Know Before You Go
Important event details to prepare you for World Workplace 2023
We can't wait to greet you all on September 27-29 in Denver, Colorado at the Colorado Convention Center! Here's what you need to know to get ready for your conference experience at IFMA's World Workplace 2023. In this Know Before You Go we'll cover:
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What to prepare and pack
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What to do when you arrive
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Conference and expo activities
Plan your event agenda
- Use the mobile app (see details below) to view sessions and activities under 'Schedule'. If you'd like to add a session, click on 'Add to Schedule'. View your calendar under MENU > My Calendar.
- See who’s exhibiting and look at the expo floor map to plan your time with exhibitors.
Maximize your time
with My Show Planner
Make the most out of your expo experience by planning your schedule in advance! Create a free My Show Planner account to:
- Bookmark exhibitors you'd like to meet
- Access collateral on their solutions
- Take advantage of show specials
- Contact exhibitors directly and book meetings with them at World Workplace
- Access My Show Planner here
What to pack
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Good shoes: A pair (or more) of comfortable shoes is highly recommended. If you’re taking one of the facility tours, comfortable walking shoes are also recommended.
- Business casual attire: Late September temperatures in Denver average between 55-81°F. Temperatures inside the air-conditioned Colorado Convention Center will be cool, so plan to have a sweater on hand.
- Sports jersey: Make sure to bring your favorite team's jersey for the Welcome Reception at Empower Field at Mile High, home to the Denver Broncos and one of the most storied and beloved stadiums in National Football League history!
- BYOWB: Bring your own water bottle! We encourage all attendees to bring their own water bottle to help us cut down on plastic waste.
share that you're attending
Build your network
Start connecting with others beforehand and see who else is attending World Workplace. Share the I'm Attending graphic on your social media, use #worldworkplace and @IFMA.
Also, check out the World Workplace Marketing Guide + Toolkit for additional logos, banners, social media graphics and more! These templates make it easy to promote your participation whether you're an attendee, speaker, exhibitor or sponsor.YOUR GO-TO RESOURCE
Download the NEW IFMA Events the official mobile app
If you have the app from previous years installed on your phone, please uninstall it and download this year's updated version.
Use this mobile app during World Workplace to:
- Receive important event notifications
- View maps, schedule, education sessions and speaker list
- Access exhibitor list and expo hall map
- Network with conference attendees
Tips for getting the most out of your mobile app:
TIP 1: Enhance your networking opportunities by updating your profile. Go to MENU > Settings > Profile. Connect with attendees who share your interests with the matchmaking survey under Attendees > Matches > Take Survey. Don't forget to engage in lobby chats, session discussions, and share pictures on the event feed.
TIP 2: Make the most of your expo experience by planning your schedule in advance. Create a free My Show Planner account under 'Expo Planner' to:
- Bookmark exhibitors you'd like to meet.
- Access informative materials on their solutions.
- Take advantage of exclusive show specials.
- Easily contact exhibitors and schedule meetings with them during World Workplace.
TIP 3: Interested in earning some exciting prizes while at World Workplace? Explore the opportunities in 'Expo Games' and 'Play for Prizes' to learn more.
Try out Play for Prizes now!
Gain 100 points for reading this Know Before You Go. Go to MENU > Play for Prizes > Codes > Scan QR Code or Enter Text Code.you've arrived in DENVER! What's next?
What to do when you arrive
Plan out your transportation and head to check-in.
Plan your transportation
- Use the Denver International Airport website for airport, taxi/Uber/Lyft and rental car information.
- View Ground Transportation Info
- Explore the Mile High City
- Find your way with Denver maps
- Denver's Official 'Know Before You Go'
Look for the leaf!
Learn more about on-site sustainability efforts →
Checking in
- Registration is located on the Lobby Level (enter through main entrance on 14th street). Pick-up your official World Workplace 2023 badge and complimentary attendee bag!
- Registration hours:
- September 26 I 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- September 27 I 7 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- September 28 I 7 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- September 29 I 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Self-check-in: Preregistered attendees may proceed directly to a self-service kiosk in the registration area. Scan the barcode from your registration confirmation email or directly from your smart phone to print your conference badge.
- Beat the crowd: Get your badge and register before the morning rush for the Official Welcome & Opening Keynote at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27. Registration opens as early as 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26.
- In the mornings, coffee will be served to attendees, but we encourage everyone to grab a bite to eat before coming to the show.
during world workplace, Add these to your checklist
Check out these conference and expo activities
Make the most of your experience while you're there
Must-attend sessions
- Official Welcome & Opening Keynote - The Human Implications of Generative AI presented by Dr. Radhika Dirks, CEO and Co-Founder of XLabs: [September 27, 10:00 a.m.] - In this thought-provoking talk, Radhika discusses how to know when the existing tools for innovation are no longer applicable, and how to swap them with new, next-generation methods. Audience members will leave with a newfound perspective on how your organization can stay fresh, smart, and relevant — and make the world a better place while you’re at it.
Sponsored by
- Plenary Session - Preparing for the Next Era of Digital Transformation in Facility Management presented by George Westerman, Senior Lecturer, MIT Sloan School of Management: [September 28, 8:00 a.m.] - Dr. George Westerman will examine what digital technologies like machine learning, Internet of Things, augmented reality and autonomous devices are making possible in a variety of industries. Hear what it takes to turn digital ideas into real transformation. Frameworks and examples are drawn from more than a dozen years of research with hundreds of organizations that can help you gain the mindset and confidence to change your business for the better.
- Closing Finale - The Power of One presented by Erin Brockovich, Environmental Activist & Consumer Advocate: [September 29, 1:00 p.m.] - Erin Brockovich is one of those rare individuals whose own true story has become part of our public consciousness. Seen by millions as a symbol of American justice and the importance of fighting for the truth, Brockovich continues to speak out on behalf of those who can’t. After uncovering a 30-year long history of poisoning the groundwater in Hinkley, CA by PG&E, Brockovich dug in and didn’t give up until she had exposed the truth — and had gotten justice for its victims. She truly is proof that one person can make a difference, and she believes that everyone — in their own way — can do the same.
Networking opportunities
- IFMA Foundation Charity Event - Party Like a Gatsby: [September 26, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.] - Join us for an unforgettable evening of appetizers, drinks and a deco dance-off at the Denver Art Museum, all in support of the IFMA Foundation. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. Come dressed in your finest Gatsby-inspired attire: Come as a flapper or come as you are; dress like a jazzman or silent screen star! Help to make FM a career of choice. This event requires a ticket purchase.
- Explore FM: [September 27, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., Room 201/203] - Kick off your World Workplace experience at Explore FM to learn about the different facets of facility management and how IFMA’s resources support the profession.
- Council and Community Meetings: [September 27, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.] - Truly global in nature, councils connect colleagues worldwide for knowledge and best-practice sharing. Find your community and experience global industry-specific networking. Check out the full list of meetings and plan your conference schedule.
- First-time Attendee Networking Breakfast: [September 27, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.] - New to World Workplace? Unsure what to do or where to go? This engaging networking opportunity is a great ice-breaker. Meet other professionals, develop new friendships and get the inside scoop on what to do and see from day one. Open to first-time attendees only. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- IFMA Central Meetups: [September 27, 12:00 p.m. - 4:40 p.m. and September 28, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Expo Hall, IFMA Central] - If your group reserved the IFMA Central lounge, make sure to communicate your meetup time with everyone!
- Expo Hall Lunch & Brunch: [September 27, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and September 28, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Expo Hall] - Meet new faces, grow your professional network and enjoy some food in the Expo.
- Student and Young Professional Reception: [September 28, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.] - Join other aspiring students and young professionals from around the world at this networking reception.
Sponsored by - Welcome Reception - The Largest FM Networking Party of the Year: [September 27, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.] - Get ready for an electrifying event at Empower Field at Mile High, home to the Denver Broncos and one of the most storied and beloved stadiums in National Football League history! As you step foot onto these hallowed grounds through the legendary player field entrance, you'll be greeted by the Denver Bronco cheerleaders. Make your way to the upper lounge for live music, drinks and savory bites. Play fun casino and backyard games. Show your team spirit by wearing your favorite sports team jersey for this extraordinary gathering.
NOTE: Attendees are required to take official World Workplace transportation from the Colorado Convention Center to Empower Field at Mile High. The last shuttle departs at 8:30 p.m. This reception requires a Full Event ticket, Wednesday One-day ticket or Add-on ticket for the Welcome Reception.
Sponsored by - IFMA's Awards of Excellence Luncheon: [September 29, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.] - This celebratory event honors the achievements of individual members, and IFMA chapters, councils and communities. Lunch will be served, then the award show begins, followed by the Closing Keynote to wrap up the conference.
Expo activities & prizes
- Expo Schedule
- September 27 | 11:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Expo Lunch Service | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Innovation Arena Presentations | 12:00 - 4:15 p.m.
- Expo Scavenger Hunt Prize Drawing | 4:45 p.m.
- September 28 | 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Innovation Arena Presentations | 10:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
- Networking Brunch | 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Expo Scavenger Hunt Prize Drawing | 1:15 p.m.
- All Day Thursday Expo Cash Drops!
- September 27 | 11:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Explore cutting-edge technology and innovative FM solutions. Get answers to big questions for your facilities: With over 300 exhibiting companies, the World Workplace expo is where you’ll find the best products and services for your facility needs. Start planning your hit list of which exhibitors to visit: World Workplace Exhibitors
- Expo Scavenger Hunt: Win fabulous prizes while exploring the expo floor! Use the Expo Scavenger Hunt Game Card (provided in your conference bag at on-site check-in) to visit each of the Expo Scavenger Hunt Sponsor booths to collect a stamp. Once all stamps have been collected, take your completed game card to IFMA Central, booth 461. Must be present at the IFMA Central booth during the Expo Scavenger Hunt Prize Drawings and a Full Event attendee to be eligible to win.
- Thursday Expo Cash Drops: Play the Thursday Expo Cash Drop game! Visit the 5 Cash Drop sponsor booths to collect a button. On Thursday, IFMA representatives will be walking the expo floor randomly dropping cash prizes on attendees wearing all 5 buttons. Be sure to prominently show off your buttons in the expo on Thursday for a chance to win some cash!
- Innovation Arenas: World Workplace is the all-encompassing educational event for FMs and we have learning opportunities around every corner — including the expo! Click to see the full list of Innovation Arena presentations.
- Professional headshots: Have you looked at your profile picture lately? Is it a selfie? Does it look like you now or 5 years ago? Give your LinkedIn profile a fresh look by taking advantage of the free professional headshot booth.
Sponsored by
- NEW! Sustainability Park: Take a stroll through Sustainability Park to learn about IFMA’s sustainable initiatives and have a little backyard fun!
Sponsored by
- IFMA Cares Community Service Project: Drop by the IFMA Cares booth to help assemble care kits benefiting both the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and the Colorado Children’s Hospital.
- World Workplace 2023 Official Pins: Head over to IFMA Central (#461) to pick up your complimentary pin commemorating your time at this year's conference in Denver!
Enhance your conference experience with these add-on features
- IFMA pre-conference courses: Make the most out of your World Workplace experience: If you haven't already, add an expert-led professional development course to your registration. A CFM® Exam Prep Workshop is available; plus, IFMA’s Finance & Business, Operations & Maintenance, Leadership & Strategy, Project Management Courses and IFMA's Benchmarking Your Facilities Workshop.
- Facility Tours: [September 26, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.] - See what it takes to manage, maintain and protect unique spaces. From one of the largest art museums to the first net zero energy facility in the entire University of Colorado system to getting insights on how large power operations are conducted, facility tours give you an inside look at systems, programs, sustainable/energy-efficient features and state-of-the-art upgrades. Each tour is only US$79 full member/$99 regular per person and transportation is provided. SOLD OUT
- IFMA Foundation Charity Event - Party Like a Gatsby [September 26, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.] - Enjoy drinks and appetizers while celebrating the important work of the IFMA Foundation at the Denver Art Museum. Registration is required. SOLD OUT
- Spouse/Partner Ticket: Full-event registrants are welcome to invite their spouse or partner to join us at World Workplace at the discounted price of US$400.
- 1-Day Pass Holders: Add additional benefits a-la-carte, such as the Welcome Reception [September 27, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.] and the Awards of Excellence Luncheon & Closing Finale [September 29, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.]. These events are included with a full event ticket.
Have more questions?
Check out our FAQs below or e-mail us at events@ifma.org