ConnexFM is bringing back its annual Mid-Year Conference this October in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.
After three long years, the wait is finally over — the ConnexFM Mid-Year Conference is officially Back and Better! Making its return in vibrant Dallas/Fort Worth this October 17–19 will be an entirely revamped event, including 100 booths on the exhibition floor, three fascinating keynote speakers, multiple networking competitions and more. ConnexFM CEO Bill Yanek is thrilled to welcome the conference to the association’s home base of Irving, Texas. “In 2022, ConnexFM toured North America with our Connexion events and delivered a reenergized National Conference. Now it's time to reinvent the Mid-Year Conference,” Yanek said. “The 2022 Mid-Year Conference will deliver our attendees the ConnexFM competitive advantage.” ConnexFM’s membership has been eagerly awaiting the return of this acclaimed event, and we have all the details on this must-attend show.
The location
Hosting the highly anticipated return of ConnexFM’s Mid-Year Conference is the stunning Irving Convention Center in Irving, Texas. This award-winning venue is known for its distinctive, eco-friendly design, and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows which flood the exhibition floor with natural light (and provide sweeping views of nearby Lake Carolyn). An exhibitor’s dream, the booths here are pre-set and completely turn-key — all you’ll need to bring is yourself. And no need to worry about keeping track of complicated venue maps and itineraries: After the Welcome Reception on Monday, everything takes place right on the exhibition floor to maximize ease and efficiency. A proprietary appointment-setting mobile app makes coordinating with other attendees seamless, helping you make the most of your time.
In your off-hours, enjoy the largest guest room accommodations in the Dallas area at the adjacent Omni Las Colinas Hotel, a 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice award-winner. A newly renovated outdoor pool and patio bar overlooking the lake makes a perfect location for winding down after an exciting day on the exhibition floor. And its location on the DART Orange Line gives you easy access to the Dallas area’s vast array of attractions and amenities, including a direct route to and from DFW airport, making travel a breeze.
Monday, October 17, 2022
Once you arrive at the Omni Las Colinas and complete your registration, you are invited to join the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for a “Y’all Belong Here Happy Hour” to learn more about their work and mission. The official Welcome Reception will immediately follow, with food, drinks and all of the stimulating networking opportunities you can expect from a ConnexFM event. The reception will be held outdoors and will overlook the beautiful canals in Las Colinas.
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
A full day of events kicks off bright and early with complimentary transportation to the Convention Center (available to all attendees both Tuesday and Wednesday) beginning at 7:30 a.m. Enjoy a fresh continental breakfast spread as the exhibits open at 9 a.m. and your facilities management colleagues begin to circulate through the hall.
At 10:30 a.m., ConnexFM is honored to present our first keynote address: Stephanie Stuckey, CEO of Stuckey’s will share her insights and experience as the head of America’s most iconic roadside candy and souvenir chain with her presentation, “Roadside Revival.” Before purchasing the company that was founded by her grandfather in 1937, Stuckey worked as a trial lawyer, served seven terms in Georgia’s House of Representatives, ran an environmental law firm, was appointed Director of Sustainability for the city of Atlanta and taught as an adjunct professor at her alma mater, the University of Georgia School of Law. This impressive breadth of experience is only the beginning of Stuckey’s journey to restore her beloved family business to prominence. You won’t want to miss this inspiring presentation—and make sure to stick around afterwards for her fireside chat with Bill Yanek.
After lunch and a lively networking competition, ConnexFM is delighted to welcome Garrick Brown, Retail Economist and Economic Forecaster, to the main stage at 1:30 p.m. Brown will explore the post-COVID restaurant and retail space rebound, illuminating both the opportunities and challenges facing the industry as consumers call for a return to normalcy. Learn where growth is expected and the implications for retail facilities from malls to outdoor shopping centers and every asset class in between.
From 6–8 p.m. participants are invited to grab a drink and head outdoors for a “Sip & Stroll,” the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and get to know your fellow attendees while enjoying sunset views of sparkling Lake Carolyn. This is a ticketed event, and tickets must be purchased in advance.
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
To begin your last day on a tranquil note, please join the Women in Action Committee for an hour of yoga, muffins and mimosas at the Omni from 6–7 a.m. Transportation to the convention center will begin shortly thereafter, and you will want to hustle to catch our final keynote speaker: Justin Forsett takes the main stage at 8 a.m. to address attendees with his inspiring presentation, “Greatness Grows Best in The Shadows: A Story of Perseverance and Hope.” The former Seattle Seahawk and Founder/CEO of Hustle Clean shares his unique story of perseverance and innovation both on and off the field.
Rounding out the morning, at 10:30am you are invited to participate in ConnexFM’s Around-the-Horn Roundtables, discussing current challenges, solutions and trends facing today’s facility management professionals. Come share your experiences and perspectives and learn from your industry peers in this unique forum for exchanging ideas.
Attend the ConnexFM Mid-Year Conference!
Booth sales for ConnexFM’s Mid-Year Conference are now available. Capacity is limited to 100 exhibiting companies. For more information on registration and exhibition, visit the event registration page or email sales@connexfm.com.