Building Connections - July

Jeffrey Ibbitson
Jul 20
3 min read

JuLY issue 1 - 2026 | from CAFAE

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

Can hardly believe it’s already July! As summer gets underway, I’ve been reflecting on how far CAFAE has come, and more importantly, where we’re headed next.

This season marks an exciting period of growth for our organization. Over the coming months, we’ll continue bringing you practical workshops, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to connect as we prepare for our annual conference this October. Behind the scenes, we’re also building the next phase of CAFAE, with new learning opportunities and initiatives that will continue to expand how we support facilities and asset professionals across Canada.

Our vision has always been about more than delivering education. It’s about building a strong, connected community where professionals can learn from one another, grow throughout their careers, and help shape the future of our industry.

Thank you for being part of that journey. I’m excited for what’s ahead and look forward to sharing it with you in the months to come.

Marcia

A professional monitoring facility performance on a digital dashboard interface

Key Message

2026 Canadian Asset & Facility Conference

We are looking ahead to a fall full of momentum, connection, and meaningful learning. CAF2026: Inspiring Change. People. Place. Purpose. is taking place on October 1 at the Toronto Zoo, and we are looking forward to bringing people together for a day of learning, conversation, and connection.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Workshop: Adapting to the Changing Job Market

July 9, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. EDT | Virtual Seminar

The job market is moving faster than most professionals are preparing for. This session helps facilities and operations professionals stay relevant, resilient, and ready.

Financial & Budgeting Workshop

August 6, 13 & 20, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. EDT | Virtual

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.

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.

Join for Free

Explore All Offerings Here

Looking Ahead

Facilities Management Certificate Program

University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies | Virtual Program

Build the knowledge and confidence to advance your facilities management career through one of Canada's leading Facilities Management certificate programs.

Learn More

Industry Insight

AI in Facilities: Cutting Through the Noise

AI is everywhere, but readiness is not. This article shares takeaways from a recent CAFAE Lunch & Learn on what AI actually means for facilities, including better data, practical use cases, and moving from curiosity to action.

Read Article

Community Updates

CWF & Cappuccino Hour Return This Fall

After a short summer break, CWF and Cappuccino Hour will be back this fall with the same great conversations, familiar faces, and meaningful connections you've come to enjoy. The only change? You'll now find them on the CAFAE website. We can't wait to welcome you back!

View Fall Events

Find Marcia Here

Marcia's going global! She’ll be joining asset management professionals from around the world at the AMP Chapters Global Summit on July 23 for a conversation on practice, leadership, and where the profession is headed next.