Learn New Ideas in Facility Management

Attending trade shows and conferences is a great way to learn new ideas for your facility. Networking with peers and talking to manufacturers—especially when they aren't your usual contacts—can help deliver innovative new approaches. A European trade show and conference is an exciting way to get new ideas and explore different views.

Q: Why should I consider going to Europe for a conference and trade show?

A: Traveling to Europe for a trade show or conference will expose you to a global audience, introducing you to new ideas, people, products and places. You'll learn about practices and innovations that aren't always available in the United States. And, as you know, many innovations get their start in Europe or elsewhere in the world before being adopted by U.S.-based facilities.

Every two years in Germany, a conference designed for facility managers, operators of sports, pool and leisure facilities, hotels, gyms and campgrounds, as well as municipal leaders, architects and more, brings together a multicultural audience. It's a great way to learn more about different practices in facility management.

Q: How do I prepare for this kind of event?

A: Once you've registered, take some time and plan which exhibitors you would like to speak with. Contact these companies to set up appointments. In European trade shows, exhibitors tend to schedule appointments for meetings with refreshments. At the same time, don't overbook yourself. You want to leave time to fit exhibitors you discover after your arrival into your schedule.

Don't forget to check out the programs and sessions, where you'll learn new ideas from experts around the world. And, of course, make sure you keep time in your schedule to enjoy some sightseeing and local culture.