The Facilities Management Conference 2026 has announced additional speakers for Wednesday 4 November at Crowne Plaza, Santry, expanding the programme with voices shaping FM's transition toward strategic, sustainability-driven practice.

Alex Magee, Programme Chair of Facilities & Building Services Management at ATU Sligo, brings three decades of FM, building services, and asset management experience as a Fellow of the IWFM. His leadership of ATU Sligo's honours degree programme represents the critical bridge between academic learning and professional practice, connecting emerging FM professionals with established industry expertise. His programme trains the next generation of FM leaders, positioning him to speak to how educational institutions prepare FM professionals for evolving sector demands.

John Cunniffe, Sustainability Strategist with engineering background, embeds cradle-to-cradle thinking across built environment projects. His representation of Ireland in developing ISO 50001 energy-management standard reflects active engagement in international standards-setting shaping how organisations approach energy efficiency and sustainability governance. His expertise connects FM practice to broader environmental imperative and strategic sustainability integration.

John Smith, Sustainable Infrastructure & Facilities Manager at An Post, manages the organisation's national estate spanning approximately 180 properties and more than two million square feet, from the GPO to Mail Centres and the EXO Building headquarters. His career trajectory, beginning as an electrician with Guinness before transitioning into FM—reflects how technical foundation enables effective facilities leadership. His FM Leader Award in 2021 and leadership of the SEAI Sustainability Team of the Year in 2023 demonstrate commitment to sustainable FM practice and sector-wide excellence. His stewardship of An Post's extensive national estate reflects capability managing large-scale, complex facility portfolios across diverse property typologies.

These speakers represent the multifaceted expertise defining modern FM: academic leadership preparing emerging professionals, sustainability strategy embedding environmental performance into facility operations, and large-scale estate management delivering operational excellence across national infrastructure.

Facilities management has evolved from operational support function to strategic organisational priority, positioning FM professionals as essential contributors to sustainability achievement, workplace innovation, and competitive positioning. This strategic elevation reflects the breadth of expertise now required within FM practice, spanning environmental governance, workplace technology integration, and human-centred design.  

The conference will be held on Wednesday 4 November from 9:00–15:00 at Crowne Plaza, Santry. For full speaker details, agenda, and registration, visit the official Facilities Management Awards website and subscribe for exclusive event updates and industry insights.