This session advocates for a people-first approach to real estate strategy, emphasising balance over rigid return-to-office mandates. Suggesting that each organisation is a unique "society" with its own culture and values, this discussion will explore how to craft flexible, inclusive workplaces that meet business needs without compromising employee well-being. Attendees will hear how aligning real estate decisions with organisational values fosters engagement, supports diversity and inclusion (D&I), and optimises space for purposeful, in-person work activities.

Capability in workplace and facilities management can be capability in the organisation. The skills crisis is raging real yet upskilling in workplace and facilities management can play a key part in helping to deliver not only an organisation’s workplace objectives but its strategic objectives too. How can organisations drive up competence? What impact can this have for wider questions beyond skills? Join the Institute’s skills experts and sector experts to explore these and other questions.

Eptura unveils the latest findings from its Workplace Index, offering a data-driven look at how workspaces are evolving and what it means for businesses. This keynote will break down key trends, challenges, and opportunities, providing actionable insights for workplace leaders navigating the changing landscape of workplace value.

Join this high-energy session to explore practical, high-impact techniques for embedding DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) into the core of your organisation. Discover essential tools for fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to excel, while top talent thrives in an inclusive environment. Packed with actionable insights and bold ideas, this session will leave you confident and equipped to inspire your teams, champion inclusivity, and create a workplace that celebrates belonging at every level.

In an era of hybrid work, how do we build a culture where people genuinely want to come together and be part of the office experience? Our expert speaker will share best practices, challenge perspectives with thought-provoking questions, and showcase real-world case studies from across industries. Join this interactive session to explore what makes a workplace truly engaging, collaborative, and worth showing up for.

This session draws intriguing parallels between ostrich behaviour and leadership, using real-world case studies to highlight the consequences of avoidance and offering actionable lessons focused on courage, transparency, and proactive problem-solving. Attendees will explore how to foster adaptive skills like resilience and emotional intelligence while embedding leadership into organisational culture to inspire accountability and ownership at all levels. Additionally, the session examines the evolving role of Facilities Management (FM) in shaping sustainable and socially responsible workplaces, highlighting how leaders in FM can drive innovation, measure ROI, and embrace AI-driven tools to adapt to future challenges and opportunities.

With a growing movement from large corporations to denounce their DEI practices we ask; is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Facilities Management a driving force for change or an initiative past its prime? In this bold discussion, we explore whether DEI has lost its momentum in the FM and property sectors. Is it still a priority, or has it been overshadowed by shifting agendas and budget cuts? This session doesn’t shy away from controversy—uncover the truth behind the rhetoric, question the status quo, and hear from voices across the industry. Join us to challenge assumptions and debate whether DEI in FM is thriving, struggling, or in need of a complete reinvention.

Much discussion is currently taking place about AI and the sector’s readiness and optimisation of AI, when at the same time there is an existing maintenance backlog amounting to an eyewatering £49 billion bill for the Government. The recent NAO report highlighting this issue pointed at two key areas: a lack of accurate data and the lack of a comprehensive strategy around asset management. The discussion will emphasise the need for an industry-led approach on both information management and strategic asset management, touching on the important developments that are taking place such as the Information Management Initiative. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how robust standards can support effective decision-making and long-term resilience in the built environment.

Disconnected systems are a significant inconvenience, hindering both productivity and user satisfaction. The panel will share some of their strategies for unifying diverse technologies, enabling them to communicate effectively for a better user experience, increased efficiency, and actionable insights. Discover how to build a truly connected workplace that drives innovation and supports seamless collaboration.

AI is transforming facilities management, but where should you start? This session will explore practical, real-world applications of AI in Workplace Management, helping workplace leaders understand how to harness AI for greater efficiency and smarter decision-making.

Is the Facilities Management industry’s Net Zero ambition a game-changing goal or an illusion? This unmissable session cuts through the greenwashing to explore whether the sector is truly on track to deliver sustainable results. Are we tackling emissions head-on, or are we outsourcing the problem? How do bold targets align with the reality of operations on the ground? With open and honest debate, we’ll expose the challenges, discuss practical solutions, and ask if the industry is setting itself up for success—or failure. Come prepared to question everything you thought you knew about FM and Net Zero.