Survey Insights from the 2025 APPA Spring Conference

The 2025 APPA Spring Conference in New Orleans made a clear impact. Attendees reported high satisfaction with the program’s content, structure, and opportunities for connection. Beyond the strong ratings, one theme stood out: the importance of community and shared learning during a time of rapid change in educational facilities.

A Familiar Crowd with Fresh Purpose

Most survey respondents—over 85%—came from four-year higher education institutions. They weren’t just dipping a toe in the water. Nearly three-quarters had attended an APPA event before. They showed up because they knew it would be worth it.

That experience showed up in the conversations—grounded, practical, and generous.

“I was able to network with several individuals who have similar responsibilities and issues,” one attendee noted, “and learn how they are addressing their challenges.” Another put it more simply: “Meeting colleagues from across the country and realizing we all basically have the same problems—it helped.”

One attendee shared, “Coming from a very small community college, it was interesting to hear that regardless of the size of the institution, we all basically have the same challenges and issues.” That sense of common ground—of shared realities despite different scales and locations—was something that echoed in conversation after conversation.

Learning That Felt Useful—Not Just Theoretical

AI stole a lot of the spotlight this year, and for good reason. Attendees were curious, cautious, and—by the end—surprisingly optimistic.

“I had thought I was too old to consider using this technology,” one attendee admitted, “but I was wrong.” Another called the session “engaging and practical,” while someone else said, “It’s impacting everything we do daily—seeing how other institutions are integrating it was inspiring.”

The sessions covered a lot: mentorship programs, apprenticeship models, recruitment in a changing HR landscape. But again and again, people returned to the value of shared experience. “Too many takeaways to count,” one attendee wrote. “Networking, collaborating, and gaining insight… it all added up.”

Conversations That Made It Worth It

For many, the most meaningful parts of the conference didn’t come with a slide deck. They happened in between—the unplanned, low-pressure moments where people were real with each other.

As one attendee put it, “Connecting with other colleagues who are struggling in the same areas and talking through what they’re doing to overcome these challenges—that was the most valuable part.” Another shared, “I’m still in touch with five new colleagues I met at the conference.”

Even some less-than-perfect moments prompted reflection. One attendee mentioned a session where noise in the room made it hard for international speakers to be heard: “Order should have been achieved before they started… Still, making connections with peers was the other memorable experience.”

Branding, Energy, and a Sense of Momentum

The APPA branding didn’t go unnoticed. Nearly half of survey respondents said it either enhanced their experience or positively influenced their decision to attend. One attendee shared, “It felt modern and aligned with the conference vibe—it made the event feel energized.” That kind of alignment—between messaging, visuals, and the event experience itself—doesn’t happen by accident. It reflects a clear marketing strategy that resonated not just on paper, but in the room. Combined with strong results from email and website-driven registrations, it’s a sign that the message reached the right audience and landed precisely as it was intended: focused, forward-looking, and in step with the community it serves.

A Strong Showing—and Some Clear Takeaways

Ultimately, 85.7% of attendees said the event met or exceeded expectations. Nearly everyone—96.4%—said they would recommend APPA events to a colleague. When asked what could be improved, many responded with some version of “nothing.” Others called for more networking, deeper dives into session topics, and a more substantial exhibitor experience.

But the heart of it was clear: the value didn’t just come from the podium. It came from the people sitting next to you.

Final Thoughts: What Lasts After the Last Slide

The 2025 Spring Conference reminded us that showing up still matters. Talking through problems with people who understand them is still one of our most effective professional development tools. And that somewhere between the first keynote and the last handshake, we all left just a little better equipped to lead, support, and adapt.

“If you’re in facilities leadership…this is the place to be.”

See you next year!

2026 Annual Conference

We’re excited to share that the 2026 APPA Annual Conference will take place July 15–17, 2026 in the Washington, D.C. area! Join us at the Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor for three days of connection, inspiration, and forward-thinking in educational facilities leadership.

Mark your calendars now—you’ll want to be part of the conversations shaping the future of our profession.

📍 Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center | Washington, D.C. Area

Save the date! Full details and registration will be coming soon.