IFMA’s World Workplace® 2025 Conference & Expo Celebrates the 45th Anniversary of IFMA and 30 Years of Its Flagship Event Sep 17, 2025 Founded in 1980, IFMA Reflects on 45 Years of Impact & Influence on the FM Profession IFMA GLOBAL HQ – (Wed., 17 Sept 2025) – The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) kicked off its 30th annual World Workplace Conference and Expo today with a celebratory program reflecting on the association’s achievements over the past 45 years. Opening remarks focused on IFMA’s impact in advancing facility management (FM) as an essential global industry, followed by presentations recognizing those who drive progress and set new standards of excellence. Founder and CEO of FUBU and five-time Emmy-winning investor on “Shark Tank” Daymond John then spoke on the principles of success, providing a roadmap for resilient leadership. Founded in 1980, IFMA has advanced FM interests, elevated FM’s profile and accelerated FM careers through advocacy, professional training and credentialing, industry-shaping research, network-building and global standards development. IFMA supports more than 25,000 members and 122 chapters around the world. IFMA credentials are held by more than 27,000 professionals in 116 countries. In her opening remarks, Chair of IFMA’s Global Board of Directors Christa Dodoo, CFM, FMP, CIWFM, CMQ/OE, spoke on IFMA’s role in progressing the FM industry. “FM has evolved beyond the knowledge of one or two astute technicians. Now, FMs stand alongside leaders in our respective organizations with the power to influence organizational outcomes,” said Dodoo. “IFMA has been a key driver of this change. In this anniversary year, we will honor the past with the same pioneering spirit of our founders to shape our industry into something truly world changing.” IFMA President & CEO Michael V. Geary, CAE, addressed IFMA’s impact in elevating FM’s profile as a strategic business partner. “That’s not just good for the industry, but for anyone who steps inside a building. It’s good for any organization that looks to gain financial, reputational and social benefits from your expertise. And it’s good for every community enhanced by skillfully, responsibly managed facilities in their neighborhoods,” Geary said. Geary emphasized that IFMA’s most important achievement is universal recognition that a highly trained and qualified FM professional is an asset. “Companies seeking that competitive edge as a modern, efficient, and resilient organization — one that not only survives disruption but excels in spite of it — look to their FM team for direction. That makes the investment in professional development a strategic necessity,” he said. Throughout its history, IFMA has acclaimed individuals for their significant role in IFMA’s growth and FM’s advancement. In a series of presentations, Geary and Dodoo honored IFMA’s Top Global FM Influencers (professionals shaping the future of facility management through innovation and leadership); those who, between July 2024 and June 2025, achieved IFMA’s Certified Facility Manager® (CFM®), the industry standard in facility management certification; and the 2025 Class of IFMA Fellows (the association's highest honor, recognizing professional and volunteer achievements). Benjamin Goudy, MBA, CFM, IFMA Fellow, Frank Ngoh, CFM, SFP, FMP, CFME Tier 1, IFMA Fellow, and Laurie Gilmer, P.E., CFM, FMP, SFP, LEED AP, CDT, IFMA Fellow, were officially inducted as the 2025 Class of IFMA Fellows, joining an elite corps of association advisors and ambassadors. “The first class of Fellows in 1992 included founders of the association — early leaders of the profession — those who helped define facility management and set the stage for the global industry we know today. That legacy has continued through each succeeding class,” said Geary. As the opening keynote sponsor, Davies Office Vice President Bill Davies introduced opening keynote speaker Daymond John, who spoke about the keys to success including learning how to establish the right mindset and following a few fundamental principles John calls his “S.H.A.R.K. Points.” IFMA’s World Workplace continues through Friday, 19 Sept 2025, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. For more information, visit worldworkplace.ifma.org. About IFMA Founded in 1980, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is the world’s largest, most widely recognized association for facility management (FM) professionals. Supporting more than 25,000 members in over 140 countries, IFMA is a key contributor to the development of international FM standards and works with decision-makers to inform FM-related policy. IFMA provides career resources and continuing education, offers three industry-respected credentials, maintains the largest repository of FM-related content on the web and hosts year-round global events. With a vision to lead the future of the built environment to make the world a better place, IFMA believes in the benefit of global diversity, inclusion and social equity, and recognizes that sustainability, resilience and responsible environmental stewardship are paramount. For more information, visit ifma.org and our LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Threads, X and SmugMug pages. Follow IFMA’s Connected FM podcast and blog for expert insights on trending industry topics. Media Contact: Bobby Vasquez | bobby.vasquez@ifma.org
