The celebrations began the evening before the main event with a “mix and mingle” session at EY’s office. Together with their partner ISS, EY shared an inspiring use case on their “vested” contract approach. This concept goes far beyond the traditional partnership between facility management and suppliers, fostering a win-win environment for all parties. With this mindset as a foundation, they’ve created initiatives that greatly enhance the experience of EY employees.
A Day Packed with Inspiration and Insights
The conference officially kicked off on Tuesday morning with an introduction by Kati Barklund, Chair of IFMA Sweden. It was remarkable to see over 280 attendees, with a strong representation of 80% FM professionals and 20% suppliers, all eager to network and learn from one another.
The day began with an insightful keynote by Professor Danica Kragic Jensfelt, who delved into the transformative impact of AI on the facility management landscape. This was followed by a dynamic CEO debate, expertly moderated by Lara Paemen from IFMA EMEA. The debate shed light on pivotal topics such as hybrid working, employee experience, ESG, and the ever-evolving role of technology in FM.
Later in the morning, Nina Rapp from Microsoft explored how technology can enhance collaboration and connection in hybrid work environments. Her session sparked excitement about the potential of Microsoft Places to redefine workplace dynamics.
Before lunch, attendees participated in an interactive workshop session, discussing a variety of facility management topics. This was followed by a networking lunch, providing an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and beyond.
Breakouts, Panels, and Keynotes
The afternoon featured engaging breakout sessions, including Matt Tucker, Research Director at IFMA Global, who presented findings from the IFMA report on “Circular Economy and FM.”
Another highlight was a panel discussion featuring Anders Ledhagen (Volvo Cars), Charlotta Bergius (Sinch), and Mikael Helsing (SEB), who shared their perspectives on key industry challenges and opportunities.
In one of the later breakout sessions, I had the privilege of presenting on the impact of innovation and technology in FM, offering practical steps organizations can take to embrace these advancements.
The day continued with a compelling plenary session by Peter Ankerstjerne, CEO of Planon, who spoke about the future of FM under the theme “New Requirements, New Technologies – Which Way Forward for FM?” His insights underscored how technology can drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness in our industry.
Finally, the day concluded with a powerful keynote by Gustav Molnar, leaving attendees inspired for the future. The event wrapped up with a delightful networking reception, complete with delicious refreshments and a celebratory atmosphere.
Looking Ahead
FM Nordic Workplace 2024 was an incredible experience, blending knowledge-sharing, networking, and celebrations. I’m already looking forward to the next edition and the continued collaboration between FM professionals across the Nordic region and beyond.
Warm regards,
Tom Ryckaert
Board Member, IFMA Belgium Chapter
Co-founder & Managing Partner, 2nRich
