By and large, trade shows present valuable opportunities for networking, exposure to new products and technologies, and just breaking free of the work routine to explore new places. They are offered in nearly every industry, and facilities management (FM) is no exception. Here are a few upcoming U.S. shows for Q4 2019 that decision-makers and vendors alike may want to include in their travel plans.

Facilities Management Summit Austin: Oct. 7-8, Austin, Texas. Two days of educational and networking opportunities in one of the trendiest cities in the Southwest. One-on-one sessions with solution providers can be scheduled strategically, in advance. Austin in October doesn’t work? No problem: The summit is presented twice per year, in rotating regional locations. An event in Phoenix is scheduled for Nov. 18-19; and in 2020, San Diego plays host to the event April 21-22 while Frisco, Texas, will be the site of the event from June 9-10. Cost: Free to qualified delegate attendees, defined as facilities decision-makers with projects in the pipeline who are actively sourcing solutions. Includes complimentary hotel accommodations and meals; capped at 50 attendees.

IFMA's World Workplace: Oct. 16-18, Phoenix. Conference and expo focused on improving processes, integrating technology, preparing for emergencies and more. Presented by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), the world’s largest organization of its kind with 24,000 members in over 100 countries. Held in a different city annually, the event has been happening for nearly 40 years; future conferences will take place in Chicago (Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2020), Anaheim, California (Oct. 20-22, 2021); Nashville, Tennessee (Sept. 28-30, 2022); and Denver (Sept. 27-29, 2023). Cost: Visit the website for the various levels of pricing available.

NFMT Orlando: Nov. 13-14, Orlando, Florida. The favorite destination of Disney aficionados hosts this companion event to the National Facilities Management and Technology Conference & Exhibition, which will next be held March 17-19, 2020, in Baltimore. Cost: Free to facilities managers and end users; $149 for non-exhibiting suppliers and vendors.

Facilities Management Summit Phoenix: Nov. 18-19, Phoenix. See info listed under Austin edition of the event, above.

ISSA Show North America Las Vegas 2019: Nov. 18-21, Las Vegas. Formerly known as the International Sanitary Supply Association, the 9,200-member strong ISSA is the leading trade association for the cleaning industry worldwide. The ISSA Show describes itself as “the one week when the entire professional cleaning industry comes together to learn and do business.” Over 700 exhibitors and over 16,000 attendees expected. ISSA member cost: $279 (early bird, through Sept. 17) to $379; $0 (early bird) to $100 for trade-show-only access.

Greenbuild International Conference and Expo: Nov. 19-22, Atlanta. The largest annual event for green building professionals worldwide focuses on resilience, sustainability and quality of life. The green aspect extends from show floor products and educational sessions to the way the event itself is produced: efforts include minimizing energy consumption, locally sourcing food and diverting waste from landfills. This year’s keynote address will be given by former U.S. President Barack Obama. Cost: Visit the website for the various levels of pricing available.