar responsibilities and working situations. Councils and Communities of Practices direct their own programs, which are structured to meet the needs of their membership.

2. Targeted Information
Councils and Communities of Practice participation is the ideal solution for facility professionals seeking highly targeted information in particular areas of expertise. Councils and Communities of Practices allow you to share work experiences and case studies with industry peers. Truly global in nature, Councils and Communities of Practices are not limited by location. You are able to communicate with colleagues worldwide about issues, concerns and best practices specific to your area of facility management.

3. Community of Interest
You are a part of a community with common concerns.

4. Information Sharing
Sharing information is a necessity in today’s global business community. IFMA formed Councils and Communities of Practices in order to meet the industry-specific networking and information needs of its members. Councils and Communities of Practices provide opportunities for interaction that transcend chapter and regional boundaries, enabling members to meet other professionals who share an interest in a particular FM practice or who work in the same business sector. Helping each other resolve traditional as well as new day-to-day challenges.

5. Heightens your marketability
Validates importance of position. Services offered by IFMA Councils and Communities of Practices may include: newsletters, directories and other publications; community discussion groups; teleconference meetings and discussions; benchmarking and best practices studies; Councils and Communities of Practice-specific Web sites; industry-specific seminars and conferences.

Most Councils and Communities of Practices offer the following benefits:

Newsletters: Covering current industry-specific Councils and Communities of Practice news and member articles on “hot topics.”

Directories: Membership rosters are available to all Councils and Communities of Practice members.

Online Community Discussion Forums: Connect with fellow Councils and Communities of Practice members and discuss benchmarking and best practices at http://www.ifmacommunity.org.

Webinars: A venue for learning, discussing and sharing about industry-specific topics of interest.

Web sites: Frequently updated to keep Councils and Communities of Practice members current on the latest activities and discussions.

Seminars and Conferences: Most Councils and Communities of Practices will meet in October at IFMA’s World Workplace Conference & Expo, and will host spring meetings as well.