11 Tips for First-Time Attendees at Facility Fusion

Attending Facility Fusion for the first time can feel both exciting and overwhelming. With education sessions, networking opportunities, hands-on learning and experiences happening across just a few days, it helps to arrive with a plan. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your technical skills, grow your professional network or explore what’s next in facility management, a little preparation goes a long way.

These 11 tips are designed to help first-time attendees make the most of their Facility Fusion experience.

1. Check out the city and conference area for fun things to do

Facility Fusion 2026 heads to San Francisco — a global hub for innovation, design and the built environment. Known for its iconic architecture, walkable neighborhoods and forward-thinking approach to sustainability and technology, the city offers a living case study of how place, people and infrastructure intersect.

Want to experience it firsthand? Sign up for our Architecture Walking Tour, where you’ll explore San Francisco’s diverse urban landscape through the lens of facility management. From historic landmarks to modern developments, the tour offers practical insights into design, operations and the evolution of the built environment — all while taking in the city on foot.

2. Share that you are going on LinkedIn to start networking 

Start building connections before you arrive. See who else is attending Facility Fusion and let others know you’ll be there. To make it easy, we’ve created the Facility Fusion Marketing Guide + Toolkit, complete with ready-to-use logos, banners and social media graphics.

Share an “I’m Attending” graphic on your social channels, use #FacilityFusion and tag @IFMA to join the conversation. Whether you’re attending, speaking, exhibiting or sponsoring, these templates help you promote your participation and start connecting with fellow facility professionals ahead of the event.

3. Grab your first-timer's badge sticker 

Near check-in you’ll find a colorful wall of sticker ribbons to attach to your badge. We encourage everyone to grab a few. It’s a fun way to show off why you’re attending and what communities you belong to. First-time attendees can help find others new to the conference with the special “first-time attendee” sticker badge. Wear it proudly and start looking for others in your network. 

4. Download the mobile app and test it out 

Save yourself a headache and download the official Facility Fusion app before you reach the conference. Use this mobile app during Facility Fusion to: 

• Receive important event notifications 

• View maps, schedule, education sessions and speaker list 

• Access the exhibitor list and expo hall map 

• Network with conference attendees 

You must be logged in to the Facility Fusion app to bookmark sessions and network with attendees. To login, go to 'MyPlanner' and use your credentials found on the registration confirmation email.  

5. Make an expo plan 

IFMA’s expo brings together some of the most innovative vendors in facility management. While you’re there, be sure to get your professional headshot taken and participate in the expo scavenger hunt for prizes and cash drops.

New this year, we’re excited to introduce Innovation Arenas at Facility Fusion. Located right in the heart of the expo floor, these sessions offer front-row access to the FM industry’s latest breakthroughs and research. Hear real-world case studies from early adopters, gain practical insights into implementation challenges and proven solutions, and walk away with actionable strategies you can apply immediately in your facilities — all while connecting with peers who are shaping the future of the profession.

Looking to connect on a more personal level? Stop by the Meetup Hub, where peer-led gatherings bring together professionals around shared industries, roles and interests. These informal meetups create space for real conversations, idea-sharing and problem-solving with people who understand your challenges. Browse scheduled gatherings in the mobile app or simply drop in between sessions or expo visits — everyone is welcome.

To make the most of your time on the expo floor, use My Show Planner. Create a free account to bookmark exhibitors you'd like to meet, access collateral on their solutions, take advantage of show specials and contact exhibitors directly and book meetings with them at Facility Fusion. 

6. Don't forget to have fun 

You never know who you’ll meet or the connections you’ll make at Facility Fusion. Beyond education sessions, the conference experience is shaped by the moments in between — where conversations turn into relationships and shared experiences create lasting memories.

Make time to give back through the IFMA Cares Community Service Project. Since 2023, IFMA Cares has partnered with local IFMA chapters to support charities in host cities, assembling more than 2,000 care packets for local communities. All Facility Fusion attendees are invited to lend a helping hand and be part of this meaningful, hands-on experience.

Kick off the event at the Fusion Welcome Reception: Dim Sum & Drinks, a San Francisco–inspired evening where East meets West. Enjoy Asian-inspired bites, wine and beer, and a lively atmosphere as you reconnect with colleagues or meet fellow facility professionals from around the globe. It’s the perfect way to unwind after travel and set the tone for the days ahead.

New to Facility Fusion? You’re not alone. The First-Timers Meetup is designed to help you feel comfortable from the start. Connect with other first-time attendees, break the ice and head into the Opening Power Speaker Luncheon together — because everything is better when you’ve already made a few friendly connections.

Taking time to network, connect and recharge is just as important as attending education sessions, and often where the most valuable takeaways (and fun) happen.

7. Practice your elevator pitch or how you want to introduce yourself 

Meeting so many new people can be intimidating. Take a few minutes to figure out who you want to meet and why. Do you want to meet others in your industry or FMs in a similar role? Think about how you want to showcase what you do and what kind of connections would be most beneficial to you. A great way to break the ice can be asking fellow facility managers why they are passionate about the job.

8. Pack comfy shoes and business casual clothes 

San Francisco weather in April can vary throughout the day, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s °F (13–18 °C). Cooler mornings and coastal breezes mean layers are your best friend. Plan to bring a light jacket or sweater you can easily add or remove between sessions.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Between navigating the conference venue, exploring the city and participating in optional activities, you’ll be on your feet more than you expect.

9. Plan out your education sessions 

Familiarize yourself with what sessions you’d like to attend beforehand. Read through the session description and think about what skills you want to develop during the conference. In the session guide, you can see an “Emerging Topic” banner under certain sessions. Emerging topics consist of new or evolving business functions, external influences, or mandates that have a high probability of impacting the FM profession in terms of roles, responsibilities, and skills & knowledge requirements. 

10. Carry some extra supplies to break the ice  

Having a hard time figuring out how to talk to new people? Offer your seatmate gum or carry an extra pen in case someone near you forgets. Introduce yourself with a strong handshake and don’t forget to ask for their contact information. When you reach out to your new contact later, ask about what they found most interesting about the session.  

11. Stay charged 

Don’t forget your phone or laptop charger and consider investing in a power bank. With many conference materials being digital, the last thing you need is your device dying. Don’t forget to keep yourself energized too by staying hydrated during the long conference days.  

Start Planning Your Facility Fusion Experience

Your first Facility Fusion is what you make of it. With a little planning, an open mindset and a willingness to connect, you’ll leave with practical insights, new relationships and fresh perspective you can take back to your facilities.