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Siemen’s transformative ‘Talk to Me’ initiative to
facilitate conversations about mental health.
Although a significant emphasis is placed on
workplace wellbeing on this year’s programme, a
range of seminars and panels will discuss topics
that apply across the entire profession and every
industry. Highlights include:
Technology trends: AI and machine learning at
work, a panel discussion of how AI, analytics
and machine learning are transforming the
workplace. The debate involves Capita Customer
Management’s James Brooke, OpenReach’s David
Bruce and Paul Smedley of the Data, Analytics
and Insight Forum. Takes place 1.30-2.15pm, 18
June, Smart Building Expo.
Brexit – what does it mean for FM? A panel
discussion on the implications of Brexit for FM,
and whether it will a ect the skills gap. Led by
David Sharp, Managing Director, and Tar Tumber,
Director, Employee Relations, of International
Workplace. Takes place 4-4.45pm, 18 June,
Facilities Management Theatre.
Workplace design and its impact on productivity
and wellbeing, a session led by Hannah Nardini,
Workplace Consultant and Designer, WK.space,
on emerging trends in workplace design and their
impact on productivity and wellbeing. Takes place
11.15-11.45am, 19 June, Workplace Wellbeing
Theatre.
FMJ panel: productivity and technology, a
panel discussion on solving the UK’s declining
productivity in the digital age. Involves the
FSI’s Compton Darlington, Simon Francis of the
Zoological Society of London, Alejandro Navarro
from Connected Workspace, and FM writer Paul
Wilkinson. Takes place 11-11.45am, 19 June,
Facilities Management Theatre.
Diversity and inclusion in the workplace, a
45-minute panel discussion on how well the
facilities management sector is encouraging
diversity, the impact Brexit might have on
inclusivity, and the role of diversity in attracting
talent. Takes place 2.10-2.55pm, 20 June,
Facilities Management Theatre.
SMART BUILDINGS EXPO
The Smart Buildings Expo, launched in partnership
with systems integrators Vanti, is a brand-new
feature for 2019. It showcases the latest ideas
in the emerging smart building sector, with a
full-sized replica of a smart o ice and panels
and presentations outlining the possibilities
of integrating cutting-edge technology and
the internet of things with modern o ice and
commercial buildings.
The Expo is organised under three headings:
‘Educate’ is a seminar programme, ‘Experience’
is the smart o ice replica, and ‘Consult’ involves
prearranged meetings for independent smart
buildings advice. Together they provide a unique
opportunity to engage with some of the most
transformative new technologies available to the
FM market.
‘Educate’ panels and sessions include: ‘A humancentric
approach to smart buildings’, a mythbusting
panel on the benefits of smart buildings,
and a session entitled ‘Making every building
smart: when innovation meets reality’. These
seminars are free to all Facilities Show visitors.
WORKPLACE WELLBEING SHOW
Another brand-new introduction, the Workplace
Wellbeing Show highlights new approaches
to improving mental health in the workplace.
It includes the Workplace Wellbeing Theatre,
with speakers and panels discussing key ideas
and developments around wellbeing. Sessions
include ‘Mental health and the law’, ‘The wellbeing
professional of the future’, ‘Tackling fatigue in your
organisation’, and ‘Nutrition as part of a health and
wellbeing o er’.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Facilities Show 2018 stood out for the
inspirational contributions made by
comedian and mental health campaigner
Ruby Wax, Rugby World Cup-winning
Manager Sir Clive Woodward, and former
British Army Brigadier Nicky Mo at. This
year’s event has lined up three equally
compelling keynote speakers, who will
share experiences and life lessons across
the three days of the show.
Steph McGovern, journalist and
presenter on BBC Breakfast, will
talk about her career journey from
apprentice engineer at Black & Decker
to award-winning financial journalist
and household name. She will discuss
some of what she has learned from
her business reporting and interviews,
ranging from factory workers and CEOs
to Donald Trump, and the importance
of good business practice, skills, and
vocational training.
Michael Edwards,
better known as
Eddie the Eagle,
became a sporting
legend following his
underdog e orts
in the ski jumping
competition at
the 1988 Winter
Olympics. He will address issues of risk
and safety, drawing on his experiences in
a career fraught with the risk of serious
injury but made possible by hard work,
perseverance and the courage to try
something new and daring.
England rugby hero
Jonny Wilkinson
famously helped
England to a World
Cup title in 2003,
but struggled with
mental health issues
throughout a long
professional career
in a male-dominated environment. In a
frank and honest speech he will consider
what his experience has taught him
about mental health and the importance
of balancing work and personal life,
providing valuable insights for FMs
tackling workplace wellbeing.