Open-access content
28th June 2011
If you have never been to a BIFM regional or Sig event, I encourage you all to do so over the next six months. Almost all of the events are at no charge, and are a real benefit of your BIFM, says BIFM CEO Ian Fielder.
30 June 2011
Events run by our senior volunteers contribute a wealth of skills and knowledge to members. More importantly, they provide essential networking opportunities. What better way than to meet up with friends and colleagues to hear a great speaker and gain an insight into a topic that is of interest to you and helps your continuing professional development?
The thing that can make a simple difference is the location of the meeting and looking at this year’s regional and special interest group’s (Sig) events schedule, the BIFM have held events at some outstanding locations. It is a testament to the event organisers that iconic visitor attractions, high-tech buildings, airports and innovative schools are just some of the locations being used for our local meetings.
Recently I attended a joint Home Counties/education Sig event at the newly opened St Bartholomew’s school campus in Newbury. After hearing a presentation from the project manager (the ex-head teacher) we toured the school which had been built using the school’s four ‘houses’ as its theme. I also had the pleasure of attending a London Region event which was hosted by a communication company that gave a presentation on their products and services followed by a presentation from a BIFM member who was part of the fit-out team. To end the evening we relaxed and socialised with a fantastic view of central London as we were on the 16th floor with a panoramic all round vista.
Head office has also arranged a visit to the London 2012 Olympic Stadium which was hugely successful and left a lasting impression on everyone who attended, and we have another oversubscribed tour planned this week.
I realise not every meeting we hold can be in a prestigious building or one that provides stunning views but picking a location that is central or offers excellent facilities will encourage members to take time out of their important schedules and make our events successful. If you are in a position to offer a location for a local event, please do not hesitate to talk to the chair of your local regional committee – or if it is of particular relevance to the chair of one of our growing number of successful special interest groups (www.bifm.org.uk/bifm/groups).
The events and networking opportunities arranged by all our volunteers really add value to the institute, and help to make it what it is today. My personal thanks go out to all of you who work so hard on top of your busy day jobs to deliver quality events, networking opportunities and CPD to FM peers.
If you have never been to a BIFM regional or Sig event I encourage you all to do so over the next six months. Almost all of the events are at no charge, and are a real benefit of your BIFM membership – so take advantage.
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