IFMA25-5207From touring the Western Hemisphere’s largest shopping mall to toasting milestones, IFMA’s World Workplace 2025 was a celebration of how far both the facility management industry, and IFMA have come and their continued capacity to adapt to and lead change in the global built environment.

Nearly 4,000 facility professionals, thought leaders and innovators descended upon Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA for the 30th iteration of the FM industry’s flagship event and 45th anniversary of IFMA – the world's largest, most recognized facility management association.

Opening remarks focused on IFMA’s impact in advancing FM as an essential global industry, followed by presentations recognizing those who drive progress and set new standards of excellence. Founder and CEO of FUBU and five-time Emmy-winning investor on “Shark Tank” Daymond John then spoke on the principles of success, providing a roadmap for resilient leadership.

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Global growth & influence

Founded in 1980, IFMA has advanced FM interests, elevated FM’s profile and accelerated FM careers through advocacy, professional training and credentialing, industry-shaping research, network-building and global standards development. IFMA supports more than 25,000 members and 122 chapters around the world. IFMA credentials are held by more than 27,000 professionals in 116 countries.

In her opening address at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Chair of IFMA’s Global Board of Directors Christa Dodoo, CFM, FMP, CIWFM, CMQ/OE, spoke on IFMA’s role in progressing the FM industry. “FM has evolved beyond the knowledge of one or two astute technicians. Now, FMs stand alongside leaders in our respective organizations with the power to influence organizational outcomes,” said Dodoo. “IFMA has been a key driver of this change. In this anniversary year, we will honor the past with the same pioneering spirit of our founders to shape our industry into something truly world changing.”

IFMA President & CEO Michael V. Geary, CAE, addressed IFMA’s impact in elevating FM’s profile as a strategic business partner. “That’s not just good for the industry, but for anyone who steps inside a building. It’s good for any organization that looks to gain financial, reputational and social benefits from your expertise. And it’s good for every community enhanced by skillfully, responsibly managed facilities in their neighborhoods,” Geary said.

Geary emphasized that IFMA’s most important achievement is universal recognition that a highly trained and qualified FM professional is an asset. “Companies seeking that competitive edge as a modern, efficient, and resilient organization — one that not only survives disruption but excels in spite of it — look to their FM team for direction. That makes the investment in professional development a strategic necessity,” he said.

An industry celebrates

Throughout its history, IFMA has acclaimed individuals for their significant role in IFMA’s growth and FM’s advancement. Over the course of the event, Geary and Dodoo honored IFMA’s Top Global FM Influencers (professionals shaping the future of facility management through innovation and leadership); those who, between July 2024 and June 2025, achieved IFMA’s Certified Facility Manager® (CFM®), the industry standard in facility management certification; and the 2025 Class of IFMA Fellows (the association's highest honor, recognizing professional and volunteer achievements).

Benjamin Goudy, MBA, CFM, IFMA Fellow, Frank Ngoh, CFM, SFP, FMP, CFME Tier 1, IFMA Fellow, and Laurie Gilmer, P.E., CFM, FMP, SFP, LEED AP, CDT, IFMA Fellow, were officially inducted as the 2025 Class of IFMA Fellows, joining an elite corps of association advisors and ambassadors.

“The first class of Fellows in 1992 included founders of the association — early leaders of the profession — those who helped define facility management and set the stage for the global industry we know today. That legacy has continued through each succeeding class,” said Geary.

IFMA also recognized the outstanding achievements of individual members, chapters, councils, communities and partners at its Awards of Excellence.

IFMA’s World Workplace 2026 Conference and Expo will be held in Anaheim, California, USA, 18-20 Nov. 2026.

“Expectations are rising — not just for FM leaders, but for the experiences we deliver at our events,” said Geary. “World Workplace is evolving to meet those expectations. We’re building on the momentum from Minneapolis to deliver an even more impactful experience in Anaheim next year.”

Early-bird registration for FM’s premier conference and expo is already underway. For more information, visit worldworkplace.ifma.org.