The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has announced the details of its flagship event, the World Workplace Conference and Expo, to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Sept. 17 through 19, 2014. This year’s conference theme is,“FM + Strategy x Innovation = Your Formula for Success.”
The World Workplace Conference and Expo is scheduled earlier this year than in previous years, and will feature renowned speakers including Peter Sheahan, founder and CEO of ChangeLabs, and author of best-selling books, "Fl!P," and "Generation Y." Three speakers will offer closing keynotes in the style of the popular TED Talks.

In addition to the speakers, attendees can take advantage of several educational opportunities, such as the Learning Labs. There are four sessions, including:
    •    Leadership: Focuses on C-suite conversations, needs and expectations.
    •    Leading & Bleeding Edge: Highlights visionary FM concepts and practices.
    •    Management Skills: Focuses on soft skills for those who want to perfect their management style.
    •    Performance: Highlights best practices from world-class organizations and individuals.
More information is available online at http://worldworkplace.ifma.org/education/education-sessions.

Three master classes will also be offered on Tuesday, Sept. 16. They will cover emergency preparedness, leadership and strategy, and workplace innovation.

Expo attendees will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge products and services demonstrated by exhibiting companies representing business sectors such as alternative energy, architecture, building maintenance, disaster recovery, education, food services, furniture, health care, real estate, security, technology and more.

One of the most popular events at the conference include the special FM-centered facility tours, held at various off-site venues throughout the host city. Tour options include the Mercedes-Benz Superdome; New Orleans Lakefront Airport; New Orleans BioInnovation Center; Louisiana Cancer Research Center; 17th Street Interim Closure Structure and Permanent Pumps Complex; and Bonnet Carré Spillway, part of the long-term response to Hurricane Katrina.

IFMA is an international association for facility management professionals. The association's members manage more than 37 billion square feet of property and purchase more than US$100 billion in products and services, annually.

Registration for World Workplace is currently open at www.worldworkplace.org and early bird attendee registration discount ends after July 10, 2014.