The Facilities Management Conference 2026 has announced its speaker programme for Wednesday 4 November at Crowne Plaza, Santry, bringing together industry leaders to explore how FM steps up from operational support to a strategic, technology-driven, people-focused driver of business value.

Stuart McIntosh, Managing Director of Walkair Ireland, brings 25+ years of workplace and facilities management expertise, championing customer-focused solutions that lift operational performance and employee experience. His advocacy for FM's strategic role and commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and technology integration across building lifecycles reflects the evolution facilities management now represents within organisational strategy. Mary Banks of Tirlán leads workplace strategy and office operations, with over 20 years in facilities management. Through her leadership of Tirlán's award-winning Smart Workplace Programme, she connects design, digital innovation, and workplace data to enable hybrid working, demonstrating how FM shapes how people choose to use the office.

Ronan McDonnell, Operations Director at SOS Group, brings over 30 years of customer service and facilities management experience, MBA-qualified with specialist management credentials. His focus on service transformation, client partnership, and continuous improvement, combined with experience leading major commercial, corporate, and retail contracts across the UK and Ireland, reflects how FM excellence emerges from multidisciplinary leadership and operational rigour.

Julie Nicholson, Bid Director at Bidvest Noonan, leads bid professionals shaping strategic solutions for major public and private sector opportunities. With 20+ years in facilities management focused on where people, technology, and operational excellence converge, her recognition as Ireland's first Purple Tuesday Ambassador and Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year 2024 reflects her commitment to inclusive, strategic FM practice.

Gar Holohan, Founder and Executive Chairman of Aura Holohan Group, chairs Ireland's largest health and fitness industry operator, managing 18 leisure centres. A Fellow of the RIAI and former chair of the International Union of Architects' working group on sport and leisure, his 25 years advising government on sport and tourism reflects FM's role shaping community infrastructure and public sector strategy. Narcisa Popovici, HR Director at Aura Holohan Group, leads people strategy with 14+ years in senior HR leadership across leisure, healthcare, and facilities management sectors. Under her leadership, Aura achieved Great Place to Work® Best Workplace in Ireland 2026 status and Investors in Diversity accreditation, exemplifying how FM and HR alignment creates exceptional workplace cultures.

The conference theme, "Where facilities management meets what's next", positions FM as central to how organisations navigate technology integration, hybrid working, sustainability imperatives, and people-focused strategies. These speakers represent the calibre of leadership defining modern facilities management practice.

The Facilities Management Conference 2026 will be held on Wednesday 4 November from 9:00–15:00 at Crowne Plaza, Santry. For further speaker details, agenda, and registration, visit the official Facilities Management Awards website and subscribe for exclusive event updates and industry insights.