Thanks to the wonderful opportunities the Atlanta Chapter of IFMA has afforded us, we received a scholarship to attend IFMA’s Facility Fusion in April. Similar to World Workplace, Facility Fusion is a smaller, more intimate conference that offers networking, education, and an expo. The Atlanta Chapter sends 2 Board members each year to attend the Chapter Leadership tracks. We brought back many new, fresh, exciting ideas that we can’t wait to implement in the chapter!
In addition to attending Facility Fusion, we were able to tour our Nation’s Capital with the Deputy Director of the House of Rules Committee, Towner French. He was nice enough to indulge us in, not only a behind the scenes tour, but also our constant questioning of the facility itself. It was a truly unique experience that we shared with our very own William Broome. Needless to say, Capitol Hill will never be the same!
Some of the educational tracks we attended included topics such as orientations, building a dedicated volunteer tribe & best practices from other chapters just to name a few. The opening keynote speaker was Jason Roberts who spoke about the “The Better Block Project.” Jason converted vacant properties in Dallas, Texas & converted them into temporary walkable districts with pop-up businesses, bike lanes, café seating & landscaping. He encourages each and every one of us to stop waiting around…even if that means painting in our own crosswalks!
I (Christy Lowell) was lucky enough to speak at one of the educational sessions this year. I gave a presentation entitled, “Lessons Learned: 2013 Large Chapter of the Year Best Practices.” I spoke about what it took to win chapter of the year and what sets our chapter apart from all the others…our dedicated members!
We want to thank the Atlanta Chapter: the Board, members and Sustaining Patrons. Without all of your support, opportunities like this would not exist.
Thank you!
