Pioneering Education for a Distinct Competitive Edge
Be a ConnexFM Thought Leader…
Deadline to Submit: October 21, 2024
ConnexFM2025 Submission Review and Selection Process
The selection process involves a review of every complete presentation submitted prior to the deadline. Completed submissions include content leader (speaker) profiles (i.e. bio, photo, credentials, contact information) for each session content leader, session descriptions, and actionable learning objectives.
All presentations are selected based on the information submitted. Those submitting are expected to follow all instructions carefully and provide all requested information. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Proper grammar, punctuation, etc., is also looked at during this process.
Typically, we receive a high volume of presentations for ConnexFM's National Conference, surpassing the number of slots available for acceptance. As a result, only the most outstanding presentations are chosen for inclusion in the conference program.
ConnexFM Non-Commercialization Policy
Please keep in mind ConnexFM has a strict non-commercialization policy. ConnexFM educational experiences are not an opportunity to promote a brand or sell a product or service.
ConnexFM2025 Content Selection Criteria
The ConnexFM Thought Leadership Conference Education Subcommittee will be supporting the review and selection of abstracts. Presentation submissions are evaluated on the following criteria:
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Complete presentation submission, submitted by the deadline.
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Session learning level is appropriate for the audience and topic.
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Identification of three actionable learner outcomes that follow the sentence: After participating in this session, attendees will be able to:
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Includes clear and applicable turnkey solutions attendees will be able to quickly and easily adopt and implement. (Example: From this session attendees will walk away with an assessment tool easily tailored and adopted; From this session attendees will walk away with a comprehensive step-by-step process to effectively on-board new team members.)
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Content is focused, tailored, current, practical, or innovative.
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Note for Suppliers – If you are an industry supplier submitting a proposal, you will not be considered to present unless you are a ConnexFM member. We strongly encourage you to include a facility manager as a co-presenter.
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External Speaker Policy – – An External Speaker refers to a speaker who is not a member of ConnexFM and has a commercial interest and who is considered as a potential supplier member. External Speakers will not be considered eligible to present to a formal ConnexFM audience except in the following situations:
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External Speaker is a professional speaker and primary business is speaking.
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External Speaker has a reciprocal partnership that exists between ConnexFM and said speaker/organization.
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External Speaker is a nonmember exhibitor/supplier who has paid to attend ConnexFM2025 as a non-exhibiting supplier.
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ConnexFM2025’s Target Audience
Presentations must be tailored to ConnexFM’s target audiences and to one of the suggested topic areas. See topics below.
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Retail Facility Managers
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Banking/Financial Facility Managers
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Restaurant/Grocery Facility Managers
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Entertainment Facility Managers
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Fitness Facility Managers
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Healthcare Facility Managers
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Multi-Site Organization Facility Managers
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Maintenance & Repair Suppliers
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Janitorial Suppliers
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Emergency Services Suppliers
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Equipment Manufacturer Suppliers
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Technology Service Suppliers
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Sustainability Suppliers
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Multi-Site Facility Architects
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Multi-Site Facility Engineers
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Multi-Site Facility Consultants
ConnexFM2025 Content Topic Areas
The Evolving Professional:
Content designed to expand and strengthen one’s business acumen as well as personalskills and transform them into actionable insights that positively impact work and personal life.
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Focus Areas Include: Time management; virtual communication; ongoing soft skills development; project management; sales training; budgeting and managing major CAPEX projects; and leadership training.
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Content designed to expand and strengthen one's understanding of emerging AI technologies, their capabilities, limitations, and industry applications.
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Focus Areas Include: How to leverage AI tools like ChatGPT; using AI for budget analysis; using AI for predictive maintenance; using AI for asset management; and using AI data insights to make important decisions.
Automation & Systems Management:
Content to help facility managers and suppliers leverage automated systems, data, and technology. Explore strategies for optimizing capital projects, equipment decisions, building automation, and energy management. Content should be designed to deliver actionable approaches that drive efficiency, sustainability, and performance.
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Focus Areas Include: Leveraging technology, data, and intelligent workflows to drive efficiency, support sustainability efforts, and enhance the management of major facility systems; strategies for tracking and optimizing capital expenditure projects; making informed replace-vs-repair decisions; leveraging advancements in equipment and building automation; and implementing effective energy management practices.
Sustainability & ESG:
Content designed to equip individuals and organizations with the knowledge and tools to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into strategic decision-making.
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Focus Areas Include: Use of ESG data for investor scoring; the impact of greenhouse gases on ESG performance; effective approaches for implementing ESG initiatives and securing related grants; circularity and supply chain zero waste; PFAS and PFO contaminants; sustainable business practices to help clients meet sustainability goals; energy management; environmental regulations; reducing greenhouse gas emissions; leveraging technology to drive operational efficiency and environmental impact.
Current Hot Topics:
Content focused on analyzing the latest developments, disruptive forces, and forward-looking perspectives across key stakeholder groups in the industry.
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Focus Areas Include: Industry standards and certifications; outsourcing and partnerships; regulatory changes; asset management strategies; inflation impacts; supply chain management; security and risk mitigation; and talent pipeline development.
ConnexFM2025 Session Delivery Formats
These sessions will be delivered onsite, in-person, at the Gaylord Rockies, in session workshop rooms or other locations within the facility.
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Breakout Session (60 minutes): Must be designed to include 40 minutes ofpresentation content with key tips, solutions, and takeaways + 20 Minute Postscript Discussion.
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Postscript Discussions: Presentation will be followed by an activity facilitated by the speaker, 20 minutes in length, where attendees discuss in small groupdiscussions and/or participate in Q&A facilitated by the presenter so that learners can apply and share what they have learned.
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Hands-On Workshop (60 minutes): Interactive, experiential learning sessions that provide participants with the opportunity to directly apply new knowledge and skills through guided activities and exercises. Hands-on workshops facilitate deeper understanding and retention of concepts by engaging participants in practical, real-world applications.
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Facilitated Discussion Group (45 minutes): A structured, moderated group dialogue that encourages the open exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives among attendees. Facilitated discussion groups foster collaborative learning, critical thinking, and the development of shared understanding around a topic or issue.
ConnexFM2025 Learning Level Definitions
These sessions will be delivered onsite, in-person, at the Gaylord Opryland, in session workshop rooms.
Fundamentals (Administrative – Coordinator – Student): New to the industry or need a refresher? Fundamentals sessions will be introductory and allow for a basic understanding of the topic.
Beyond Basics (Manager – Director): Ready for a deeper dive? Intermediary, Beyond Basics sessions will explore topics at a deeper level and provide more technical understanding.
Executive Edge (Director, Senior Executive, VP, C Level): Calling all decision-makers — this level will highlight the information attendees need to know to make crucial leadership business decisions.
ConnexFM2025 Submission Instructions
Complete the ConnexFM2025 Call for Presentation process and submit all ideas before the deadline. Be prepared to include all session information and a high-resolution photo of all speakers.
REMEMBER: ConnexFM2025 Call for Presentations closes on October 21, 2024!
