From the very start, the energy was palpable. The opening keynote set the tone with a powerful message from Dr. Eleni (Lenio) Myrivili, Chief Heat Officer for the City of Athens and global advocate for climate resilience. “Our cities are heating up dangerously,” she warned—reminding us all that sustainability isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s an imperative. Her call to action resonated deeply and set the stage for everything that followed.
I had the honor of recording a podcast with Dr. Myrivili and the brilliant Christa Dodoo—stay tuned for that conversation, because it’s one you won’t want to miss.
The rest of Day 1 was packed with standout sessions on the workplace of 2035, hybrid work, technology, and the ever-evolving role of FM. The networking? Absolutely top-notch. There’s something uniquely energizing about being surrounded by people who share your passion and curiosity. We closed the day in style with a cozy networking drink hosted by the IFMA Belgium Chapter—always a highlight.
Day 2 didn’t hold back either. The CEO debate hit hard, diving into how data management and sustainability are shaping the future of facilities. Then it was time for my own session in the Creative Lab—yes, the one with the cheeky title: “AI and ChatGPT are taking away Facility jobs!” (Spoiler: not really, but we did have a spirited House of Commons-style debate about it.)
Later, I dove into the Workplace Evolutionaries (WeHub) moshpit—a high-energy, thought-provoking exchange around designing sustainable and inclusive workplaces. The momentum carried right into an interactive CEO panel on sustainability, and finally, we wrapped things up with an absolutely inspiring keynote by Steven Van Belleghem. His take on The Customer Renaissance in the post-AI world gave us all a lot to think about—particularly how FM must adapt as expectations evolve.
Of course, no great event is complete without a celebration, and the FM Party was just that: a perfect end to two days of inspiration, learning, and connection.
A heartfelt thank you to the organizers—IFMA EMEA, FMN, and EuroFM—and to every speaker, participant, and fellow FM enthusiast who made these days so memorable. I left feeling recharged, challenged, and more excited than ever for what’s next.
See you all at World Workplace 2026—I’m already counting down.
Tom Ryckaert
