Workplace Futures Conference – Thursday 26th February 2026
FM – a roadmap for the future
Workplace Futures 2026 will look to the future – what are the practices, the people, the organisations, the innovations that are going to transform facilities management, re-invigorate the sector and make it more attractive to the next generation as well as encouraging those with established careers to move across and join us? How will we define and reinforce our messaging to exemplify the best of what we do and the value that good FM brings to every organisation? How do we improve the storytelling around our deliverables: the customer experiences, the support for wellbeing, the improved efficiencies, the enhanced productivities that flow when the facilities strategy is in harmony with a client’s business strategy and practices?
Facilities management has been on a journey for 40+ years. Workplace Futures 2026 will take a look at where we’ve come from, where we are currently positioned and – most importantly – where we need to ultimately arrive, exploring all the factors that we need to put in place to ensure that we get there successfully.
Addressing the big issues for today – and tomorrow
This conference comes at a time of even more change, and thus even more uncertainty, than usual for FM: numerous ‘chronic’ issues are pressing, technology is developing at an increasingly rapid pace, and traditional business models (including financial models) are being questioned.
This is a period of challenge that spans numerous big issues, encompassing:
• Is the future human-centric or technology-led? What is the role of artificial intelligence, and how far will AI go in shaping FM?
• As the current generation of leaders exit the business, where are the generations of tomorrow? Are we investing enough in mentoring, training and qualifications?
• Is the workplace working? Are our buildings and the workplaces within them providing what workers need?
• Sustainability, EDI, ESG – how effective are we really at setting goals, defining action plans and measuring progress?
• Data – is efficient gathering, management and analysis the key to the future? Are we getting our strategies right?
• Margins, profitability and external investment – in a big, diverse and highly competitive market, questions will be asked about financial sustainability: is the traditional FM business model sustainable for all?
Building on the very successful Workplace Futures conferences of the past two decades, 2026 will turn the spotlight on many of these big issues (there are too many to cover all in a single event!). February’s programme will focus on key issues we need to be aware of now, to prepare ourselves and adapt our businesses to the ever- changing FM marketplace. As we plan the specific programme content, we welcome suggestions for the issues to include.
A conference for the future: defining a roadmap
The underlying theme for 2026 is this: how do we navigate the next few years? In a dynamic market, FM is clearly still a ‘work in progress’. Where has the sector successfully developed and moved forward? What can we learn from organisations – both supply-side and client-side – that have led the way?
Service providers need to keep pace with changes and opportunities, but they also need to make sound, informed decisions – as do their clients. As a provider, how do you convince a potential client to choose you; how do you differentiate your offer from others on the table and build new lasting, rewarding relationships?
How do we as an industry ensure we have the right people joining us, bringing the right skills and aptitudes? Increasingly, the ideal candidate for FM seems to be one with a mix of operational experience and tech-savvy knowledge. Are we doing enough to reach a broad candidate base?
Workplace Futures 2026 will be an opportunity for senior leaders, strategists and tacticians, consultants and clients to come together, learn, discuss, network and then cascade the take-aways to their teams for the benefit of their business.
As with all Workplace Future events, 2026 will bring together a carefully selected panel fo speakers to share their experience, knowledge and insights with an engaged audience of delegates that spans the spectrum, service providers, in-house FM’s, consultants and advisors.
Workplace Futures 2026 will focus on key issues we need to be aware of now, to prepare ourselves and adapt our businesses to the ever-changing FM marketplace.
Setting the scene – how did we get here?
- Origins – FM from 40+ years ago to the state of play today
- Trade & professional bodies – do they represent and serve us? – an insider’s perspective
- The changing market landscape and what that means for our clients – an outsider’s perspective
The status quo
- M&A, PE presence (drivers and implications for the future)
- Issues (eg recruitment, skills, rising costs and low margins)
- Trends (technology, sustainability, the future of work & the workplace)
How do we get to a better future?
- What do we need to do to ensure we have the people & skills available for success?
- How do we maximise the upsides and minimise the downsides for our people?
Case studies
- Service providers who are leading the way on key issues and in key areas.
- The power of effective communication, internally and externally.
- Lessons to learn around strategy, planning and implementation. Wrap-up and call to action
Join us to learn, share, discuss, network and benefit at this unique event created by the industry for the industry.
Join us on Thursday, 26th February 2026, in person & interact on our virtual platform.