APPAU 2026 in Phoenix
This year’s three-day event delivers hands-on courses and real-world insights from the nation’s top facilities management experts
Educational facilities managers face unprecedented challenges. Budgets are shrinking, aging infrastructure demands constant and immediate maintenance, emerging technologies require rapid adaptation, and students expect modern, sustainable campuses that enhance their academic experience.
Today’s facilities professionals must recognize that technical expertise alone no longer suffices to meet their ever-growing demands. Successfully navigating complex campus needs requires a clear strategic vision and a team prepared to execute it—in both calm and crisis.
APPAU, APPA’s flagship professional development event for facilities professionals, was created to support professionals as they evaluate what today’s challenges and opportunities mean for their teams. Based on direct member feedback, the program evolves with the times and ensures relevance for institutions of all sizes.
This year, APPAU attendees will meet from February 2-5, 2026, at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel in Arizona. Nationally recognized faculty will guide participants through current challenges and offer practical tools for effective prioritization, timely delivery, budget management, and operational achievement.
This year features two of APPA’s signature programs designed for different professional levels and development needs, in addition to three rotating programs.
Three-Day Programs
The Institute for Facilities Management
IFM is for professionals who want a well-rounded understanding of all aspects of educational facilities management. The course features training from experienced facilities professionals and covers four core learning tracks:
- General Administration
- Operations & Maintenance
- Energy & Utilities
- Planning, Design & Construction
The Leadership Academy
This program develops personal and organizational strategic leadership skills. Upon completion, participants will possess actionable knowledge to enhance team performance and organizational culture—furthering institutional goals and student success.
CEFP Study Course
This program prepares facilities management professionals for the Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP) exam. Experienced practitioners will cover the exam content, offer practical tips on studying for the exam and provide actionable guidance on tackling the exam questions.
Two-Day Programs
Nexus
Nexus was designed as a 2-day “facilities simulation” table-top case study. Educational facilities professionals are constantly facing and navigating cross-functional challenges. This course is designed to provide a safe environment to engage in a table-top exercise to tackle real-world challenges faced by facilities professionals. Core components of the program cover:
- Finance
- Planning
- Strategic growth
- Workplace culture
- Operations
- Communications across educational institutions
Participants will leave Nexus with a better understanding of enrollment, funding, policy, and talent dynamics in educational environments.
AI in Facilities (Targeted Titles and Topics: T3)
As AI propagates into our daily lives, it is also making an impact on facilities operations. This program invites case studies from peers that include innovative, cutting-edge AI technologies, so attendees can learn from their success (or limitations). Additionally, there will be an opportunity for round table conversations regarding AI trends, strategy, and governance.
“Facilities professionals are navigating complex challenges daily, such as aging infrastructure, budget constraints, and emerging technologies,” said Lalit Agarwal, APPA CEO. “APPAU equips them with practical skills and strategies they can implement immediately. We design each year’s programming based on direct member feedback, ensuring relevance for campuses of every size.”
APPAU attendees are eager to share their experience with their peers and we’re proud that our members find camaraderie, meaning, and purpose at our event.
“APPA focuses on the whole person and helping that person become better in their community, better in their family, and better at work.”
“I think everybody who has some role in facilities operations – it doesn’t matter if you’re in human resources, custodial, or mechanical engineering – you should come to experience APPA.”
“Once you come and experience the networking and sense of camaraderie, you’ll want to come back.”
“It’s very rare that there is a problem that not a single person at this organization has not experienced. That’s why the network is so important, and reaching out.”
Early-bird registration is available through November 30, 2025. For details and registration, visit: