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Building Connections - August - Issue 1
- Jeffrey Ibbitson
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
august issue 1 - 2026
Building Connections
Connecting people, ideas, and opportunities across our community.
Marcia O'Connor
Academic Director, CAFAE Founder & President, AMFM Consulting Inc. Inspirational Leader | Educator | Mentor
From Marcia's Desk
Throughout my career, I've found that some of the most valuable learning has happened through conversations with others. Whether it's exchanging ideas at an industry event, collaborating on a project, or hearing how someone solved a challenge, those shared experiences shape how we grow as professionals. Facilities management is a collaborative profession, and every connection is an opportunity to learn. I hope you enjoy this month's edition of Building Connections.
Marcia
Key Message
CAF2026 Keynote Speaker: James Reyes-Picknell
Your next reliability breakthrough probably isn't another piece of technology. The organizations making the biggest gains aren't just investing in smarter assets; they're investing in smarter leadership, stronger culture, and better execution. Drawing on decades of industry experience, James shares practical strategies for breaking reactive cycles and building stronger, more resilient organizations.
For being a CAFAE newsletter subscriber use
Promo Code: SpecialCAF2026 for $50 off!
Upcoming Events & Opportunities
CAFAE Lunch & Learn: Mental Health in Facilities
August 12, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EDT | Virtual Webinar
Facilities professionals spend their careers taking care of buildings and the people inside them. This candid discussion explores who takes care of the caretakers, with practical strategies for supporting mental health in FM.
Workshop: Accessibility in the Built Environment
August 12, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT | Virtual Seminar
What barriers are hiding in plain sight? Chances are, you've walked past more than a few. Discover how to spot accessibility barriers, prioritize what matters most, and turn good intentions into meaningful action.
Financial & Budgeting Workshop
Sept 10, 17 & 24, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. EDT | Workshop
If you do not understand the numbers, you are left out of the decision. This workshop helps professionals build the financial confidence to speak up, plan ahead, and contribute with clarity.
Looking Ahead
Advanced FM Certificate
CAFAE | Virtual Program
Great facility managers don't just manage buildings... they shape strategy. Move beyond keeping the building running and develop the strategic leadership skills to improve facility performance, manage risk, and support organizational success.
Resource Centre
The Operational Side of Lease Management
The lease isn't just paperwork. It's an operations manual. Every clause has the potential to affect budgets, maintenance, and day-to-day decisions. Discover the practical lessons facility professionals shared about avoiding costly assumptions.
Community Updates
ConnexFM Coffee & Connexion
Everyone's talking about AI—but what's actually working? Sip on some coffee and join virtually on August 13 as facility professionals share practical AI applications, lessons learned, and what's making a real difference in retail operations.
IFMA Golf Tournament
Grab your clubs! IFMA Toronto's Annual Golf Tournament returns August 13, bringing facilities professionals together for a day of golf, networking, and great conversations.
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