Building Connections - October - Issue 1
October 13, 2026 - issue 1
Building Connections
Connecting people, ideas, and opportunities across our community.
Marcia O'Connor
President & Academic Director, CAFAE Founder & President, AMFM Consulting Inc. Inspirational Leader | Educator | Mentor
From Marcia's Desk
CAF2026 was a wonderful reminder of what can happen when people come together. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make it possible, and to those who joined us, shared their perspectives and made new connections.
But connection doesn’t happen only at a conference. It happens every time we share an idea, introduce two people, ask a question or make space for another perspective.
That’s the kind of community we want to keep building, and there are many ways to be part of it.
I hope this issue gives you another opportunity to connect, learn and find new ways to get involved.
Marcia
Key message
CAF2026 - Oct 1st
Inspiring Change. People, Space, Purpose.
CAF2026 brought our community together at the Toronto Zoo for a day of ideas, conversations, new connections and shared experiences. From the people who took the stage to those who joined the conversation, asked questions, supported the event and helped make it happen, thank you for being part of it.
And if you missed us this year, we've already got your next chance...
SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 21, 2027
CAF2027 is officially on the calendar. We hope you'll be part of it.
CAF2026 - Our Valued sponsors
Upcoming Events & Opportunities
Cappuccino Hour: Key Ingredients to Be a Successful FM
Oct. 14, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EDT | Virtual Event
What does it really take to succeed in FM? Join the conversation as we explore the mix of technical knowledge, people skills, adaptability and confidence that helps facility professionals navigate the demands of the role.
Financial & Budgeting Workshop
Oct. 19, 21 & 26 | 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. EDT | Virtual Workshop
A good budget isn't enough if you can't defend it. Build the practical skills to develop, manage, and justify operating and capital budgets, and communicate financial needs with greater confidence.
CWF: When High Standards Become Invisible
October 21 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EDT | Virtual Event
What happens when being dependable makes your best work disappear? Explore how women in facilities can recognize when reliability is taken for granted, name their value, and shift from essential to seen.
Industry Insights
Continue the Conversation: James Reyes-Picknell
Interested in digging deeper into the ideas James brought to CAF2026? Explore his books, including Steadfast and Uptime: Strategies for Excellence in Maintenance Management, for more on reliability, maintenance and asset management.
Career Page
Featured Opportunity
Senior Project Manager
Region of Waterloo | Waterloo, ON
Ready for your next career move? The Region of Waterloo is looking for a Senior Project Manager. Explore this opportunity and other current openings through CAFAE's Career Page.
Hiring?
Share your opportunity on CAFAE’s Career Page and connect with professionals across the facility and asset management community.
Community Events & Updates
Assessing and Developing your Leadership Style
How well do you know your own leadership style? Join NPLS October 20th for an interactive session facilitated by Marcia O’Connor, designed for professionals looking to strengthen their leadership skills in the non-profit sector. Explore how you lead, where your strengths show up, and where there may be opportunities to grow.
From Strategy to Action: RPIC 2026
Great strategies are only as good as their execution. Join Marcia O’Connor and other industry leaders at RPIC’s 2026 National Summit, October 27–29, as they explore fresh perspectives, practical solutions and the challenges of turning real property strategy into action.
Big Ideas for the Future of Asset Management
What's next for asset management in Canada? Join Marcia O’Connor and asset management professionals from across the country at CNAM’s Virtual Summit, October 27–28, to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends and discover practical solutions shaping the industry’s future.
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