Monday · July 13
Executive Committee
Leadership12:00 PM
Executive Committee Lunch
1:00 PM
Executive Committee Meeting
6:30 PM
APPA Board Dinner
APPA Annual Conference - Washington, DC
Thursday, July 16, 2026
to Saturday, July 18, 2026
APPA's Annual Conference
The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, DC will host APPA’s 2026 Annual Conference. Mark your calendars for July 16–18, 2026 as educational facilities management leaders from across North America gather for APPA’s premier event. APPA is the association of choice for educational facilities professionals, and APPA's Annual Conference brings our community together for two days of learning, networking, and inspiration. Join us at National Harbor for an immersive experience focused on connection, innovation, and leadership in the educational facilities realm. You’ll want to be part of the conversations shaping the future of our profession! 
Why Attend?
- Unparalleled Networking: Connect with 400+ attendees from K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, and industry – most of whom are senior facilities officers and key decision-makers. Share challenges and solutions with peers who have similar responsibilities and issues, and realize that you’re not alone in tackling campus facilities challenges.
- Learn from Industry Leaders: Participate in thought-provoking conversations about sustainability, operational efficiency, technology (AI), and the future of educational facilities. Expert-led sessions and case studies will offer real-world insights into on-campus facilities challenges, leadership strategies, and emerging trends – so you return home with actionable ideas. Expect engaging keynote presentations from visionary leaders in our field, plus interactive panel discussions where you can ask questions and share your perspective.
- Best Practices & Innovation: Discover proven strategies and new innovations through APPA’s educational programming. Topics will range from Total Cost of Ownership and sustainability best practices to campus planning, workforce development, and more – reflecting the latest trends impacting educational facilities. You’ll gain insights that help you optimize resources, enhance operations, and ensure sustainable campus environments.
- Community and Collaboration: APPA’s conference isn’t just about formal sessions, it’s also the hallway conversations and informal meetups that spark new ideas. Attendees consistently rate the networking as one of the most valuable aspects: "Connecting with colleagues who share your challenges…that was the most valuable part of the conference." You’ll build valuable connections and an enduring support network within the educational facilities community.
- Solutions Marketplace: Connect with industry-leading business partners—ask questions, and find answers. It’s a chance to see solutions in action and discuss your institution’s needs directly with providers.
Who Should Attend?
APPA's Annual Conference is ideal for:
Senior Facilities Officers: Campus facilities directors, vice presidents, and other senior executives seeking strategic insights and peer networking with fellow leaders. This conference offers high-level discussions tailored to the challenges of leading facilities organizations. (See special SFO Summit opportunity)
Emerging/Rising Leaders: Facilities managers, assistant directors, and aspiring leaders who want to grow their skills and career. Learn from seasoned professionals and expand your professional network to support your leadership journey.
Business Partners & Solution Providers: Industry partners who serve educational institutions – from energy and sustainability firms to technology vendors and architects. APPA's conference provides direct access to facilities decision-makers and a forum to “showcase solutions” that address the evolving needs of schools and campuses . (See Sponsorship Opportunities below for ways to elevate your brand at the event.)
Whether you oversee a large university system, a community college campus, or a K-12 institution, APPA's Annual Conference welcomes you. Our attendees come from all types of institutions and regions, yet share common challenges – and a common purpose to improve campus environments. If you’re involved in educational facilities management, this is the place to be.
What's Included/Cost to Attend
APPA's Annual Conference kicks off Thursday afternoon with our keynote followed by an opening reception. Attendee meals are provided for breakfast, lunch, and breaks throughout the conference. APPA has negotiated hotel rates for attendees—make sure to book your room before the hotel block expires.
- APPA Institutional Members: $1,068
- Non-Members - Institutional: $1,282
- Non-Members - Corporate: $1,602
- APPA Platinum Business Partners: $1,202
- APPA Gold Business Partners: $1,282
- APPA Silver Business Partners: $1,362
- APPA Bronze Business Partners: $1,442
*An early bird 10% discount is available on all tickets purchased prior to April 30 (discount automatically applied)
Call for Proposals – Share Your Expertise
The deadline to submit proposals has closed and the selection committee is communicating decisions with submitters.
Senior Facilities Officers (SFO) Summit
SFOs face unique challenges and opportunities every day. We're providing a free pre-conference workshop exclusively for SFOs to meet, exchange ideas, and hear about solutions. Tickets are free for SFOs attending the conference. SFOs are considered individuals with titles of Director, AVP, or AVC.
All SFO Summit participants must have a ticket to the Conference as well.
Additional details coming soon.
Limited Sponsorship and Tabletop Opportunities
Connect with your customers and prospects at APPA's Conference! For our business partners, we offer a range of sponsorship opportunities to help you engage with attendees and maximize your brand exposure.
Keynote | Friday, July 17th at 9am
Patrick S. Malone, PhD
Department of Public Administration and Policy
American University
Patrick is the Director, Key Executive Leadership Programs at American University. He is a frequent guest lecturer on kindness, gratitude, emotional intelligence, compassion, ethics, mindfulness, and leadership at various organizations, professional associations, and universities including the Fulbright Scholars Program and the Work-human Conference. His research and teaching interests include human motivation, kindness, leadership, ethics, and organizational behavior. He is also one of the few researchers in the country certified in the mind assessment tool, Subject/Object Methodology, developed at Harvard.
Dr Malone began his career at Accenture and is a retired Navy Captain. While in the Navy, Patrick served in a number of leadership and policy roles including as a professor of biometrics and preventive medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; Academic Director; and Dean of Academics for Navy Medicine. His most recent publications include: “Critical Conversations and the Art of the Undiscussable,” “For the Love of Brain – Our Best Friend in Talent Development,” “Selfies in the Workplace,” “Kindness and Survival of the Fittest,” “Go Ahead, Laugh – Why Humor Makes for a Better Workplace,” and “VulnerABILITY - Can Managers Benefit from Extreme Exposure?”
His TED Talk, “Thinking about Time,” is available at http://tedxtalks.ted.com and his co-edited book, The Handbook of Federal Leadership and Administration was published in November 2016. His critically-acclaimed coauthored book Leading with Love and Laughter – Letting Go and Getting Real at Work was released in Spring 2021. His book Emotional Intelligence in Talent Development came out in October 2021. Patrick’s new co-authored book Little BIG Decisions was released in Fall 2025.
He and his wife Zina live on a sailboat on the Chesapeake Bay, somewhere, depending on the wind.
Senior Facilities Officers (SFO) Summit
SFOs face unique challenges and opportunities every day. We're providing a free pre-conference workshop exclusively for SFOs to meet, exchange ideas, and hear about solutions. Tickets are free for SFOs attending the conference. SFOs are considered individuals with titles of Director, AVP, or AVC.
All SFO Summit participants must have a ticket to the Conference as well.
The Facilities Executive as Institutional Strategist – Moving from Operational Leader to Strategic Insider.
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How to help Presidents and CFOs Think About Risk, Not Buildings
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Reframing Deferred Maintenance as Institutional Exposure/Investment
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Executive Presence for Facilities Leaders - -seat at the table
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Evolving culture of a facilities organization
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What to Stop Explaining and What to Start Framing (also leads into the conference theme)
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Innovative ideas to fund Facilities (Operations and Campus Renewal)
Sponsorship Levels
APPA offers tiered opportunities designed to meet a range of visibility goals. Benefits include recognition in event communications, brand visibility throughout the venue, and opportunities for direct engagement with attendees
Exhibitor Tier - $8,500
Your presence at the Exhibit Area places your company at the center of attendee engagement.
This package includes one complimentary attendee ticket, high-traffic placement in the event's central networking zone, a listing in the conference app and online exhibitor directory, and direct access to institutional leaders, facilities managers, and purchasing influencers.
Lead capture enables real-time digital badge scanning for contact collection at your booth. Also available to non-exhibitors as a strategic solution for digital contact collection.
Entry Tier - $2,000
Ideal for companies looking to establish an initial presence and connect with attendees.
Item or flyer you provide placed in every attendee swag bag.
Starter Tier - $5,000
Position your brand at the center of every interaction with high-visibility essentials attendees use throughout the event and beyond.
Your brand becomes the hero attendees rely on to stay connected. Located in high-traffic areas, these stations draw constant foot traffic and extended dwell time, keeping your logo front-and-center as attendees recharge, regroup, & network.
Put your brand in every hand. Your logo is carried into sessions, workshops, meetings, and pockets, becoming a daily essential attendees use and take home.
Notebooks
Own the page where ideas happen. This is the conference's most-used tool, where attendees take notes and outline action plans. High visibility, high usage, high impact.
Prime opportunity for maximum visibility, story-telling, and relationship building.
Contributor Tier - $7,500
Opportunities designed for companies seeking strong onsite presence and attendee engagement. Make your brand the first thing attendees see every day.
Stand out across the full event footprint. Prominent "thank you" signage placement and strong visibility throughout the conference venue. Your logo appears alongside APPA branding on strategically placed on-site signage.
Prime opportunities for maximum visibility, story-telling, and relationship building.
Your brand becomes the energy source attendees rely on throughout each day of programming. Located in high-traffic areas, these stations are constant gathering points, drawing in hundreds of attendees multiple times per day as they recharge between sessions, prep for workshops, and network with peers. Prominent branding on signage at each coffee station.
Your organization is front-and-center during the recognition of outstanding contributions across the facilities profession. This positions your brand alongside achievement, leadership, and recognition.
Durable branded luggage handle grip co-branded with APPA 2026 logo. Good visibility during travel and throughout attendee journey.
Your brand appears prominently within the official event mobile app featured in rotating banner carousel that attendees use for schedules, maps, and announcements. This placement ensures continuous visibility throughout the week.
Senior Facilities Officers (SFO) Summit Reception
Showcase your brand at an exclusive networking event for senior leaders. This sponsorship places your organization at the forefront of the Summit experience, with prominent recognition in event communications and onsite visibility during a high-value reception designed for top decision-makers.
Advocate Tier - $10,000
The highest-visibility opportunities for organizations seeking premium exposure and association alignment.
Logo worn by every attendee, guaranteeing constant visibility. One of the most high-traffic, high-visibility sponsorships, providing constant exposure across all sessions, networking moments, and photo opportunities.
Welcome every attendee the moment they arrive. Your logo is featured on hotel room keys and key sleeves, providing unmatched visibility throughout the entire stay. With every door entry and daily departure, your brand becomes part of the attendee journey, making this a premium, high-impact sponsorship.
Conference Reception
Showcase your brand at the annual conference opening reception. Your brand appears prominently in event communications, stage acknowledgments, and promotional materials. This sponsorship positions your organization at the center of cross-program networking and recognition, offering exposure to the combined Conference and SFO communities during a marquee social experience.
Your organization becomes the name behind an unforgettable, curated exploration of one of Washington, D.C.'s most iconic institutions. Your branding is featured on all tour-related marketing for this experiential outing, aligning your organization with innovation and education excellence.
Champion Tier - $15,000
Deliver impact and brand visibility long after the conference. This tier ensures your logo shines on high-quality items that attendees will use again and again.
A premium, environmentally-friendly giveaway that travels beyond conference walls. Reusable tumbler with your logo alongside APPA branding.
With every door entry and daily departure, your brand becomes part of the attendee journey, making this a premium, high-impact sponsorship.
Leader Tier - $25,000
Your brand stands shoulder-to-shoulder with APPA at the highest level of visibility and influence. This tier positions your organization as a strategic thought leader, amplifying your presence across every major touchpoint, from keynote moments and signage to digital platforms and onsite branding.
Align your brands with the conference's biggest moment. Your logo is positioned alongside the main thought leaders of the entire event, delivering unmatched prestige, visibility, and association with the most anticipated session of the week.
Ready to Sponsor APPA's Annual Conference?
Contact events@appa.org for sponsorship questions.
Discounted Hotel Rooms thru APPA Room Block
Stay onsite at the conference hotel with special rates starting at $259/night. Book your room now!
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street,
National Harbor, Maryland, USA, 20745
APPA Annual Conference & Exhibition
Shaping the Future of Educational Facilities
Agenda at a Glance
Eight days from staff arrival through Smithsonian tours. Leadership programming begins midweek; the main conference opens Thursday evening with the exhibition reception and runs through Saturday.
Phases
Pre-Conference
Leadership Programming
Opening Day
Main Conference
Closing Day
Tuesday · July 14
Board & ALE
Leadership8:00 AM
APPA Board Meeting
12:00 PM
Lunch — APPA Board + ALE
1:00 PM
ALE Meeting
5:30 PM
APPA Board / ALE Reception
Wednesday · July 15
Regional Boards
Leadership8:00 AM
ALE Meeting
12:00 PM
Lunch — APPA Board + ALE + CAPPA + SRAPPA
1:00 PM
Regional Board Meetings — CAPPA & SRAPPA
4:00 PM
Main Registration Opens
7:00 PM
SFO / ALE / Boards ReceptionWoodrow Wilson A
Thursday · July 16
SFO Summit & Opening
Opening Day7:30 AM
BreakfastAnnapolis Pre-Function
8:30 AM
SFO Summit kickoff: How to Position FM to LeadAnnapolis
10:00 AM
Financial Stewardship & Risk sessions
1:00 PM
Framing & Sustainability sessions
3:00 PM
Main Registration Open
5:15 PM
First-Timer's ReceptionAnnapolis 1–2
6:00 PM
Opening Reception & ExhibitionWoodrow Wilson
Friday · July 17
Keynote & Breakouts
Main Conference7:00 AM
Breakfast & Exhibition FloorWoodrow Wilson
8:00 AM
Welcome & Keynote
10:15 AM
Breakouts (4 concurrent)
11:15 AM
Breakouts (4 concurrent)
12:15 PM
Lunch + GameWoodrow Wilson
1:15 PM
International Panel
2:15 PM
Breakouts (4 concurrent)
4:00 PM
Breakouts (4 concurrent)
Saturday · July 18
Awards & Smithsonian
Closing Day7:00 AM
Breakfast & Exhibition FloorWoodrow Wilson
7:45 AM
Announcements + 2027 Reveal
8:00 AM
Plenary — AI Panel Discussion
9:00 AM
What's New from APPA
10:45 AM
Breakouts (4 concurrent)
11:45 AM
Awards Luncheon & Business Meeting
1:00 PM
Breakouts (4 concurrent)
3:00 PM
Smithsonian ToursOptional · 3 hrs
Detailed Agenda
Complete session-level program from Monday's pre-conference leadership meetings through Thursday's SFO Summit and the main conference Friday & Saturday. Click any breakout to read the full abstract.
Filter Tracks
12:00 PM
Executive Committee Lunch Closed Meeting APPA Executive Committee
1:00 PM
Executive Committee Meeting Closed Meeting APPA Executive Committee
6:30 PM
APPA Board Dinner Closed Meeting APPA Board of Directors
8:00 AM
APPA Board Meeting Closed Meeting APPA Board of Directors
12:00 PM
Lunch — APPA Board + ALE Closed Meeting APPA Board + APPA Leadership Experience participants
1:00 PM
ALE Meeting Closed Meeting APPA Leadership Experience · Executive Committee + invited Board members
5:30 PM
APPA Board / ALE Reception Closed Meeting APPA Board + APPA Leadership Experience participants
8:00 AM
ALE Meeting (continued) Closed Meeting APPA Leadership Experience · Executive Committee + invited Board members
12:00 PM
Lunch — APPA Board + ALE + CAPPA + SRAPPA Closed Meeting APPA Board + APPA Leadership Experience + CAPPA + SRAPPA
1:00 PM
Regional Board Meetings — CAPPA & SRAPPA Closed Meeting CAPPA & SRAPPA regional boards
7:00 PM
SFO / ALE / Boards Reception Welcome reception for Senior Facilities Officers, APPA Leadership Experience participants, and APPA & regional board members
Woodrow Wilson A
7:30 – 8:30 AM
Breakfast Buffet
Annapolis Pre-Function
SFO Summit
Senior Facilities Officers · Annapolis
How to Position FM to Lead Strategic Decision-Making
Andy Feick · Pete Zuraw, Penn State
Read moreFM has a seat at the table. The question is how to use it. This opening roundtable kicks off the day with a candid conversation about what it takes for facilities leaders to show up as strategic partners, not just service providers. Participants will dig into how to connect the work of the facilities organization to institutional priorities, and what it looks like to earn real influence with presidents, provosts, and boards.
9:45 – 10:00 AM
AM Break
Annapolis Pre-Function
Financial Stewardship and Alternative Funding Models
Pete Zuraw · Eric Monday · Lynne Finn · Brett Garrett
Read moreDeferred maintenance is growing, capital budgets are tight, and R&R funding is under pressure at institutions across the country. Facilities leaders who want to move the needle need to understand the full range of options available to them. This session looks at how institutions are getting creative with financing — from P3 arrangements and energy performance contracts to revolving infrastructure funds — and how FM leaders can build a compelling case for long-term investment in the physical plant.
How Presidents and CFOs Think About Risk, Not Buildings
Michelle Smith · Laura Zullo · Mina Amundsen · John D'Angelo
Read moreWhen facilities leaders walk into a budget conversation, they are often speaking a different language than the president or CFO across the table. Executives tend to think in terms of liability, accreditation, enrollment, and financial health — not FCI scores or maintenance ratios. This session helps participants understand how institutional leaders frame risk, and what it takes to translate facilities needs into terms that actually land with the people who control the budget.
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Lunch Buffet
Annapolis Pre-Function
What to Stop Explaining and What to Start Framing
Michelle Smith · Laura Zullo · Mina Amundsen · Roger Demareski
Read moreMost facilities leaders know their data. The harder part is knowing what to lead with. This session pushes participants to rethink the way they tell their story, moving away from work order counts and maintenance percentages and toward the outcomes that senior leaders actually care about. The focus is on how to frame capital and operational needs around student experience, institutional risk, and mission — not just FM performance metrics.
Sustainability and Decarbonization
Andy Feick · Matt St Clair · Prem Sunderham
Read moreCarbon commitments are real, and so are the challenges of making good on them with aging infrastructure and limited capital. This panel brings together practitioners who are working through exactly that tension. Conversation will cover energy master planning, electrification, carbon accounting, and how to keep sustainability goals connected to deferred maintenance and renewal priorities rather than siloed from them. Panelists will share what has worked, and what has not, in making the internal case for decarbonization investment.
3:00 – 3:15 PM
PM Break
Annapolis Pre-Function
Closing Reflections and Takeaways
Andy Feick
Read moreThe day closes with an open conversation to pull together the key themes and takeaways. Participants will reflect on what resonated, what they want to bring back to their institutions, and what questions are still worth sitting with. It's a chance to slow down, compare notes, and leave with something concrete.
5:15 – 6:00 PM
First-Timer's Reception & Presentation Dave Ulmer
Annapolis 1–2
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Opening Reception & Exhibition Hours Welcome from Gabe Hampton · Special remarks from Jason Sawyer (Smithsonian)
Woodrow Wilson
7:00 – 8:00 AM
Breakfast Buffet Exhibition floor open 7:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Woodrow Wilson Pre-Function
8:00 – 8:20 AM
Announcements Video Welcome · Dave Ulmer
Woodrow Wilson
8:20 – 9:30 AM
Opening Keynote Introduction by Crystal Smith (or sponsor) · Wrap-up by Dave Ulmer
Woodrow Wilson
9:30 – 10:15 AM
AM Break & Snack
Woodrow Wilson Pre-Function
10:15 – 11:15 AM
Breakout Sessions · 4 Concurrent
Driving and Supporting Growth Through STEM Facilities
Jessica Donovan, University of Cincinnati · Leila Kamal, HDR
Read moreThe University of Cincinnati has experienced remarkable growth, with enrollment increasing from 34,000 (2003) to nearly 54,000 (2025), driven largely by STEM disciplines. To sustain this momentum and reach 60,000 students by 2030, the university is developing a new STEM-focused facility on the Crosley Tower site. This presentation showcases innovative design solutions for a building that transforms traditional STEM architecture into a multidisciplinary destination fostering curiosity, collaboration, and discovery. Attendees will explore how mass timber construction supports student wellbeing, how urban site constraints shaped creative exterior massing, and how interior planning supports four guiding principles: attract and interact, research and reach out, resilient and sustainable, and creativity and curiosity.
The STEP Program at TU: Skilled Trades Educational Pathways
Michelle Joyce, Towson University
Read moreTowson University's Skilled Trades Education Pathway (STEP) addresses critical workforce shortages while expanding equitable career access for local high school students. STEP partners with Baltimore County Public and City Schools to recruit seniors into paid, part-time campus employment, rotating through carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and paint shops with hands-on training and mentorship from experienced professionals. Unlike unpaid internships, STEP's compensated model removes financial barriers, enabling diverse participation. The program measures success through enrollment, completion rates, skill development, and post-graduation placement. This session demonstrates how public universities can serve as anchor institutions, leveraging infrastructure and expertise to strengthen regional workforces while supporting underrepresented youth.
Innovation Into Action: Northern Arizona University's Smart Campus Digital Transformation
Steve Burell, Northern Arizona University · Chris Cervizzi, Willow Inc.
Read moreNorthern Arizona University's ambitious 2030 carbon-neutrality goal required a complete transformation of how the 600-acre campus manages data. Facing disconnected sensors, siloed building systems, and months-long sustainability reporting, NAU partnered with Willow to create a unified Operational AI platform across 129 buildings. The solution converged 8+ system integrations spanning HVAC, energy metering, occupancy, and CO₂ emissions into a single intelligent platform delivering real-time insights. Results include over $1 million in identified avoidable costs, automated occupancy-based HVAC adjustments, and a fundamental shift from reactive to proactive management. This session provides a practical roadmap for building digital twins and creating scalable data infrastructure that grows more powerful with each new building.
Beyond Assessment: The Facilities Identity Shift Toward Execution
Stephen Woolridge, University of Miami Health · Erica Barbuto, Halycon Facilities Group
Read moreThis session challenges the traditional facilities model of condition assessments and static deferred maintenance inventories, presenting instead a refurbishment-first operating approach. Learn how facilities teams can evolve from measuring need to actively managing risk, stabilizing assets, and executing renewal work. The presentation demonstrates practical strategies for moving from static assessments to technically validated, scoped refurbishment projects that reduce risk and drive measurable outcomes. Attendees will gain methods to shift leadership conversations from headline backlog figures to actionable, risk-based decision-making — fundamentally redefining the identity and strategic impact of facilities professionals within their institutions.
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Breakout Sessions · 4 Concurrent
The Emerging Youth Workforce: How Younger Graduate Students Are Reshaping Campus Facilities and Capital Planning
Nico Hohman, Georgetown University
Read moreU.S. graduate education is experiencing a significant demographic shift: students aged 24 and under now represent a rapidly growing share of enrollment, fundamentally changing how campuses are used. Drawing on national enrollment data and the Graduate Youth Index, this session translates demographic research into practical facilities implications. Younger graduate students exhibit undergraduate-like behaviors—longer campus presence, higher demand for collaborative and recreation spaces, increased housing expectations, and less tolerance for outdated scheduling models. Using an Owner-centric framework, the session examines impacts on space typologies, housing strategies, recreation infrastructure, and long-term cost planning, providing frameworks for proactive rather than reactive planning.
Capital Planning in Tight Fiscal Environments
David Van Hook, Bartow County School System
Read moreThis presentation expands on APPA's Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) formula by incorporating non-financial considerations alongside peer-reviewed resources from the Facility Management Handbook and APPA's operational guidelines. Through practical anecdotes, the session illustrates TCO-based decision-making in both new construction and capital renewal processes. A key discussion examines why the term "deferred maintenance" may actually hinder budget outcomes — and how using proper terminology can lead to more favorable long-term funding results. Attendees will learn to apply TCO principles to justify capital expenditures and guide facility master planning decisions, gaining practical insights for navigating tight fiscal environments.
Leading Change with Intention and Influence
Elizabeth Clark, Penn State University — Facilities Engineering Institute
Read moreChange in facilities operations is constant—budget constraints, staffing shortages, evolving expectations, and new technologies demand rapid adaptation. While circumstances may be beyond individual control, how leaders show up, focus their influence, and engage others through uncertainty remains within their power. This interactive session explores the mindset and skill set of effective change agents, whether leading formally or influencing from within. Attendees will learn to differentiate between what they can control, influence, or release during organizational change, apply empathic listening to build trust, clarify personal and team purpose, and sustain energy through practical self-management strategies—navigating change with intention rather than reaction.
Rethinking Response: First Hour Ownership
Romie Prince, Morgan State University · Stephen Mulvey & Rachel Raff, Ready 2 Respond
Read moreWater damage incidents remain one of the most frequent operational disruptions on college and university campuses, often escalating during the critical first response window before outside contractors arrive. As institutions face aging infrastructure and increasing disruption pressures, facilities leaders must move beyond reactive response models. Attendees will explore how Morgan State University—recently recognized in APPA's Facilities Maintenance publication—shifted from contractor-dependent response to an internal-first model. The university has mitigated multiple water losses in-house, reducing contractor reliance, minimizing affected square footage, and lowering external costs. This session demonstrates how redefining early response can reposition facilities from responders to leaders.
12:15 – 1:15 PM
Lunch + Game Dave Ulmer · Exhibition floor open 12:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Woodrow Wilson
1:15 – 2:15 PM
International Panel Moderated by Gabe Hampton
Woodrow Wilson
2:15 – 3:15 PM
Breakout Sessions · 4 Concurrent
Understanding the Hidden Drivers of Long Queues to Women's Restrooms
Winnie Kwofie, Texas Tech University · Lindsay Wagner, APPA
Read moreMany members of the campus community, often women, spend considerable time waiting for restroom access. New mothers in particular may find themselves waiting even longer for stall access for lactation purposes. This panel session features three female FM leaders sharing research findings on how gender disparities in facilities management leadership contribute to these challenges. Each panelist presents key insights from their doctoral studies and discusses implications for professional practices. Attendees will recognize the hidden factors contributing to gender disparities in FM leadership, understand how underrepresentation perpetuates inequities in space use across campus (ADA, lactation needs, access, signage), and learn to advocate for inclusive practices in design standards, space allocation, and policies.
Reframing Building Automation as Campus Infrastructure: An Integrated Delivery Model
Kelly Johnson, UNMC · Rick Kmiecik, IMEG · Kelly Jenkins, Delta Intelligent Building Technologies
Read moreBuilding automation systems (BAS) critically impact operational performance, energy strategy, cybersecurity, and asset management—yet many campuses still deliver BAS through traditional construction models where controls arrive late, creating fragmented responsibilities and misaligned systems. This session presents a case study from University of Nebraska Medical Center, where BAS was reframed as core campus infrastructure. UNMC shifted controls responsibility to the low voltage contractor and established early strategic partnerships among owner, manufacturer, engineering firm, and contractor. Front-loading BAS architecture enabled accurate pricing, improved coordination, and concurrent installation with electrical rough-in. Attendees will gain a scalable framework for improving cost predictability and operational readiness.
From Crisis to Capital Strategy: Using Infrastructure Failure to Frame a Resilient Campus Future
Hunter Gellman, Florida Atlantic University
Read moreEmergencies rarely arrive alone. In August 2025, Florida Atlantic University faced converging infrastructure failures during student move-in: a central energy plant serving 40% of campus housing lost half its capacity while multiple lift stations experienced simultaneous pump failures. This candid case study examines how FAU Housing Facilities responded in real time, stabilized essential services, and translated crisis-driven lessons into long-term capital resiliency strategy. Attendees will learn how these events exposed system vulnerabilities, reshaped prioritization of redundancy and risk mitigation, and influenced capital planning. The presentation provides practical frameworks for evaluating infrastructure resilience and aligning emergency response with future-focused planning.
Unlocking Hidden Revenue from Existing Assets
Doug Pearson, Kent State University · Victor Hoerst, OnSite Partners
Read moreThis presentation explores how existing campus assets can maximize their impact on electricity billing and generate hidden revenue. Attendees will learn the high-level mechanics of electricity billing, particularly how a handful of peak hours can impact costs by tens of thousands of dollars annually. The session covers practical use cases demonstrating how backup generators can provide site resiliency while affecting billing with limited run hours, and how strategic boiler management can significantly reduce electricity costs. Kent State University shares firsthand experiences with projects that improved facility services economics while enhancing resilience.
3:15 – 4:00 PM
PM Break Exhibition floor open 3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
Woodrow Wilson Pre-Function
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Breakout Sessions · 4 Concurrent
Building the Intelligent Campus: Lessons from Georgia Tech's Cloud Migration Journey
CJ Singer, IMS Consulting · Lana Soroka & Priti Bhatia, Georgia Institute of Technology
Read moreIn 2024, Georgia Tech undertook a major modernization: migrating from the legacy Insite system to a fully cloud-based Archibus IWMS. This session shares the strategy, challenges, and lessons from this multi-phase transformation, including automated conversion of nearly 1,000 floorplans, cleanup of complex space types like Open-to-Below areas and structural shafts, and redesign of an eight-level organizational hierarchy into a modernized trace-based structure. Beyond migration, Georgia Tech implemented cloud integrations with HR and Workday, eliminating manual updates. A cloud-to-data-lake pipeline now supports analytics, dashboards, and future AI initiatives. Attendees will gain practical insights into planning large IWMS migrations and building scalable, intelligent campus data ecosystems.
Growth Mindset for Facilities Management Professionals
Brian Sands, Exeter Region Cooperative School District
Read moreThis presentation explores how adopting a growth mindset—a learning-driven, adaptable approach—can elevate performance across all areas of facility operations. By embracing challenges, seeking continuous improvement, and viewing setbacks as opportunities, facilities professionals can strengthen leadership, improve problem-solving, and drive innovation within their teams. Attendees will learn to define growth mindset and its relevance to facilities leadership and decision-making, identify practical strategies for leveraging setbacks to improve performance, and apply continuous improvement principles to operations, maintenance, and team development. The session provides actionable methods for fostering growth mindset culture, promoting accountability, innovation, and resilience.
The New Energy Normal: Reframing Market Volatility, Financial Risk, and Operational Resilience
Debra Nauta-Rodriguez, The Catholic University of America · Fatmir Gjinaj, F&D Partners
Read moreHigher education operates in a fundamentally different energy environment today. Capacity auction spikes, transmission volatility, regulatory pressures, electrification, and growing data center demand are reshaping utility costs. Traditional fixed-price procurement strategies no longer suffice. This session reframes energy from a controllable expense to a dynamic institutional risk variable, introducing a three-pillar resilience framework: proactive supply risk management, financial integrity through billing validation and tariff alignment, and operational flexibility via demand response and peak load strategies. The Catholic University of America shares its experience navigating market volatility and strengthening oversight processes.
Evolving from Master Planning to Stewardship
Nathaniel Saviet, Bergen Community College · Walter Kneis, NK Architects · Lawrence Eighmy, The Stone House Group
Read moreWhile institutions carefully manage financial endowments, physical campuses—often the largest asset portfolio—are frequently managed reactively through deferred maintenance lists. This session explores adopting an endowment-style stewardship approach to managing the built environment. Bergen Community College integrated its Master Plan with a comprehensive Facility Condition Assessment to create a data-driven framework protecting and optimizing physical asset value. By defining deferred maintenance backlog, establishing prioritization criteria, and setting long-term funding baselines, the College reframed facilities planning as asset portfolio management. The FCA now functions as a living stewardship tool informing capital decisions and helping leadership understand financial implications of investment and neglect.
7:00 – 7:45 AM
Breakfast Buffet Exhibition floor open 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Woodrow Wilson Pre-Function
7:45 – 8:00 AM
Announcements + 2027 Location & Dates Reveal Dave Ulmer + CVB and video
Woodrow Wilson
8:00 – 9:00 AM
Plenary — AI Panel Discussion Dave Ulmer intro · Sid Thatham presentation + AI Panel · Dave Ulmer wrap-up with AI Course announcement
Woodrow Wilson
9:00 – 10:00 AM
What's New from APPA? Lalit Agarwal MC · Panel of Dave Ulmer, Michelle, Lindsay (Community, SmartJobBoard, FPI, Advisors, New Courses)
Woodrow Wilson
10:00 – 10:45 AM
AM Break & Snack Exhibition floor open
Woodrow Wilson Pre-Function
10:45 – 11:45 AM
Breakout Sessions · 4 Concurrent + Business Partner Session
The Facilities Identity Shift: Turning Assets into Institutional Advantage
John Kambic, Northern Virginia Community College · John Edwards, FEA
Read moreHigher education faces structural change: flattening enrollment, shrinking workforce pipelines, and uncertain state support, while dual enrollment and asynchronous learning reshape campus usage. Facilities organizations must evolve from reactive fixers to strategic leaders. Northern Virginia Community College embraced this shift through a master planning framework built on three tenets: invest, divest, and fix. With FEA's assistance, NOVA confronted significant deferred maintenance backlog, informing a proactive "fix" program to reduce reactivity and align capital planning with institutional priorities. Strategic investment in high-impact learning spaces, combined with disciplined stewardship, repositioned facilities as an institutional resilience driver.
Building Connections: Designing Halls of Opportunity for Broadening Community, Collaboration, and Student Success
Curt Brown, Palm Beach Atlantic University · Anya Grant, Leo A Daly
Read moreThurgood Marshall Hall (University of Maryland) and Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall (Palm Beach Atlantic University) exemplify architecture's transformative power in fostering community. These facilities transcend traditional academic boundaries by intentionally bringing together students, faculty, industry leaders, and the broader community. Drawing from post-occupancy evaluation results, this presentation highlights design strategies for engagement: inviting community into facility hearts with flexible venues; planning office environments using post-pandemic best practices; centering inclusive, accessible student hubs; and balancing openness with safety through passive design strategies like line-of-sight and integrated security.
From Backlog to Portfolio Strategy: Managing Capital Risk Across a System
Jean Robinson, University of Massachusetts Lowell · Jacob Blythe, Gordian
Read moreThe University of Massachusetts system confronts a familiar reality: aging facilities, rising capital costs, and persistent backlog despite sustained investment. With nearly half of system space over 50 years old, the challenge has shifted from prioritizing repairs to sustaining long-term portfolio strength. System and campus leadership, including UMass Lowell, have begun reframing facilities stewardship as a portfolio question rather than a project-by-project exercise. Through scenario-based planning and system-informed analysis, UMass Lowell explores how targeted reinvestment, consolidation, and long-term asset positioning can reduce high-liability space exposure while supporting mission-driven growth.
From Advocacy to Action: How Hamilton College is Framing a Sustainable Future for Campus Facilities
Mike Klapmeyer, Hamilton College · Sara Culotta, Siemens
Read moreWhen students and faculty called for stronger climate action, Hamilton College's Board accelerated its carbon neutrality goal from 2050 to 2030—creating unprecedented challenges and opportunities for campus facilities. This session showcases Hamilton's pursuit of environmental and financial sustainability through systems modernization of its science center and library. Partnering with Siemens for a comprehensive 18-month energy efficiency program, the College reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 9%. The library is undergoing complete transformation from legacy HVAC to geothermal heating and cooling with solar integration. Attendees will learn how Hamilton navigated total cost of ownership comparisons, scenario modeling, and energy performance contracting.
10:45 – 11:45 AM
Getting the Most of Your Business Partner Membership Dave Ulmer presents · BPAC Chair presents · 2027 planning, expo space, sponsorship opportunities
Woodrow Wilson
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Awards Luncheon + Business Meeting Bobby Aldrich & Lalit Agarwal run business meeting · Nicole Sanderson runs awards · ALE summary, financial performance, bylaws updates, APPAU recap
Woodrow Wilson
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Breakout Sessions · 4 Concurrent
Q&A with the APPA Executive Committee
Gabe Hampton · Bobby Aldrich · Crystal Smith · Lalit Agarwal · Dave Ulmer
Read moreA direct conversation with APPA's Executive Committee. Brief opening remarks followed by extensive Q&A — your chance to ask leadership questions about strategy, programs, and the direction of the association.
From Reactive to Accountable: How GW Built a Culture of Ownership in Facilities Operations
Baxter Goodly, George Washington University · Anthony Maione, Core America
Read moreIn today's constrained labor environment, facilities leaders must drive cultural change and strengthen accountability with limited resources. George Washington University recognized that meaningful improvement required a coordinated, multi-year strategy focused on workforce ownership and measurable performance. This session examines GW's cultural transformation through three integrated pillars: a zone-based maintenance model clarifying responsibility and strengthening customer relationships; enterprise work management modernization improving data quality and leadership insight; and a custodial performance partnership grounded in APPA standards and objective quality measurement. Together, these initiatives shifted behaviors from reactive to proactive across a complex campus.
Beyond the Dashboard: How Western Michigan University Turned Building Analytics into Action Across Campus
Todd Addis, Clockworks Analytics
Read moreEight years ago, Western Michigan University launched fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) across eight buildings. Today, the program spans 23 buildings and 2,000 monitored equipment pieces, driving 746 corrective actions and $568,000 in annual cost avoidance (1.4-year payback). Beyond savings, WMU transformed building data into operational strategy supporting commissioning, maintenance, and campus reliability. This session shows how analytics becomes a practical operational tool—not just another dashboard—by embedding diagnostics into maintenance workflows, capital projects, and vendor collaboration. Attendees gain a repeatable framework for building the intelligent campus.
Engineering Reliability: The Architecture and Infrastructure Behind a Modern Campus Data Center
Sean Avery, DLR Group · Matt Harmann, McGough Construction
Read moreUsing a case study from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis campus, this presentation examines the rationale for constructing a new campus data center and integrating it into established architectural environments. The presentation explores how building architecture and material selection aligned with campus design guidelines while meeting mission-critical facility requirements, with emphasis on maintaining security and controlled access in a highly visible campus core location. Attendees will learn how the Advanced Operations Center applied contemporary data center trends including enhanced energy efficiency, mechanical and electrical redundancy, and built-in flexibility for future growth.
3:00 – 6:00 PM
Smithsonian Tours Optional · Buses depart 3:30 PM, return 5:00 PM groups
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Tour
Our Shared Future: 250 | Smithsonian Institution
Saturday, July 18, 3pm-6pm
Enjoy a scenic bus ride into the nation’s capital, arriving at the Smithsonian’s Haupt Garden on Independence Avenue to begin your Smithsonian journey. From there, you will take a short walk to the Smithsonian Castle, the institution’s first and oldest building. Opened in 1855, the Castle serves as both a historic architectural and cultural icon and the public gateway to the Smithsonian. Although still undergoing extensive renovation, portions of this landmark have reopened in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States.
After your self-guided tour of the Castle, continue next door to the Smithsonian’s second-oldest building, the Arts and Industries Building. Closed to the public since 2004 with only limited special openings, this visit offers a rare opportunity to explore another unique Smithsonian space. The building features anniversary exhibits focused on creative exchanges of ideas about America’s past and future, including the Voices and Votes traveling exhibition, the Folklife Marketplace and performance stage, and other exhibits celebrating the United States.
If time allows, take a walk along the National Mall. Enjoy views of the Capitol and the Washington Monument, snap a few photos, and relax with a treat from a nearby food truck or kiosk while taking in the open green space.
Please be sure to indicate your interest in participating during the registration process.
Thank you to our Exhibitors!
We are grateful to our exhibitors for their support and participation in this year’s Conference.
Your partnership helps create meaningful connections, showcase valuable solutions, and enhance the overall attendee experience.
We appreciate your commitment to our community and thank you for being a part of this event.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
We extend our sincere appreciation to our sponsors for their generous support and partnership.
Your investment helps make this event possible and strengthens our ability to deliver valuable education, meaningful networking, and an exceptional experience for our attendees. 
