Due to Covid-19, we have cancelled all in-person events until further notice, including FM Summit 2020, “at least in its traditional format”, says CEO Gillian Wess.
“The Summit Committee has worked long and hard to bring together a fantastic programme and line-up of speakers, so we’re feeling optimistic that all is not lost. Walking the talk of the Summit, we are embracing the ideology of ‘the Big Shift’ and exploring innovative ways to deliver our services and remain connected with our members, sponsors and allied organisations,” she says. “Watch this space – we will update you on developments as soon as we can.”
As New Zealand went into lockdown on 25 March, Gillian commented on the immense challenges faced by facilities managers. “Our FM members, the ultimate enablers, are as always at the forefront of responding to these challenges, ensuring our public spaces and workplaces remain safe, healthy, productive, and fit-for-purpose. As we move into a new phase of this crisis, our members will be taking on even more responsibilities under very challenging conditions.”
To members she said, “While we are dealing with the immediate challenges facing us, we have the utmost confidence in your resilience and effectiveness to see your organisations through this trying time and know FMANZ’s core values will hold fast as we continue to connect, unite, collaborate and, ultimately, thrive.”
She encouraged members to stay in contact with the association. “Please share your experiences with us, your problems solved, your opportunities gained, so that we can exchange knowledge with other members and our sponsor partners, and identify how we can be of assistance. Please email me at ceo@fmanz.org or keep in touch via our LinkedIn group and Facebook. Our team is continuing with business as usual and can all be contacted to answer queries and respond to your needs.
“We may not be gathering together for a while, but we can still communicate, stay connected and gain strength from each other.”
