Ever wonder why big buildings, malls, or resorts run so smoothly? That’s thanks to Facilities Management professionals working behind the scenes to make sure everything functions just right — often without anyone noticing.
If a Facility Manager is doing their job well, you won’t even think about the thousands of things they take care of daily. They coordinate teams to ensure clean restrooms, safe and accessible parking, working lights and screens, and more. It’s not just maintenance — it’s about managing people, systems, and spaces to work in harmony.
Watch the full session here!
Every year on the second Wednesday of May, we celebrate World FM Day, a global recognition of the vital role that Facility Management (FM) plays in our everyday lives. It’s a moment to appreciate the professionals who keep our buildings running smoothly, safely, and efficiently – whether it’s in offices, hospitals, schools, or industrial environments.
On May 14, EuroFM hosted a virtual event bringing together facility management professionals from across Europe and beyond. The celebration highlighted the pivotal role of facility managers in navigating change, fostering resilience, and driving innovation in the built environment.
The event featured insights from EuroFM ambassadors and industry leaders, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, sustainability, and collaboration in the FM sector.
During EuroFM’s World FM Day 2025 celebration in May, facility management professionals from across Europe and beyond gathered virtually to explore the theme “Resilience in Action: Thriving in a World of Change.” The event featured a compelling panel discussion with EuroFM ambassadors Sean Gibbons and Carmel Lindkvist, moderated by Board Member Pat Gaughan.
Natalie Hofman, Chair of EuroFM, opened the discussion by highlighting the importance of resilience: “In a world that is constantly changing, it’s becoming increasingly important not only to be flexible but also to be resilient. Resilience in action means learning to cope with uncertainties, adapting more quickly to new situations, and drawing strength from change.”
The Future of FM: Technology as an Enabler
A key focus was addressing concerns about AI potentially replacing facility management professionals. Sean Gibbons offered reassurance: “AI and automation will certainly not signal the demise of maintenance, but more an evolution. We’re already seeing predictive maintenance powered by AI enabling teams to move into a more proactive mode of operating.”
Carmel Lindkvist agreed, viewing AI as a tool to embrace: “AI is a way that we can help and support in order to find information we need in a much quicker way. It won’t replace the knowledge and experience that is implicit in facility managers.”
Embracing Change and Innovation
The panel emphasized the growing importance of soft services and workplace experience as hybrid work becomes the norm. Gibbons noted that “the best FM won’t just manage and maintain buildings, they’ll actually curate environments that boost productivity, collaboration, and satisfaction.”
Looking toward the future, Lindkvist encouraged the FM community to embrace uncertainty: “We need to keep learning and take risks and fail and learn from the risks. The only way we can embrace the future is to try and take some of the risks to get to a future where we want to be”. The discussion reinforced that the future of facility management lies in embracing technological advancement while never losing sight of the human elements that make FM truly impactful.
We added some fun with the EuroFM Quiz, hosted by Vera van de Loo. Then came a memorable “Yesterday Meets Tomorrow” conversation with three retiring FM leaders — Wil Gooskens, Daniel von Felten, and Joop van Duren — moderated by Natalie. We wrapped up with a celebratory moment honouring World FM Day, before officially closing the event.