Looking back on 2026, facility leaders can probably point to a handful of major projects that defined their year. But some of the most surprising insights came from places they didn't expect.
In many cases, they emerged from everyday operational decisions, routine challenges or seemingly small improvements. What started as a straightforward project or operational fix often led to a bigger realization, revealing opportunities that had been there all along.
Here are three "aha moments" facility leaders are taking into 2027.
At Xfinity Mobile Arena, restroom teams used to stock based on what they thought they might need. Overnight crews routinely moved large quantities of hygiene products throughout the venue to ensure dispensers remained stocked during events.
Once the team gained visibility into actual dispenser usage through connected cleaning technology, they realized much of that effort wasn't necessary.
Instead of restocking everything, they could restock what actually needed attention. Instead of moving excess inventory throughout the facility, they could bring only the products required.
The surprise wasn't just that they used less inventory. It was that better visibility freed up staff to spend less time checking dispensers and more time focusing on the details guests actually notice.
The lesson? Sometimes data doesn't tell you to do more. It helps you realize what you can stop doing.
At Lincoln Financial Field, a restroom upgrade project focused on inclusive hygiene reinforced an important lesson: some of the smallest facility decisions can have a meaningful impact on the people they serve.
Working alongside the Eagles Autism Foundation and informed by insights from Tork's Inclusive Hygiene Playbook, the team explored enhancements designed to create a more welcoming restroom experience. From adult changing tables and enhanced privacy features to warm lighting and sensory considerations, the project focused on removing barriers that can affect how guests experience a venue.
What stood out wasn't any one feature. It was hearing directly from families and caregivers about what those changes meant.
Many shared that these accommodations addressed real challenges they face when attending public events and helped reduce stress during their visit. For the team, it was a powerful reminder that thoughtful design decisions, even seemingly small ones, can have a meaningful impact on comfort, confidence and participation.
At State Farm Stadium, a search for better restroom solutions began with a few practical operational challenges. The team wanted to reduce waste, eliminate the maintenance burden associated with battery-operated dispensers and make restroom products easier for staff to service during busy event days. What they discovered was that the right solutions could deliver benefits far beyond the original objective.
Working with Tork, the team evaluated everything from soap systems to paper towel dispensers, looking for options that would support both operational efficiency and the guest experience. Small changes, such as transitioning to easier-to-maintain dispensers and high-capacity paper towel systems, helped reduce maintenance demands while also creating a cleaner, more seamless experience for guests.
Many of these improvements are things fans may never consciously notice. But in a venue with more than 50 restrooms serving tens of thousands of guests, even minor points of friction can have a major impact when multiplied across an entire event.
The experience reinforced an important lesson: the most successful facility solutions rarely solve just one problem. The best ones support multiple goals at once, helping teams improve efficiency, reduce waste and elevate the guest experience all at the same time.
While each of these stories is different, they share a common theme. None started with a major transformation initiative. Instead, they began with facility leaders tackling everyday challenges and leaning on partners with specialized expertise to help uncover opportunities that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
In each case, partnering with Tork helped uncover opportunities that may not have been immediately obvious. At Xfinity Mobile Arena, a fresh perspective on data-driven cleaning helped reveal opportunities to reduce unnecessary work and make better use of staff time. At Lincoln Financial Field, guidance from Tork and their Inclusive Hygiene Playbook helped reinforce how seemingly small design decisions can have a meaningful impact on guest comfort, confidence and participation. And at State Farm Stadium, a search for better restroom solutions revealed that the most effective operational improvements often solve multiple challenges at once.
Facility leaders are experts in running complex facilities. But no one can be an expert in everything. The most successful partnerships help fill those gaps, bringing specialized knowledge, new ideas and practical solutions that support broader operational goals.
The lesson? Sometimes the biggest opportunities aren't found by working harder. They're about leaning on trusted partners to help uncover opportunities you might not have seen on your own.
This blog post is sponsored by Tork. The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers worldwide ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools and industries. Tork’s products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissue, soap, napkins, wipers, but also software solutions for data-driven cleaning. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader that supports customers to think ahead so they’re always ready for business. Tork is a global brand of Essity, and a committed partner to customers in over 110 countries. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit https://www.torkglobal.com/.