Titled “Resilience in Action: Thriving in a World of Change”, World FM Day 2025 activities are encouraged around the world. FM organizations on six continents celebrate World FM Day by holding public events such as staff luncheons, panel seminars and workshops, social media chats, client networking events and more. Global FM’s World FM Day site offers resources and links to events connected to FM around the world, as well as the World FM Day 2025 marketing pack in numerous languages.

IFMA’s World FM Day site offers related resources, webinars and videos, as well as Events and suggestions on how to Get Involved with World FM Day.

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Most recently, Mike served as the CEO of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and the SMPS Foundation, where he supported over 7,400 professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. His career also includes pivotal roles at AmericanHort, the American Institute of Architecture Students, and the National Association of Home Builders, where he enhanced global engagement and cultivated inclusive, professional networks across continents.

Lynn Baez, Chair of IFMA, stated:

Mike’s proven leadership skills and his ability to connect with members and stakeholders globally will be beneficial as we work to extend IFMA’s reach and influence in the built environment worldwide. His strong association management experience and commitment to fostering an inclusive environment align well with IFMA’s values and our strategic goals.

In his new role, Mike will leverage his extensive network within the association community and his profound expertise in strategic planning to enhance IFMA’s presence on the international stage. He is dedicated to building strong relationships and ensuring every member of our diverse community feels represented and valued.

Mike holds a CAE designation from the American Society of Association Executives and a Certificate in Diversity & Inclusion from Cornell University. An active volunteer, he has served on multiple boards, including the Delta Chi Fraternity and America in Bloom.

Please join us in welcoming Mike to the IFMA family. IFMA is excited to embark on this journey together, confident that his leadership will immensely enrich our collective future.

About IFMA

Founded in 1980, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is the world’s largest, most widely recognized association for facility management (FM) professionals. IFMA supports more than 25,000 members in over 140 countries, 122 chapters, 16 industry-specific councils and seven communities of practice. A keycontributor to the development of international FM standards, IFMA works with decision makers to inform FM-related policy. IFMA provides career resources and continuing education, offers three industry-respected credentials, maintains a large repository of FM-related content on the web and hosts year-round global events. With a vision to lead the future of the built environment to make the world a better place, IFMA believes in the benefit of global diversity, inclusion and social equity, and recognizes that sustainability, resilience and responsible environmental stewardship are paramount.

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The UAE, a country situated along the Persian Gulf, has a population of 9.97 million and has been one of IREM’s newest international markets offering education and certification training to local property management professionals. The UAE is made up of seven emirates. While the emirate of Abu Dhabi serves as the capital, the emirate of Dubai is the center of international business and the country’s most populated area.

2024 IREM President Libby Ekre, CPM commented:

We’re thrilled to announce the creation of our first IREM chapter in the UAE. IREM has been building relationships with our partners there since 2018, and our founding members in the area were instrumental in expanding our offerings and elevating awareness of IREM locally. With a chapter in Dubai, IREM will be able to provide even more programs to professional property managers in this exciting region.

Muhammad Jawad stated:

This is a monumental moment for the real estate management profession in the UAE. The approval of the UAE Chapter not only strengthens our regional network, but also brings global best practices closer to local professionals. Our focus will be on fostering education, innovation, and ethical leadership across the industry.

Marked by innovation and fast development, the UAE has some of the most creative real estate in the world, such as indoor skiing, an underwater restaurant, and indoor scuba diving. IREM is proud to continue expanding its offerings to the UAE through this chapter to elevate property management practices and professionals in the UAE.

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With over three million air miles traveled globally, Davis has spent years speaking and training leaders on the nuances of business etiquette and ethics. Infused with humor and real-world anecdotes, Navigating Virtue makes complex topics approachable, relatable, and even entertaining for professionals at every level.

More than just a book, Navigating Virtue is a full-fledged education in business excellence. Whether you are an aspiring professional or an established leader, this essential guide provides the tools you need to transform your career. Davis empowers readers to rise through the ranks, build strong professional relationships, and gain respect in any corporate setting.

Navigating Virtue delivers a practical, hands-on approach to success. Davis embraces the power of micro-learning, presenting bite-sized lessons on communication, transparency, and collaboration. These lessons provide a clear path to leadership, teaching readers how to excel in their careers and earn the recognition they deserve.

In this timely and relevant guide, Davis updates 21st-century standards for business, highlighting the indispensable role ethics and etiquette play in fostering trust, cultivating positive corporate cultures, and creating harmonious workplaces.

Don’t miss your chance to transform your career and workplace. Say goodbye to office drama and hello to a productive, thriving work environment.

Navigating Virtue: Ethics and Etiquette in the American Business Landscape is available for purchase from Amazon Books. Learn about certification as an Ethics and Etiquette Expert in American Business within the American Business Ethics and Etiquette Trainers Association (ABEETA) at ABEETA.

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The Certified Decarbonization Professional (CDP) program, initiated and funded by the ASHRAE Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization, is an international certification that validates the competency of decarbonization professionals to assess, analyze, and develop effective and sustainable strategies to reduce or eliminate the life-cycle carbon footprint of buildings. This certification, developed in a record 11 months, enables industry professionals to demonstrate to peers, employers and building owners competency in critical building decarbonization job tasks.

Since the program’s launch earlier this year, the CDP has been the most applied-for ASHRAE certification, highlighting its importance and relevance in today’s building and energy sectors.

2024-25 ASHRAE President M. Dennis Knight, P.E., BEMP, Fellow Life Member ASHRAE, stated:

Decarbonization is essential to our global sustainability goals, and ASHRAE is committed to empowering professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead the charge. The Certified Decarbonization Professional program is not just a milestone for ASHRAE, but a much needed tool for the industry as we work toward a net-zero future.

The CDP certification program is designed for professionals who are responsible for decarbonizing new and existing buildings. Eligibility requirements include education and work experience, a code of professional conduct and passing a rigorous certification exam validating competency in building decarbonization job tasks across eight domains, which include decarbonization drivers, project planning and development, construction and renovation, passive and active efficiency, facility management and distributed energy resources.

ASHRAE’s Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization provided the vision and resources to make this certification possible. The Center supports ASHRAE’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the built environment through a range of initiatives, including education, research and the development of innovative tools and resources.

For more information about the Certified Decarbonization Professional program, other ASHRAE certifications and how to apply, visit ASHRAE.

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Certified Electrical Inspector (CEI) certification

NFPA’s new Certified Electrical Inspector (CEI) certification was created for electrical inspectors interested in enhancing their understanding of key electrical safety principles and skills.

Electrical inspection is crucial for enhancing community safety and ensuring compliance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.  The new CEI certification aims to equip electrical industry professionals with the essential skills to conduct safe and effective inspections of electrical installations during construction, modification and repair, and ensure compliance with relevant code requirements. The certification is available to electrical inspectors in the Americas, Middle East and North Africa.

Dan Pickel, director of Certification and Accreditation at NFPA, stated:

NFPA is well-recognized for its certification programs in fire, electrical and life safety areas. The CEI certification serves as a vital credential that showcases employees’ ability to identify and explain relevant electrical safety requirements, conduct electrical inspections, and effectively communicate with contractors, engineers, architects and homeowners about electrical code requirements. Attaining this certificate can also enhance a worker’s credibility, marketability and earning potential.

As the developer of the National Electrical Code and related resources, NFPA actively serves the electrical safety and enforcement community. It helps professionals stay current on vital news and information through related training programs, knowledge, research, and expertise. The introduction of the CEI certification is another step in a larger NFPA effort to support the electrical inspector industry. This includes the introduction of its first two Electrical Inspection Section (EIS) Affiliate Chapters in North Carolina and Ohio, aimed at addressing current and emerging electrical challenges and advancing safety in communities.

Wind Turbine Technician-I (WTT-I) certification

NFPA’s new Wind Turbine Technician-I (WTT-I) certification is said to be the only certification of its kind in the U.S. to date.

Renewable markets such as solar and wind are seeing rapid growth. With more wind installation projects being approved worldwide, there is a growing demand for qualified wind turbine technicians with verified skills and knowledge to work on these projects. The new NFPA WTT-I certification aims to provide the emerging wind workforce with the necessary skills to excel and work safely in this rapidly developing sector.

Pickel remarked:

The WTT-I program will help professionals build successful careers in the wind energy sector and support their ability to service, inspect, and maintain wind turbines safely with industry-recognized credentials.

Newcomers to the wind energy industry, including those who have finished a foundational course in wind turbines and electrical safety, or have worked as wind turbine technicians for at least six months, are ideal candidates for this certification. Upon completion of the program, they will be proficient in the key features and components outlined in the Wind Turbine Technician Exam Blueprint. They will also demonstrate the capability to perform basic tasks related to installing, servicing, commissioning, inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, performing lock-out/tagout, reading and interpreting schematics, and documenting work performed on wind turbines.

According to the Global Wind Energy Council, over 574,000 technicians will be required to build, install, operate and maintain the world’s rapidly expanding wind fleet by 2027. In the U.S. alone, more than 77,000 people will need industry-standard training between 2023 and 2027.

Pickel continued:

As demand for these workers increases, candidates who enhance their knowledge and skills through best-in-class certifications, such as the WTT-I certificate, will more easily stand out to potential employers. This can help increase an employee’s credibility, marketability, and earning potential.

NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem

A skilled global workforce is one of the eight key elements of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem, a framework identifying the components that must work together to minimize risk and help prevent loss, injuries and death from fire, electrical and other hazards. Training and development initiatives, including certifications, are central to this objective of upskilling the workforce, promoting industry best practices, and prioritizing worker safety, says NFPA.

For more information about the Certified Electrical Inspector (CEI) certification or the Wind Turbine Technician-I (WTT-I) certification, visit NFPA.

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ISSA Chief Global Membership Officer Rosie Rangel stated:

There’s no better way to express our commitment to changing the way the world views cleaning and facility solutions than literally changing how the world views the website dedicated to advancing our industry. We’re extremely pleased to launch the new ISSA.com, which has been optimized to showcase the exclusive member benefits we have to offer and delivers the crucial tools and resources industry professionals can utilize to separate themselves from their competition.

The updated website offers peer-group pages: frequently updated knowledge centers; ISSA’s latest Value of Clean report and accompanying resources designed to help further optimize the cleaning practices of ISSA members, such as downloadable infographics; and a wide range of training programs, webinars and more.

Access the revamped site at ISSA.com.

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This valuable feedback and context from seasoned executives is being summarized through ASSP’s Corporate Listening Tour, an activity that helps inform and direct both ASSP and corporate initiatives that advance worker safety and health. The project is led by CEO Jennifer McNelly, CAE, who meets individually with a broad range of safety executives each year to discover trends impacting their companies and the safety and health profession.

CEO Jennifer McNelly, CAE, stated:

While federal and state efforts have improved environments over the past few decades, more must be done to protect workers. The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that nearly 5,500 fatal work injuries occurred in 2022 — a 5.7 percent increase from the previous year. This means a worker died every 96 minutes. That’s simply not acceptable. On-the-job fatalities and serious injuries are preventable.

ASSP’s 2024 report from the Corporate Listening Tour highlights five key findings:

1. Focus on what matters. Prioritize the prevention of serious injuries and fatalities over minor incidents to avoid spreading resources too thin. This might mean accepting a slight increase in less severe incidents, but it’s ultimately about spending valuable time and resources where they count the most.
2. Manage workforce vhanges and safety priorities. With unpredictable shifts in the workforce and a shortage of skilled labor, keeping everyone safe becomes more challenging. High turnover and the struggle to attract and keep good employees increase the risk of incidents and employee burnout. OSH professionals must influence how new employees are trained and provide input on retention strategies.
3. Embrace OSH-related applications of AI. Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is constantly reshaping how we work. While this brings opportunities for safety improvements, it also introduces new risks. OSH professionals should focus on using AI to enhance safety while ensuring the organization doesn’t neglect traditional safety practices that have proven to be effective.
4. Manage cultural shifts and governance in uncertain times. Economic and political uncertainties affect how businesses operate. OSH professionals can drive changes in organizational culture – making sure leaders take accountability for safety – and demonstrate its importance even in uncertain times.
5. Empower influential OSH leaders in the changing workplace. OSH professionals must maintain their technical skills and certifications while seeking organizational support to become better leaders who can drive operational excellence.

McNelly continued:

The report proposes a set of questions to help spark discussions among safety teams as well as with their colleagues and corporate leaders. It’s through proactive conversations about trends and potential risks that we can better integrate program improvements to reduce worker injuries, illnesses and fatalities.

Learn more about the Corporate Listening Tour and download the reports from ASSP.

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Through this collaboration, IFMA members will have access to NFPA’s acclaimed training and certification programs, as well as more than a century of knowledge on fire prevention, wildfire preparedness, electrical safety, hazardous materials and community risk reduction. Reciprocally, NFPA members receive special pricing for IFMA’s globally recognized, ANAB-accredited courses and credentials, helping them expand their understanding of core facility management concepts and competencies.

IFMA established its strategic partner program in 2021 to provide built environment professionals with a single source of interdisciplinary skill-building training offered by the industry’s most well-respected and influential organizations. The program offers specialized training opportunities that address a range of mission-critical roles and cover the entire operational life cycle of the built environment.

Mike Brunzell, vice president of global business development for NFPA, commented:

We are thrilled about this collaboration with IFMA, as it represents our shared commitment to enhance safety within our built environments. Facility managers are the unsung heroes of fire and life safety, operating at the heart of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem. Through this collaboration, IFMA members will gain access to unparalleled training, certifications and resources from NFPA, empowering them to further safeguard buildings and the individuals who inhabit them. Together, we’re strengthening our goal of advancing safety and preventing harm from fire, electrical and related hazards around the world.

IFMA President and CEO Don Gilpin stated:

NFPA joins IFMA and 14 other esteemed organizations in sharing essential training and expert knowledge relevant to built environment practices and priorities. We’re proud to work together with NFPA to provide all those responsible for ensuring the safety of people and organizational assets — from facility management and wider building professionals to first responders — with access to top training solutions and informational resources geared toward creating and sustaining facility excellence.

For more information about the the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem, the IFMA/NFPA partnership, and a list of all IFMA Strategic Partner Associations, visit NFPA or IFMA.

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BOMI created the scholarship in honor of Mr. J. Bradley (Brad) Kennedy’s focus on excellence and his lifelong commitment to education. His dedication to the development of continuing education in the commercial real estate industry remained steadfast throughout his career.

Funded through contributions from friends and colleagues, the scholarship provides an educational opportunity for a deserving individual currently entering, pursuing or engaged in a career in the property or facility management industry and demonstrates a financial need.

Tim O’Donald, RPA, chairman of the Board at BOMI and president of Harbor East Management Group, explained:

Each year, an independent committee of the BOMI Board of Trustees Competency Committee reviews and ranks all applications based on a weighted scale across several categories. We are pleased to be able to offer support for their continued personal and professional growth with the CRE industry.

The annual scholarship is awarded to a student who is pursuing a career in property facilities management. Applicants submit a personal statement, resumé, application, and two recommendations from industry professionals. The deadline for completed applications is June 30, 2024, and the winner will be announced on September 30. J. Bradley Kennedy Scholarship details and the application can be found at BOMI.

About BOMA International and BOMI

With more than 100 years of leadership and innovation, Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International and its institute, Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI), serve the entire commercial real estate community, including owners, managers, property professionals, engineers and service providers of all commercial building types, encompassing office, industrial, medical, corporate, government and mixed-use.

BOMA’s mission is to advance a vibrant commercial real estate industry through advocacy, influence, and knowledge across a federation of 81 U.S. local associations and 18 global affiliates with over 20,000 members. BOMI provides critical education and training to industry professionals and has delivered more than 400,000 courses and 43,000 credentials through its designations (RPA, FMA, SMT, SMA, and BOMI-HP) and certificate programs, with a proven record of increasing job performance and company efficiency.

BOMA and BOMI are committed to championing commercial real estate professionals, equipping them with cutting-edge insights and unparalleled value to propel their careers.

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