Message from the CEO

Reflections on Our April Spring Conference

“What an incredible way to kick off FY26! Our Spring Conference in New Orleans was nothing short of amazing—three days filled with energy, insight, and genuine connection. I left the event inspired, recharged, and more confident than ever in the direction APPA is heading.” 

We hit the ground running even before the official start. On April 8, we gathered for a Credentialing Board meeting, followed by a joint dinner with the APPA Board of Directors—a great opportunity to align efforts and energize our shared mission. The following day, the Board met to review our five strategic initiatives, where we celebrated the progress made and laid the groundwork for what’s ahead. A special highlight? Rex Miller, our keynote speaker, joined us to facilitate a creative ideation session around one of the initiatives. His presence and insight were invaluable. 

Our Opening Reception on April 9 set the tone for the entire event. Officially, it ran from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, but the conversations carried on well past closing time. After the last bite and final drink were served, no one wanted to leave—attendees stayed engaged until 8:00 PM when the room had to be cleared. That’s the heart of APPA: authentic engagement and meaningful relationships. I loved every minute of it—meeting new members, catching up with longtime friends, and hearing firsthand the passion they bring to their campuses. 

April 10 kicked off with a powerful keynote from Rex Miller on resilience and the future of education. His message hit home, blending deep insights with practical tools we can all use to thrive in times of rapid change. The day continued with standout sessions on: 

• AI in Educational Facilities – including a look ahead at our exciting T3 (Targeted Titles and Topics) program relaunch in Orlando in June 

• Sustainability & Climate Action – with real-world examples from across our member institutions 

• Inclusive Leadership & Workforce Strategy – addressing recruitment, retention, and succession planning 

• The Future of Work – how our field is adapting to evolving needs and technology 

Then, on April 11, we closed things out in style by celebrating our individual and campus-level award winners. These are the people and projects that often go unrecognized but make an enormous difference every single day. Honoring them was not only gratifying—it was deeply moving. Their stories remind us why we do what we do. 

While New Orleans offered no shortage of distractions—great food, live music, and that unforgettable energy—our attendees stayed laser-focused and fully engaged. It was a conference packed with purpose, progress, and positivity. 

“We’re reimagining APPA—not just as a source of knowledge, but as a movement. A community. A place where bold ideas become real impact.” 

Thank you for showing up, for leaning in, and for bringing your best. The year ahead is full of opportunity, and after NOLA, I know we’re ready to make it count. 

Let’s keep the momentum going—see you soon! 

Warmly, 

Lalit K. Agarwal 

CEO, APPA – Leadership in Educational Facilities