President's message: IFMA presents World Workplace

Fall is here, and each fall the International Facilities Management Association holds its annual conference, called World Workplace, drawing more than 6,000 people from around the globe. Held in some of our country's most dynamic cities, this conference offers an incredible array of educational seminars, a trade show, and countless opportunities for networking, capped with a glamorous Awards of Excellence gala, to recognize achievements of local chapters and professionals from around the world.

Last year's conference in New Orleans was a huge success, culminating for IFMA Boston in our receipt of the award for Chapter of the Year. At this year's conference, we will receive another award, this one for Newsletter Excellence. More than 60 Boston chapter members will be present to participate in the seminars, activities, networking, and at the awards ceremony.

This year's conference, held in Dallas, Tex., promises to be better attended and more exciting than ever before, as industry leaders join together to discuss turbulent times, issues, trends, and strategies for surviving an ever more complex landscape.

If you are unfamiliar with IFMA, IFMA Boston, or World Workplace, now is the time to get acquainted and perhaps attend a program or special event. IFMA Boston has more than 800 members in all walks of the design, construction, and facilities fields. We offer many programs, tours, educational seminars, round table discussions, and special events, all at a reasonable cost and with great opportunities to make valuable professional connections.

Check out www.ifma.org , www.ifmaboston.org, and www.worldworkplace.org for more information, to sign up, and to get involved.

Kate Thibeault is the 2008 president of IFMA Boston.