The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) shared plans to launch a new international chapter and invite several high-profile speakers to its 2019 World Workplace Conference and Expo.

This June, the global facility management organization’s board approved a petition to form a new branch In Barbados and secure a partnership with the islands’ Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

“The launch of the IFMA Barbados Chapter speaks to the great value and interest that the facility management professionals in the region have for the advancement of the profession and the built environment,” said Aykean Matthews, MBA, FMP, CFM, Facilities Operations Director, The International School Port of Spain, Trinidad, and a member of IFMA’s Americas Advisory Board. “IFMA will open doors to a world of opportunities, possibilities, and potential for the improvement of the standards and practices of facility management in Barbados and the region, particularly through education.”

More recently, IFMA revealed four keynote speakers for its upcoming 2019 show. The international event will open with a keynote address by Robyn Benincasa, World Champion Eco-Challenge Adventure Racer and best-selling author, and feature Peter Hinssen, nexxworks co-founder and partner, following the IFMA’s Awards of Excellence presentation. Audiences will also have a chance to hear talks from Mim Senft, president and CEO of Motivity Partners and co-founder and CEO of Global Women 4 Wellbeing, and Rex Miller, author, futurist, and principal for MindShift.

“IFMA has invited four renowned speakers to light up the general session stage with insights on building world-class teams, improving workplace well-being, and preparing for (and surviving) radical change,” the organization noted.

The 2019 World Workplace Conference and Expo runs Oct 16-18 at the Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.