Since we are born, we are constantly learning and many times we think that when we reach adulthood this process stops, but this is a big mistake because everything around us never stops evolving.
One of the disciplines that takes this concept seriously is Medicine. Its methodology is constantly changing and every professional in the field must be up to date if they want to achieve the best results, using the latest advances in technology, pharmacology or biology. The environment where they can learn all new developments is usually not a university since their curricula cannot be adapted as quickly as tendencies and advances do. That’s why congresses exist. It’s no surprise that medicine professionals go often to congresses to update their knowledge and to be informed about the best practices used in other places. Even universities encourage their students to go to these events. It is precisely the academic environment where this attitude towards continuous learning is acquired in a totally natural way.
When a doctor faces the birth of a new disease, he knows that he’s not alone, that he can count on fellow doctor’s support, doctors that are experts and have developed technological or chemical means to eradicate that disease. That’s why they always keep in mind the need of being up-to-date and knowing how those experts can help them in their professional development. A Facility Manager, just like a doctor, needs to know that they are not alone neither.
Starting with the premise that Facility Management training doesn’t have the same development in time that Medicine has, the need to look for alternatives sources of knowledge is even bigger. Congresses, seminars, lectures, etc. are good options to get that knowledge. Besides acquiring knowledge, these are great chances to meet fellow professionals and share experience.
Having said that, why do Facility Managers find it so hard to step away from their day-to-day to get their knowledge updated?
This is precisely one of the biggest problems Facility Managers face, since their daily activity is so demanding that they cannot find the time to receive training. Maybe a good way to take a step higher in the companies’ appreciation is just by saying “I’m going to the annual congress for Facility Managers”. This way, step by step, it will be seen as a natural thing and nobody will be surprised about it.
If we demand that the surgeon taking care of us uses the most advanced technology to get the best result, why don’t we demand the same from our company’s Facility Manager? He takes care of the company´s assets and interests, shouldn’t he know the best management, maintenance and saving practices? There’s no better way to get to know what other Facility Managers do than meeting all of them in one same place. Apart from being a great opportunity to meet fellow FMers and catch up.
Attending these gatherings related to the Facility Management discipline is part of our profession’s regular activities as, isn´t having a meeting with a fellow FMer, attending a training course or visiting a client or supplier not part of those duties? There’s no better way to group them all in just one or two days than a congress.
EFMC2017 will be a very useful gathering for Facility Managers, but not only for them, also for service providers who will also have their place receiving important information from end users. They will have the chance to listen to the testimonies of those who hire them. They will learn about their biggest concerns, their interests, and the direction they want to follow when dealing with providers and that will allow them to adjust their strategy to their potential clients’ needs.
For all this, EFMC2017 will be an ideal platform for networking for professionals and companies that want to grow in this sector. And that will be possible thanks to all those companies and professionals who see in EFMC2017 the tool to improve their profession, their personal recognition and their own activity within their organizations.
Photo by: By Royal Cliff Beach Resort http://bit.ly/1VtmBSg
