06 January 2017 | Martin Read
The 2017 ThinkFM conference is to explore the ways in which technology is impacting facilities management.
The flagship BIFM conference will take place at the Science Museum in Kensington, West London, on Thursday 8th June. Speakers will explore "how technological advances are transforming the way the world works and how facilities and workplaces can be created, managed and developed to deliver results for business and society".
BIFM's acting chief executive Linda Hausmanis said: "With new technology rapidly changing the way people interact with each other and the world around them, technology and its application is arguably becoming the most important resource for those working in facilities management.
"Business requirements are changing and emerging trends, like the internet of things (IoT), building information modelling (BIM), big data, artificial intelligence and robotics, wearable devices and cloud computing, offer the opportunity to innovate and accelerate the value delivery FM can bring. But in order to do so, the sector must learn from the ongoing advances in technology and how to leverage it so that it can continue to develop and be a driving force for innovation and positive change as the world, and the workplace, continues to evolve.
"ThinkFM will look at how the influence of smarter, more flexible and responsive solutions is impacting on the FM function and the latest innovations helping to prepare the sector of the challenges of the future.
Sodexo continues as the event's headline sponsor. Sean Haley, regional chairman, Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: "ThinkFM is an important event in the FM calendar; we continue to support the event in 2017 as headline sponsor and look forward to more thought-provoking insight on the theme of technology in FM. It's a topic that is incredibly important within the industry, impacts a significant number of stakeholders and is one that needs to be wholly integrated into the strategy of service providers and clients alike."
"We see new technology solutions being developed across the industry all the time; it's one of the things that makes our industry a really exciting place to be. At Sodexo, we are already seeing some great technology solutions being developed around the world that deliver real value and our focus on this area will become greater still over the coming years as our client and consumer needs evolve."
Details on speakers will be released over the coming weeks, and delegate bookings are being taken now. Options include an early-bird offer that runs until 6 April. During this period, the delegate rate for BIFM members is £309+VAT, £359+VAT for non-members. To book, go to www.thinkfm.com/book