Education Sessions
Tuesday, October 10
Keynote Speaker
9:45 am - 10:45 am
The Connected Store of the Future
As technology continues to evolve, so does the way we shop. During this keynote we will explore the trends and innovations that are shaping the connected store of the future. From augmented reality and virtual shopping assistants to smart shelves and checkout-free stores, we will examine the technologies that are transforming the retail experience. We will also discuss how these advancements are driving changes in consumer behavior and expectations, and what retailers can do to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you're a retailer looking to stay competitive, a technology provider looking to understand the needs of the retail industry, or you’re simply looking for insights into the future of retail, this keynote will provide valuable insights and actionable ideas for the connected store of the future.
Mark Ibbotson
Former EVP Realty and Central
Operations, McKinsey & Company
Over the course of Mark’s career, he has held several senior executive positions in Omni channel retail. To each role, he has brought clearly defined objectives and goals, which, with a well-defined strategy and innovation, all teams have delivered results before taking on new challenges. His approach can be condensed to two core values; ensuring the continual growth of the company and managing the development of a constructive cohesive working environment that allows employees to excel through disruption and change. He considers innovation to be the key to maintaining sustainable growth. He is passionate about turnaround in large businesses in particular those undergoing model disruption.
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Facility Management Virtual Reality (VR) Experience
The Facility Management Virtual Reality Experience is a cutting-edge training tool that allows facility managers to immerse themselves in a virtual environment and practice real-world scenarios. With the use of a VR headset and controllers, participants will be transported to a virtual facility where they will be presented with various challenges and opportunities to apply their facility management skills.
Facilitated by:
11:30 am - 12:00 pm
DEMO Lab: Closing the Gap Between Data and Actionable Intelligence Through Real-Time Analytics
This live demonstration will focus on utilizing real-time analytics to transform data into actionable intelligence. Data is abundant in modern organizations, but it is often underutilized due to a lack of effective analysis. This live experience will demonstrate how real-time analytics can bridge the gap between data and actionable intelligence, providing attendees with practical tools to make informed decisions.
Allen Randolph
VP Business Development, Kaivac
Allen serves as the Chair of the CONNEXFM Thought Leadership Committee, which delivers content in varying formats and is intended to support the Association's ongoing commitment to developing quality educational resources to address relevant issues facing multi-site facilities management professionals. Allen also currently serves as the Chair of the ISSA Workloading & Benchmarking Council and is a founding member of CIRI (Cleaning Industry Research Institute). Allen was the recipient of the 2015 CONNEX Association Service Excellence Award which provides prestigious recognition for Association members who set the professional standard of excellence. Allen has over 30 years of cleaning industry experience, including cleaning validation testing consulting, cleaning process engineering, TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) consulting, and increasing cleaning worker professionalism. As a VP of Business Development at Kaivac, Allen focuses on collaborating with organizations to utilize innovations, combined with change management strategies, to produce sustainable differentiated outcomes for facility managers, and most importantly, cleaning workers.
1:45 pm - 2:05 pm
Tech Talk: Demystifying Artificial Intelligence and Best Practices Use Cases in Facilities Management
Join us for an informative Tech Talk on Artificial Intelligence (AI), where we will explore what it is and what it is not. We will delve into the pillars of extracting value from AI technology, including data, human domain expertise, risk management/guardrails, and scaling.
We will explore facilities management AI use cases and how AI can be utilized to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Finally, we will provide a best practices roadmap for leveraging AI technology and offer insights into how to successfully implement AI initiatives in your organization.
Whether you are new to AI or an experienced practitioner, this Tech Talk will provide valuable insights and practical guidance for leveraging AI to drive business value and achieve your organizational goals. Join us to learn how AI can transform your operations and take your organization to the next level.
Glen Schrank
CEO, Phoenix Energy Technologies
At 12 years old, Glen Schrank started observing how his parents and brothers built a small family-owned retail business into a substantial enterprise with multi-site locations across the western United States. The dinner talk around the table often centered on the importance of facilities management, which became a full circle moment when he took the helm of Phoenix Energy Technologies. Education is also one of Glen’s passions. He holds a degree in Mathematics from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and an MBA from the University of Southern California (USC). When time permits, he teaches MBA courses in Entrepreneurship and Growth Strategies as an adjunct professor at the University of California Irvine (UCI), Paul Merage School of Business. Glen is an executive leader with over 30 years of leadership experience in technology-based businesses. Prior roles include Interim CEO at Cirro, a company providing technology in the Big Data and Analytics market; CEO of Eccentex, a company that provides Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings; CEO of HireRight, a Software as a Service (SaaS) company, and 15 years at IBM in various emerging growth tech businesses.
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Uncovering the Impact of Tech & Digital Transformation in the FM Industry
It is no secret that technology and digital advancements have shaken up our industry. Is this the beginning of a facilities management technology revolution, or is this next phase a climax of a technology revolution that has already begun? Join this panel discussion and hear from industry leaders on how technology and digital transformations are creating positive opportunities, how to navigate the new tech frontier, and what facility managers should be aware of to ensure any obstacles are swiftly overcome.
Moderator: Glen Schrank, CEO, Phoenix Energy Technologies
Panelists:
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Mark Ibbotson, Former EVP Realty and Central Operations,
McKinsey & Company -
Kurt Smith, CEO, FEXA
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Maureen Ehrenberg, FRICS, CRE, President, Commercial Division at SMS Assist, A Lessen Company.
Glen Schrank
CEO, Phoenix Energy Technologies
At 12 years old, Glen Schrank started observing how his parents and brothers built a small family-owned retail business into a substantial enterprise with multi-site locations across the western United States. The dinner talk around the table often centered on the importance of facilities management, which became a full circle moment when he took the helm of Phoenix Energy Technologies. Education is also one of Glen’s passions. He holds a degree in Mathematics from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and an MBA from the University of Southern California (USC). When time permits, he teaches MBA courses in Entrepreneurship and Growth Strategies as an adjunct professor at the University of California Irvine (UCI), Paul Merage School of Business. Glen is an executive leader with over 30 years of leadership experience in technology-based businesses. Prior roles include Interim CEO at Cirro, a company providing technology in the Big Data and Analytics market; CEO of Eccentex, a company that provides Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings; CEO of HireRight, a Software as a Service (SaaS) company, and 15 years at IBM in various emerging growth tech businesses.
Mark Ibbotson
Former EVP Realty and Central Operations, McKinsey & Company
Over the course of Mark’s career, he has held several senior executive positions in Omni channel retail. To each role, he has brought clearly defined objectives and goals, which, with a well-defined strategy and innovation, all teams have delivered results before taking on new challenges. His approach can be condensed to two core values; ensuring the continual growth of the company and managing the development of a constructive cohesive working environment that allows employees to excel through disruption and change. He considers innovation to be the key to maintaining sustainable growth. He is passionate about turnaround in large businesses in particular those undergoing model disruption.
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Kurt Smith
CEO, Fexa
Kurt is an accomplished executive passionate about helping people, products, and companies achieve their full potential. As the CEO of Fexa, Kurt leads the organization and drives the company's vision and strategy. Prior to his role at Fexa, Kurt held multiple leadership positions at FastSpring, a full-stack payment, subscription billing, invoicing, and tax solution provider. He served as the Chief Product Officer & General Manager, overseeing product, payments, strategy, and corporate development.
Maureen Ehrenberg FRICS, CRE
President of the Commercial Division, SMS Assist, A Lessen Company.
Maureen Ehrenberg, FRICS, CRE, is President of the Commercial Division at LessenTM and is responsible for setting and driving the business strategy & financial performance of this billion-dollar operating division. She manages overall resources, partnerships, operations & tech strategy to provide the most advanced and innovative integrated facility & property management digital operating platform for commercial properties. Formerly CEO and co-founder of Blue Skyre IBE, Ehrenberg is an internationally recognized real estate industry business leader with over 35 years of experience in business process transformation, strategic positioning, and operations of large, complex portfolios. She serves on the Americas Board of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Overseas Building Operations, Industry Advisory Group (IAG). A frequent speaker and published author, Ehrenberg has been recognized as an industry thought leader with an Innovator of the Year Award from CoreNet Global, the Chair's Citation Award from IFMA, The Julie Devine Digital Impact and Lifetime Achievement Awards for Vision in Technology from RealComm, Top Women of Influence Hall of Fame by Real Estate Forum and has received several industry and client awards and recognition for service excellence, innovation, leadership, mentorship and service. Ehrenberg was named a 2021 Woman of Influence CRE Consultant/Advisor by GlobeSt.com.
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
DEMO Lab: Virtual Reality (VR)
Step into the future of facility management with our immersive Virtual Reality (VR) DEMO Lab! During this engaging session, participants will experience firsthand the transformative power of VR technology and how it can be used in facility management. Attendees will have gain a comprehensive understanding of how VR technology can revolutionize facility management practices, leading to increased efficiency, cost savings, and improved decision-making.
Doug Donovan
Interplay Learning
Doug Donovan, Co-Founder and CEO of Interplay Learning, is the dynamic leader behind the world’s first online training platform designed for the skilled trades he launched in 2011. Doug’s mission is to solve the critical, growing skills gap problem and rapidly accelerate the professional careers for more hands-on workers through Virtual Reality and 3D simulation training and education. For the past 9 years, Doug’s award-winning online simulations have been used by more than 80,000 individuals for their career training in HVAC, Solar, Electrical, Plumbing, Energy Auditing, Manufacturing, Construction Codes and more. Doug has boldly redefined the meaning of hands-on learning, ushering in a brand new era of skills training that is highly efficient and saves time. Prior to Interplay Learning, Doug’s background includes co-founding a venture-backed software company and building a ski resort (Echo Mountain) in Colorado. Doug holds a BA from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley.
Christopher Bybee
Senior Director of Growth,
Interplay Learning
Christopher Bybee serves as the Senior Director of Growth for Interplay Learning, the leader in online trades training. His team focuses on exploring how Interplay can build new content and offerings to better serve the broader building trades. Prior to Interplay, Christopher spent 4 years in finance and management consulting. A graduate of Texas A&M University - Mays Business School, Christopher resides in Dallas, Texas with his wife Megan.
Wednesday, October 11
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Facility Management Virtual Reality (VR) Experience
The Facility Management Virtual Reality Experience is a cutting-edge training tool that allows facility managers to immerse themselves in a virtual environment and practice real-world scenarios. With the use of a VR headset and controllers, participants will be transported to a virtual facility where they will be presented with various challenges and opportunities to apply their facility management skills.
Facilitated by:
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Leveraging CMMS/EMS to Drive ESG Compliance & Data Reporting
As organizations work to meet their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, it's become increasingly important to have effective systems in place for managing and reporting on sustainability-related data. During this panel discussion, we will explore how Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and Enterprise Management Systems (EMS) can be leveraged to support ESG compliance and data reporting. We will discuss the key features and benefits of these systems, including their ability to track and monitor energy usage, emissions, waste, and other sustainability metrics. We will also examine how these systems can be integrated with other data sources, such as building automation systems and IoT sensors, to provide a comprehensive view of sustainability performance. Whether you're a facilities manager, sustainability professional, or IT leader, this discussion will provide valuable insights into how CMMS and EMS can help your organization drive ESG compliance and data reporting.
Moderator: Don VanDemark Jr., COO, Construction Specialties
Panelists:
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Raj Beniwal, General Manager, North America, EcoEnergy Insights
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Leum Fahey, Director, Product Management, ServiceChannel
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Raj Subramanian, Co-Founder & CPO, Facilio
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Omar Tabba, Chief Product Officer, BrainboxAI
Don VanDemark Jr.
COO, Construction Specialties
Don VanDemark has had a passion for technology for over 30 years. As the COO of Construction Specialties, he grew the company by 600% by implementing technological improvements. He has worked in big tech companies such as IBM and is the technical co-founder of an educational analytics company. Construction Specialties was named to the Inc. 5000 list this year as one of the 5000 fastest growing companies in the U.S.
Raj Beniwal
General Manager, North America, EcoEnergy Insights
Rajender (Raj) Singh Beniwal is the North America General Manager for EcoEnergy Insights and is responsible for the go-to-market strategy and execution, including Sales, Alliance partnerships, Marketing and Customer Success. In the last 10 years, he has helped establish EcoEnergy Insights as a key player in the Smart Buildings & IoT industry. Raj has spent over a decade helping companies realize positive financial and operational impact, working with Fortune 500 companies as clients. Prior to EcoEnergy Insights, Raj worked with Wipro Technologies across multiple leadership roles globally in Management Consulting, Marketing & Communication and Business Development. As an early adopter of IT/data-based technologies and business trends like digital and IoT, Raj has is regularly invited to share his expertise and views at renowned customer organizations as well as industry bodies such as National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO), Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), Edison Electric Institute (EEI), SCTE, CONNEX (erstwhile PRSM), CII, NASSCOM and others. Raj holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and a post graduate degree in Business Administration, both from Bangalore University.
Leum Fahey
Director, Product Management, ServiceChannel
Leum Fahey is an industry expert with over 20 years of experience driving continuous improvement in retail operations. Working with over 100 supermarket chains, Leum has led initiatives to design best practices for FM and engineering. Over the last five years, Leum has built software solutions that improve productivity and reduce expenses focused on sustainability, asset management, inventory management, and refrigerant regulatory compliance.
Raj Subramanian
Co-Founder & CPO, Facilio
Raj Subramanian is the Co-Founder and heads product strategy at Facilio. The company's AI-driven property operations platform allows real estate owners to aggregate building data, optimize performance, and control portfolio operations - all from one place. Raj is passionate about resolving problems using technology that delivers cutting-edge solutions such as connected refrigeration, automated compliance reporting, and energy monitoring.
Omar Tabba
Chief Product Officer, BrainboxAI
Tabba leads the product management and solution engineering functions at BrainBox AI. He has over 18 years of experience in the smart building space and has held technical, sales and executive roles. Prior to joining BrainBox AI, he led the digital solutions team at the General Electric Current business unit, where he supported the sale of Current’s digital solutions to Fortune 200 companies as well as the product, marketing and business development functions. Before joining GE, Omar co-founded YWire Technologies, a venture backed lighting control startup. A patent holder, Omar has applied building automation and energy management systems across multiple vertical markets (e.g. retail, commercial office, education) and in portfolios ranging from one building to several thousand.
11:00 am - 11:20 am
Tech Talk: Enhancing Facilities Operations and Maintenance: Empowering Efficiency with Mobile (Parts) Supply Chain Technology and Analytics
This session will highlight the benefits of using supply chain technology and supply chain analytics for facilities management. It will cover how the convergence of legacy (CMMS) and emerging technologies simplifies operations and maintenance processes, reduces costs, and enhances overall performance. By leveraging real-time data, facilities can make informed inventory management, procurement, and resource allocation decisions. The presentation will showcase successful implementation case studies and best practices for integrating these technologies into facility management systems. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how they can improve their facilities operations and maintenance by adopting supply chain technologies and analytics.
Ron Fijalkowski
Senior Vice President of Digital Supply Chain, SDI
Ron "Fij" Fijalkowski is an industry luminary with unrivaled knowledge and experience in the digital supply chain domain. As the Senior Vice President of Digital Supply Chain Solutions at SDI, he has spent over two decades revolutionizing procurement and inventory management for plant and facilities maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO). Originating from an engineering background at Villanova University, Fij progressed into strategic roles in IT and supply chain management, including a six-year tenure at Rollins Leasing as the VP of IT. He brought his invaluable acumen to SDI, where he has spent more than 20 years shaping the digital future of procurement and warehouse management solutions. Fij has spearheaded groundbreaking projects at SDI, including the development of the digital supply chain management technology platform and the Integrated Parts Management solution and fulfillment model. These innovative strategies provide some of the world's largest multi-site retailers with increased visibility and control over their facilities and asset management supply chains. In addition to his hands-on role at SDI, Fij's expertise and leadership have garnered recognition, earning him a place on Computerworld Magazine's Premier 100 IT leader list. As a member of the Rutgers Big Data Advisory Board, he is instrumental in shaping the next generation of data-driven solutions. Fij's unique ability to connect enterprise-wide IT operations with related technology that supports supply chain, operations, global strategic sourcing, and central planning offers a holistic approach to plant and facilities management. This comprehensive perspective has solidified his reputation as a transformative figure in the realm of digital supply chains. Beyond his professional achievements, Fij exemplifies service and dedication. His 11-year commitment as a Flotilla Staff Officer with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and his active 30-year participation in the Bike MS: City to Shore Ride for MS Research underscore his personal dedication to service. As a prominent figure in digital supply chain solutions, Fij seamlessly merges his professional expertise with his passion for impactful causes, making his perspectives and insights invaluable and compelling, irrespective of the platform or event. Fij's unique blend of professional acumen and personal commitment assure that his contributions are always worth tuning in for.