2024 Midwest Facility Masters Conference

Join us for the 18th Annual Midwest Facilities Conference providing Career Development, Continuing Education and Networking for School Facility, School Operations and School Business Professionals from throughout the Midwest.

 

What You Receive

This one-of-a-kind event offers new trends and innovations in safety, security, facilities management and operations. This year’s conference features sessions, a sold out exhibit hall, numerous networking opportunities, and keynotes on enhancing your leadership skills. Overall, the conference offers an experience with an eye towards networking, mentoring, finding solutions and leveraging change. First-Time attendees also can apply for an attendee scholarship!

Join Us as We Make the Most of Unexpected Adventures in School Facilities! After all, our jobs are stranger than fiction!

 

Early Bird Registration Through October 14

Register today for this valuable learning opportunity only $310 per person when you register by October 14 ($325 after)! Bring multiple attendees from your school district and save even more! Bring two or more from your school district, and all of your attendees save 10% on registration, making it only $280 per person ($300 after October 14).  Register below early to save!

 

Who Should Attend?

  • Facility Managers
  • Buildings & Grounds Supervisors
  • School Business Managers
  • District Administrators
  • Service Affiliates/Vendors

 

Professional Recognition
at the Conference 

Submit your nominations for all awards before September 20, 2024!

Conference Learning Tracks

  • People-Centric Facility Management
  • Leadership for High-Performance Facilities Teams
  • Workplace Safety and Resilience
  • Building Strong Community Partnerships
  • Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure
  • Sustainability and Circular Economy in Facilities
  • Strategic Facility Planning for the Future
  • Facilities Manager Core Certification Modules 3 & 4 (Environmental Health & Safety and Maintenance & Operations)

 

 

Be sure you hear from these experts:


October 28, 2024
"Unscripted: Real Life Facilities Management"
By MFM Co-Chairs Jeremiah Johnson, Andy Daniels & John Stangler
Our jobs as facilities leaders really are stranger than fiction. In this keynote, hear real life stories from your peers that will make you laugh, cry and motivate yourself to make the most of unexpected adventures in school facilities!




October 29, 2024
Erik Stolhanske

Erik travels the country as a public speaker in addition to a successful career in writing, acting, and producing. Born without a fibula, Erik overcame his disability to become one of Hollywood's most popular comedians and has surprised many of his fans with his appearance in the popular exercise program P90X. He is ready to tell his poignant, yet humorous story of overcoming adversity and persevering, even when the odds are stacked against you.

 

Additional Materials and Information

 

Please join us in giving back to the Kids in Need Foundation by bringing new school supplies or a monetary donation!

 

To register, please sign in or click the create a new account link in the area to the right. If you have previously attended a WASBO or Midwest Facility Masters Conference, your User Name is your email address. If you are unsure of your password, click the Forgot My Password link to reset your password to log in. Be sure to click the grey Save Responses button below before you Proceed to Checkout.

If the multi-attendee pricing option is selected erroneously (i.e. you are the only registrant from your organization), you agree to be billed for the difference in registration fees. Each individual from your organization will need to register separately. Individuals from vendor organizations not sponsoring or exhibiting at the Midwest Facility Masters Conference may register as attendees to participate in networking events and attend sessions; however, distribution of literature is not permitted. Contact WASBO at (608) 249.8588 or [email protected] for sponsorship information or to sign up to sponsor.

When
10/28/2024 8:00 AM - 10/29/2024 3:00 PM
Central Daylight Time
Where
Kalahari Convention Center 1305 Kalahari Drive Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

Program

Sunday, 27 October 2024

Description
Join us for yard games and Sunday Night Football. Reconnect with colleagues from previous conferences and meet new attendees at this networking opportunity, held in the Africa Foyer.
Time
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
7:00 PM

Monday, 28 October 2024

Description
Start your day with a hot breakfast and networking, then settle in to hear the General Session!
Time
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
7:00 AM
Time
7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
7:00 AM
Track
General Session
Time
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM
Time
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
9:00 AM
This presentation aims to demystify the custodial staffing benchmarking process by providing and analyzing new data sourced from reputable industry publications such as Cleaning Maintenance Management Magazine, School and University Magazine, and the recent Cleaning Costs and Frequencies Report. It will guide attendees through the intricacies of evaluating staffing benchmarks, adapting them to suit their specific building requirements, and leveraging data to advocate for additional staffing resources where necessary. By attending our presentation, facility directors will gain a deeper understanding of how to interpret and apply benchmarking data effectively within their departments. Armed with this knowledge, they will be better equipped to make informed decisions that optimize custodial staffing levels, enhance cleaning efficiency, and ultimately elevate the overall cleanliness and hygiene standards of their facilities.
Track
People-Centric Facility Management
Time
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
9:15 AM
From a designer who has worked with district across the nation and was part of a design team who experienced first-hand the tragedy of a school shooting – what are you planning for? The session will provide an opportunity to discuss the challenges of school design and managements regarding the most challenging of conditions and the perspective of teaching and learning.
Track
Total Workplace Safety and Resilience
Time
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
9:15 AM
Uniting Visions: Achieving Consensus for Long-Term Financial and Facility Decisions within Your School Board & Community. This is a comprehensive approach to fostering collaboration among school board members, administrators, teachers, staff, parents, and the broader community. This presentation emphasizes the importance of open communication, transparent decision-making, and inclusive planning processes to create a unified vision for the future. By aligning the diverse perspectives and priorities of stakeholders, you can develop sustainable financial strategies and facility plans that support educational excellence and community growth. Learning Objectives Key objectives include leveraging data-driven insights to inform decisions, engaging in proactive dialogue to address concerns, and building trust through consistent and meaningful engagement. Methodology Practical examples and case studies will highlight successful initiatives where consensus was achieved, leading to enhanced educational environments and community support. Ultimately, the presentation underscores that achieving long-term success in financial and facility planning requires a shared commitment to the collective goals and values of the entire school community.
Track
Building Strong Community Partnerships
Time
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
9:15 AM
What happens when you need to expedite your HVAC replacement over one summer versus two? Learn from Buildings and Grounds Directors and a Construction Manager about the "finer points" of acceleration. How can you utilize breaks and nights without wreaking havoc? What's "Plan B and C" if it all goes south?
Track
Strategic Facility Planning for the Future
Time
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
9:15 AM
Learn about the 20 components needed to have a successful safety program. Discover actual practices used by Wisconsin school districts.
Track
WI Facilities Manager Core Certification Module 3
Time
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
9:15 AM
Now is a great time to purchase your raffle tickets at registration so you are ready to see what prizes are available from participating vendors.
Time
10:05 AM - 10:20 AM
10:05 AM
The ever increasing role of a facility manager has grown to encompass creating a safety program that works to prevent employee injuries. This session will outline ways in which programs can be implemented in a way that creates buy-in, with the intent of creating a safe work place for all school employees. The session is presented through the lenses of a facility manager, risk manager and environmental manager.
Track
WI Facilities Manager Core Certification Module 3
Time
10:20 AM - 11:10 AM
10:20 AM
Track
Building Strong Community Partnerships
Time
10:20 AM - 11:10 AM
10:20 AM
Other a 30-year career, Troy has seen a lot of buildings and a few project disappointments. There are so many ways a project can become disasters and even more ways they can be successful. The session will provide opportunities to see and understand the challenges of design, maintenance and repairs while hearing about the lessons learned over the decade of working with school district across the upper Midwest and the nation.
Track
Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure
Time
10:20 AM - 11:10 AM
10:20 AM
Have you been considering geothermal in your district? Hear firsthand from the Sun Prairie Area School District about their experience with owning and operating multiple geothermal systems in their new buildings. Focus on Energy and HGA will also explore a feasibility study that was conducted to retrofit an existing building with a geothermal system. Attendees will take away ideas and considerations for utilizing geothermal systems in both new and existing facilities.
Track
Sustainability and Circular Economy in Facilities
Time
10:20 AM - 11:10 AM
10:20 AM
Hear how to keep on track and communicate your strategy to your district and build a solid roadmap for a successful 5 and 10 - year maintenance and facility plan. Get boots-on the-ground, real stories and examples of ways to use this tool to keep on budget and get stakeholder buy-in.
Track
Strategic Facility Planning for the Future
Time
10:20 AM - 11:10 AM
10:20 AM
Take this time to network with the over 130 exhibitors. Visit vendors and learn about their products and services then scan the exhibitor' QR Code to gain points in the Conference Game Zone on WASBO Go. Top winners will receive prizes. This is a great way to meet new vendors and broaden your network of resources!
Time
11:10 AM - 12:10 PM
11:10 AM
Continue your conversation with peers and exhibitors over lunch. Purchase raffle tickets at the registration desk and check out the prizes donated by exhibitors. You have ten tickets in your name badge to get you started! Proceeds help provide attendee scholarships for the 2025 Conference.
Time
12:10 PM - 1:10 PM
12:10 PM
Unlock the secrets to creating learning spaces that stand the test of time. Join us as we dive into the eight critical factors every school leader must consider when selecting modern school furnishings. From flexibility and durability to health and sustainability, this session will empower you to make informed decisions that enhance both student engagement and well-being. Don’t miss out on expert insights that will help you future-proof your school’s learning environments.
Track
Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure
Time
1:10 PM - 2:00 PM
1:10 PM
Our students' safety and security remains the top priority during all construction projects. Join architect Michael A. Hacker as he uses his 20 years of professional experience in designing schools to share what he's learned.
Track
Total Workplace Safety and Resiliency
Time
1:10 PM - 2:00 PM
1:10 PM
Time
1:10 PM - 2:00 PM
1:10 PM
Learn how schools are using energy data to save money on electric bills, balance budgets, and boost general fund balances. In the session, you will be taught how to read and understand electric utility bills. Case studies and real world examples of how schools are using energy data to save monthly on electric bills will be presented. New DPI approved programs will also be highlighted that enable schools to pay for electricity expenses out of multiple budgets and recover hidden costs of food service and third party facility usage. Business Officers and Facility Leads are encouraged to attend.
Track
Sustainability and Circular Economy in Facilities
Time
1:10 PM - 2:00 PM
1:10 PM
Category
Building Strong Community Partnerships
Time
1:10 PM - 2:00 PM
1:10 PM
Introduction to IEQ for the beginner and experienced facilities manager. It will include the components of a good IEQ program with school district examples.
Track
WI Facilities Manager Core Certification Module 3
Time
1:10 PM - 2:00 PM
1:10 PM
Winning Strategies for Complex Projects Details: Strategic & tactical recommendations to drive financial and operational success for Facilities including Long-Range Plans, Capital Project Funding, Property Purchases, Construction Budgeting, Staffing Planning & More.
Track
Strategic Facility Planning for the Future
Time
1:10 PM - 2:00 PM
1:10 PM
Saving district costs by creating employee wellness plans that work! SKY Schools offers breathwork and emotional regulation practices that can reduce health care costs, absenteeism, burnout and other challenges that districts face.
Track
People-Centric Facility Management
Time
1:10 PM - 2:00 PM
1:10 PM
Take this time to network with the over 130 exhibitors. Visit vendors and learn about their products and services then scan the exhibitor's QR Code to gain points in the Conference Game Zone on WASBO Go. Top winners will receive prizes. This is a great way to meet new vendors and broaden your network of resources! You also will want to purchase raffle tickets and drop your tickets before 3:30PM for the prizes you want to win. Prizes will be drawn during the last session and posted on WASBO Go in time for the Exhibit Hall Social. Keep your tickets. Any unclaimed prizes will be drawn at 5:15PM. You must be present to win.
Time
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
2:00 PM
A surprise partial-veto from Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers in the summer of 2023 gives school districts the ability to collect an additional $325 per student annually for the next 402 years. Evers expanded the additional revenue limit authority from 2024-25 in the budget passed last week by the Republican-led Legislature to 2425. Was the 400 years of school funding enough? For many districts, it might not be. Learn how to communicate the Wisconsin State Budget from the Facilities Perspective.
Track
Building Strong Community Partnerships
Time
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
2:30 PM
The topic and use of General Contractors, Construction Managers, and Cooperative Purchasing delivery method. Learn how to create a strategic facility plan with the right strategic partners. Hear from a school district, architect, and construction manager as they share best practices for success.
Track
Strategic Facility Planning for the Future
Time
2:30 PM - 3:20 PM
2:30 PM
New safety & security technologies is always emerging. Hear about the latest, including cameras and proximity access systems!
Track
Total Workplace Safety and Resiliency
Time
2:30 PM - 3:20 PM
2:30 PM
Track
People-Centric Facility Management
Time
2:30 PM - 3:20 PM
2:30 PM
Learn the latest tips and tricks when designing outdoor play & fitness sites to promote public health & equity.
Track
Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure
Time
2:30 PM - 3:20 PM
2:30 PM
Water quality is an ongoing concern for schools and municipalities. While school buildings get renovations when they wear down, water pipes and plumbing fixtures often remain untouched. If a municipal water system tests over the limit for contaminants, it directly impacts the local school. Water management plans are essential to mitigate the risk of PFAs/PFOs, lead, and legionella/bacteria. In this presentation, Lance Gregorich, CESA 10 Environmental Health and Safety Manager, and a DNR Water Quality Specialist will educate attendees on the various components of water management plans, including following state and federal regulations, forming beneficial relationships, performing system and equipment maintenance, documenting procedures, and implementing low-cost remediation methods.
Track
Sustainability and Circular Economy in Facilities
Time
2:30 PM - 3:20 PM
2:30 PM
This course will offer information on health effects and regulations on asbestos in schools. In addition, we will inform attendees the roles and responsibilities of the Asbestos Designated Person that every school district is required to appoint per the EPA-Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response (AHERA) rules.
Track
WI Facilities Manager Core Certification Module 3
Time
2:30 PM - 3:20 PM
2:30 PM
Time
2:30 PM - 3:20 PM
2:30 PM
Time
3:20 PM - 3:50 PM
3:20 PM
Change is both scary and exciting. Achieving successful designs for major renovations requires input from faculty and facility members utilizing these spaces every day. Fear of unknown or past experiences can undermine those efforts. This session will discuss how to effectively navigate those emotions to achieve enthusiastic buy in.
Track
Building Strong Community Partnerships
Time
3:50 PM - 4:40 PM
3:50 PM
Join us for an enlightening educational seminar on Educational Facilities Planning for K-12 Public Schools, hosted by the integrated design firm DLR Group. This seminar will feature two compelling case studies showcasing the planning process in action. With aging buildings, codes evolving, and educational models shifting, discover how to assess the needs of your facilities while effectively addressing the needs and desires of students and teachers. Learn strategies to coordinate and react swiftly, maximizing benefits while minimizing costs. Gain insights into the complexities of various stakeholders' concerns and learn how to navigate these nuances to achieve successful outcomes.
Track
Strategic Facility Planning for the Future
Time
3:50 PM - 4:40 PM
3:50 PM
Track
People-Centric Facility Management
Time
3:50 PM - 4:40 PM
3:50 PM
Track
Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure
Time
3:50 PM - 4:40 PM
3:50 PM
Focus on school building exterior envelope design and maintenance. The speaker will provide examples of problems caretakers may face related to the building envelop and how these problems can be dealt with. Construction specifications and design criteria to ensure quality construction will also be covered.
Track
WI Facilities Manager Core Certification Module 4
Time
3:50 PM - 4:40 PM
3:50 PM
Track
Total Workplace Safety and Resiliency
Time
3:50 PM - 4:40 PM
3:50 PM
Track
Sustainability and Circular Economy in Facilities
Time
3:50 PM - 4:40 PM
3:50 PM
Continue the networking with your colleagues and exhibitors. You have one drink ticket in your namebadge. Check WASBO Go to see if your red raffle tickets were drawn for the many prizes provided by participating exhibitors. Keep your tickets. Any unclaimed prizes redrawn at 5:15PM. You must be present to win.
Time
4:40 PM - 5:40 PM
4:40 PM
You are invited to the Tailgate to enjoy networking with peers, Monday Night Football and Corn Hole! Show your colors and wear your favorite sports apparel. There will be snacks, beverages, and prizes. A conference favorite you will want to attend!
Time
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
8:00 PM

Tuesday, 29 October 2024

Description
Join us for a full breakfast as we recognize our Supporting Facilities Cast Members of the Year!
Time
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
7:00 AM
Time
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM
Time
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM
9:00 AM
Long before the groundbreaking, school district construction projects come with thousands of decisions, including: • Picking the best contract type and taking control of terms and conditions • Weighing the pros and cons of different delivery models and risk-sharing strategies • Keeping projects on schedule and on budget, even with change orders • Completing contract requirements with a thorough understanding of maintenance and warranty liabilities. This session will cut through the confusion of construction contracts, highlight common provisions that put your district at a disadvantage, provide insights to put the district into a position of negotiation strength rather than capitulation, and discuss how to monitor your project from groundbreaking to close out.
Track
Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure
Time
9:10 AM - 10:00 AM
9:10 AM
Are there options other than using a Construction Manager for capital planning? Owner’s Representative (OR) may be an option that will allow solid planning while remaining flexibility with delivery options. An Owner’s Representative can bring all the planning benefits leaving all delivery options open. Objectively plan capital work allowing flexibility with using a General Contractor (GC) or Construction Manager (CM) for delivery. Keep the OR “in play” to hold the constructors accountable. Learn from an OR and a CM on the benefits of using an OR.
Track
Strategic Facility Planning for the Future
Time
9:10 AM - 10:00 AM
9:10 AM
Track
Building Strong Community Partnerships
Time
9:10 AM - 10:00 AM
9:10 AM
Installing solar panels on your building is great for sustainable energy, yet it can cost you more money than it saves if installed improperly. This session will focus on what you need to know about your roof and building envelope before installing solar panel systems by answering four important questions.
Track
Sustainability and Circular Economy in Facilities
Time
9:10 AM - 10:00 AM
9:10 AM
Learn how to develop and implement an effective Preventative Maintenance program, starting from scratch, to a finished, working program.
Track
WI Facilities Manager Core Certification Module 4
Time
9:10 AM - 10:00 AM
9:10 AM
Track
People-Centric Facility Management
Time
9:10 AM - 10:00 AM
9:10 AM
In a world where juggling work, family, and personal well-being feels like a high-wire act, join Josh for an insightful session that challenges the myth of 'doing it all' alone. Discover practical strategies and inspiring stories that emphasize the power of community, collaboration, and self-care in achieving true life balance. Whether you’re striving for harmony in your career or seeking personal fulfillment, this session offers valuable insights and actionable steps to help you thrive, not just survive."
Track
Leadership for High-Performance Facilities Teams
Time
9:10 AM - 10:00 AM
9:10 AM
Time
10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
10:00 AM
Track
Sustainability and Circular Economy in Facilities
Time
10:10 AM - 11:00 AM
10:10 AM
What keeps you up at night? • Best Practices and Lessons Learned • List FOUR o Referendum preparation – Steps to a successful capital referendum o Budget – How to come up with a realistic plan and number that will gain community support and help achieve long term facility goals. o Value engineering – It’s about more than cutting costs. Leveraging value engineering for favorable outcomes. o Schedule and Cost control – Managing unknowns and the unexpected. • How to innovate and communicate to make the building process fun Case study Sample that reflects our solution is pre planning and experience. • Long range master plan • Communications/ Referendum success • Team approach • Community Campaign • Telling your story • Support district with collateral materials • Value beyond building o Mentoring ACE o Student engagement at all grades o Jobsite tours o Youth Apprenticeship opportunities o Career exploration, etc.
Track
Strategic Facility Planning for the Future
Time
10:10 AM - 11:00 AM
10:10 AM
Discussion of the development of a comprehensive roof management program utilizing a combination of visual assessments and internet based technology to track costs, extend the service life of your roof and plan for replacement.
Track
WI Facilities Manager Core Certification Module 4
Time
10:10 AM - 11:00 AM
10:10 AM
This session is aimed for cleaning professionals and senior operations and finance leadership. Attendees will come away with a greater knowledge of why the trend toward autonomous cleaning continues to accelerate and applications where this technology has proven effective. Of course, not all applications are a good fit for autonomous cleaning. The session will also offer some practical tips that managers can use to boost productivity in floor maintenance even when autonomous cleaners are not the best option.
Track
Sustainability and Circular Economy in Facilities
Time
10:10 AM - 11:00 AM
10:10 AM
In order to lead, it's important to understand the reason people chose the path they are on, and perhaps more importantly, what makes them stay on a path or change it. Hear from a seasoned panel of leaders about effective strategies for maximizing the potential of your team. Panelists will discuss understanding your employees' needs and provide you with ideas to help motivate and inspire staff to do work work more than just adequately because want to and not because they have to.
Track
Leadership for High-Performance Facilities Teams
Time
10:10 AM - 11:00 AM
10:10 AM
Time
11:00 AM - 11:10 AM
11:00 AM
Track
Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure
Time
11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
11:10 AM
Join us for a breakout session where Syed Suhail, Trane Regional Intelligent Services Manager, delves into the transformative potential of data in the realm of building management. In his talk, "The Power of Data: How Building Analytics Can Drive Decarbonization in School Districts," Suhail will explore the critical role that advanced analytics play in reducing carbon footprints and enhancing energy efficiency within educational institutions. Drawing from his extensive experience in intelligent services and building systems, Suhail will provide valuable insights into how school districts can leverage data-driven strategies to achieve their sustainability goals. Attendees will learn about the latest innovations in building analytics, real-world case studies of successful decarbonization efforts, and practical steps for implementing these technologies in their own facilities.
Track
Sustainability and Circular Economy in Facilities
Time
11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
11:10 AM
How many times have you borrowed someone’s RFP and just changed the dates and some other information not really knowing what information is important and why. In this session we will dissect an RFP. We will walk you through the parts and discuss the advantages and disadvantages and what can help you get the results you are looking for. Your input and questions are especially important for not only you but others in the session.
Track
Strategic Facility Planning for the Future
Time
11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
11:10 AM
There are many areas of functionality provided by the control system of a building. This session will cover building automation systems such and HVAC, Access Control & Security, CCTV, and Lighting Controls and will cover the Pros and Cons of systems integration and the increased efficiencies that can be achieved with integrated systems.
Track
WI Facilities Manager Core Certification Module 4
Time
11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
11:10 AM

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