Resource Package: ConnexFM2025 Conference & Event Education
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A package of educational components from ConnexFM2025.
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Contains 3 Component(s)
The asphalt paving industry faces mounting pressure to improve sustainability while maintaining performance. This session will explore how incorporating fibers into asphalt mixtures provides a promising solution for both environmental and functional enhancements in road construction.
The asphalt paving industry faces mounting pressure to improve sustainability while maintaining performance. This session will explore how incorporating fibers into asphalt mixtures provides a promising solution for both environmental and functional enhancements in road construction.Traditionally, asphalt relies on natural aggregates and petroleum-derived binders, which contribute to high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In response, the industry is seeking innovations to extend pavement lifespan, reduce resource consumption, and minimize maintenance.Fibers such as cellulose, glass, polyester, and synthetic polymers are increasingly used to reinforce asphalt mixtures. These fibers improve mechanical properties, reduce cracking, rutting, and deformation, and enhance load-bearing capacity. By extending the lifespan of roads, fiber-reinforced asphalt decreases the frequency of repaving, optimizes material use, and improves recyclability.The session will include case studies demonstrating measurable improvements in road performance and reductions in carbon footprint. Incorporating fibers into asphalt paving not only enhances durability but also contributes to sustainable construction practices, making it a key component in the pursuit of greener infrastructure.
Eric Faggioli
Presidetn
Delware Valley Paving
Eric is a third generation owner of Delaware Valley Paving. He has led the charge of Delaware Valley Paving becoming a leader in the National Construction space from their routes as a Philadelphia based regional paving vendor. Eric calls Pennsylvania home with his wife, two children and dog. He is a motor sports junkie with multiple hobbies for all seasons!
MIchael Craig
Vice President, Account Management
Delware Valley Paving
Michael Craig has spent the past 15 years in Account Management ensuring customer service, deliverables and deadlines expectations are exceeded. He's been with Delaware Valley Paving over the past 5 years, assisting with the growth from regional paving vendor to leading National Construction firm. At his home in New Jersey, you can find Michael spending time with his wife and dog or spending time on the rugby field!
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Futureproofing your organization's Facilities Operating Model, it is imperative to consider your ESG priorities and other market conditions, data, and AI strategy to operationalize and codify them into day-to-day operations and workstreams
Futureproofing your organization's Facilities Operating Model, it is imperative to consider your ESG priorities and other market conditions, data, and AI strategy to operationalize and codify them into day-to-day operations and workstreams. In this session, you will hear from corporate facilities leaders and industry experts to understand how organizations are taking a new approach to addressing gaps in their current operating models and defining new processes, integrations, and data governance strategies to create an agile operating model and the implications and benefits for their teams, and stakeholders in portfolio operations, the business and their field customers.
Tom Kay
Managing Partner
Efficio Advisors
Tom is a dynamic leader in the smart building industry. As Managing Partner with Efficio Advisors, Tom brings a deep expertise in smart technology and sustainability.
A passionate energy efficiency advocate and GreenTech evangelist, Tom advises startups and enterprise companies, guiding them toward innovative solutions. As a connector and business strategist, his strategic insight and mentoring skills make him a valued executive coach and board advisor.
Known as a smart technology “nerd” and PropTech tracker, Tom is a critical thinker and AI "geek" who does his best to stay ahead of industry trends. As an industry speaker, he inspires audiences with his vision for sustainable and smart building practices.
Maureen Ehrenberg
President, Commerical Division
Lessen
Former CEO and co-founder of Blue Skyre IBE, Maureen is an internationally recognized real estate industry business leader with over 35 years of experience in business process transformation, strategic positioning, and operations of large, complex portfolios. Before co-founding BSI, she was the Global Head of Strategic Real Estate Operations for WeWork. Her previous experience also includes being International Director and Global President of JLL’s Facilities Management Services, Global Head of Integrated Facility Management at CBRE, Executive Vice President of Grubb and Ellis Company and President and CEO of Grubb and Ellis Management Services, Inc. Ehrenberg was named a 2021 Woman y of Influence CRE Consultant/Advisor by GlobeSt.com and serves on several industry boards.
Joseph Allen
CEO/Founder
9 Foundations
Dr. Joseph G. Allen, DSc, MPH, CIH is Associate Professor and Director of the Healthy Buildings Program at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and CEO and Founder of 9 Foundations, Inc. He is the coauthor of Healthy Buildings: How Indoor Spaces Can Make You Sick—or Keep You Well. Dr. Allen serves on Harvard’s Presidential Committee on Sustainability, he keynoted the White House’s first ever Indoor Air Quality Summit, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, served as Commissioner of The Lancet COVID-19 Commission and Chair of its Safe Work, Safe Schools, and Safe Travel Task Force. In 2023, Allen was featured on the 60 Minutes episode, The Air We Breathe, spotlighting the value of healthy indoor air quality for virus mitigation. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers, and regularly contributes to the New York Times, Washington Post, Harvard Business Review and The Atlantic.
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The demonstration will cover the new emerging fire & life safety monitoring technology for facilities with Fire Pumps.
The demonstration will cover the new emerging fire & life safety monitoring technology for facilities with Fire Pumps. This technology allows for MSFM's to have an overview of all their connected systems while being able to manage them from afar and become alerted of critical conditions within those pump rooms within an instant. During the demo, we will get hands on with some of the different monitoring devices available within a fire pump room, and also walk through a live demo of the software installed in a real facility. This technology has just begun to make its way into the fire and life safety industry within the past few years & has quickly become a game changer for its users.
Seth Bays
Digital Sales Manager
Peerless Pump
Biography:
Seth Bays is the District Sales Manager on the FireConnect Digital Innovation team at Peerless Pump. He has joined the Fire Protection industry after a short career as a Mechanical Engineer post graduating from Purdue University. Seth is responsible in helping lead the digital innovation efforts at Peerless Pump through working with large key accounts and bringing industry advocacy for Smart Connected Fire Pumps. Although new to this industry, Seth brings a fresh perspective on smart devices and how they can be utilized within the pump room to provide useful data to the end user. Seth has a passion for new technology and helping bring it into full adoption within the Industry. -
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This session will highlight the importance of thoroughly reviewing insurance policies beyond just obtaining generic Certificates of Insurance (COIs) and licenses from suppliers.
This session will highlight the importance of thoroughly reviewing insurance policies beyond just obtaining generic Certificates of Insurance (COIs) and licenses from suppliers. Participants will learn to identify critical exclusions and exemptions that may leave suppliers uninsured for specific trades. We will discuss challenges faced in expanding our Preferred Partner network and explore strategies for mitigating risk by collaborating with insurance carriers to modify policy language.Additionally, we will cover varying insurance requirements across states, particularly in high-litigation areas like New York and Illinois, and outline the necessary documentation for onboarding partners in the U.S. Attendees will gain insights into effective insurance policy reviews and the key issues to look for, ensuring robust coverage for their supplier network.
Alicia Levy
Manager, Transformation and Corporate Strategy
Facility Plus
Alicia Levy graduated from Queen’s University Smith School of Business in 2019 with a Bachelor of Commerce with distinction and a Certificate in Law specializing in Corporate Law and a Certificate in Social Impact. Her time at Queen’s provided opportunities for both academic and personal growth. As the captain of the Queen’s Women’s Varsity Soccer Team, Alicia developed invaluable skills in leadership, teamwork, and perseverance, which continue to influence her approach to challenges. In 2023, she completed her Accelerated MBA at Ivey Business School, where she was awarded the Gold Medal for achieving the top rank in her AMBA class. This experience further deepened her passion for strategy and innovation while preparing her for greater leadership responsibilities.
Professionally, Alicia gained corporate experience in sales and marketing with Coca-Cola and Mondelēz International, where she honed her skills in strategy, client engagement, and business development. She has brought this expertise to her current role as an Executive and the Manager of Transformation and Corporate Strategy at her family business, Facility Plus. In this position, Alicia oversees operations across both the U.S. and Canada, with a focus on structuring, building efficiencies, and driving growth while maintaining a customer-first approach.
Alicia’s passion for giving back is reflected in her involvement with organizations such as CMHA’s Ride Don’t Hide, DHK Rally for Kids, and Facility Plus’s annual Holiday Hamper Program, among others. She also brings a global perspective, gained during her international exchange at the University of Western Australia Business School. Most recently, Facility Plus was honoured as the 2024 Connex Canadian Supplier of the Year, a testament to the company’s growth, commitment to service excellence, and the innovation and strategic vision that Alicia has helped shape
David Levy
President and CEO
Facility Plus
David Levy is the proud Owner, Founder, and President of Facility Plus, a prominent family-owned and operated facility maintenance and services provider across North America. Since 1987, David has grown Facility Plus into a leading facility services company, creating and offering a "one-stop shop" concept that enables clients to focus on their core operations while entrusting Facility Plus with their comprehensive facility requirements.
David’s leadership philosophy is grounded in understanding each client’s unique needs. His pledge to clients is to not only meet but exceed their expectations. Under his leadership, David ensures that Facility Plus delivers personalized, flexible, and responsive service, backed by over 38 years of industry experience. David's commitment to excellence is evident in his promise to personally address and resolve any customer concerns.
Facility Plus is built on key values that David upholds, such as prioritizing customers, fostering teamwork, empowering staff and technicians, and recognizing their contributions to build confidence and innovation. These values have helped establish a culture of excellence and dedication, which has made Facility Plus a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes.
David also holds several industry certifications, including Water Restoration Technician (WRT), Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD), Commercial Dry Specialist (CDS), Advanced Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT), Health and Safety Technician (HST), Fire Restoration Technician (FRT), Odor Control Technician (OCT), and Certified Commercial Maintenance Technician (CCMT).
Under David’s leadership, Facility Plus not only strives for customer service excellence but also emphasizes corporate citizenship by continuously making a positive impact in the community. His hands-on approach and entrepreneurial vision continue to drive the company’s growth and solidify its reputation as a leader in facility services.
Nicholas Zoppi
Director, Specialty Risk Services
Docutrax
Nicholas Zoppi is a seasoned insurance professional with over 15 years of experience, specializing in construction-related insurance risk management. He currently serves as the Director of Specialty Risk Services (SRS) at Docutrax, a leading third-party insurance compliance management firm. In this role, Zoppi oversees the SRS division, which assists general contractors, property owners, and insurers in identifying and addressing subcontractor insurance issues to minimize risk exposure.
Prior to his current position, Zoppi spent three years as the Senior Manager of Docutrax’s construction practice. His career also includes roles as an Account Manager at ADP, where he specialized in workers’ compensation policies, and as a Sales Agent with Liberty Mutual, focusing on personal lines insurance.
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Join us for an in-depth exploration of the A2L refrigerant transition for light commercial HVAC units. This session will cover the motivations behind the shift to A2L refrigerants, highlighting key differences between the new refrigerants and the current generation.
Join us for an in-depth exploration of the A2L refrigerant transition for light commercial HVAC units. This session will cover the motivations behind the shift to A2L refrigerants, highlighting key differences between the new refrigerants and the current generation. We will discuss the timeline for the implementation of mandates, changes to new equipment, and the implications for the HVAC and facilities industry as a whole.Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session at the end of the presentation, allowing for a thorough discussion of the future of HVAC technology and practices.
Ryan Stephens
Sr Account Manager – Key Accounts
Trane Technologies
Ryan joined Trane in 2008 and participated in the Graduate Training Program 2008-II after earning a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree at Auburn University. Ryan attained his LEED AP accreditation in 2009. Ryan has been in the HVAC industry for 15 years serving as an Applications Specialist, Account Manager, Regional Development Manager, and Project Engineer at a VA Hospital. His considerable experience with unitary and applied equipment gives him a unique perspective on how such applications affect the overall building systems in restaurant, grocery, healthcare and retail applications. Ryan is currently a Senior Account Manager with the Trane National Accounts Team working within several industries including QSR, Grocery/Supermarket, Small Box, Big Box, and many other Light Commercial Applications.
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This session will focus on the Lezak Recurring Cycle (LRC), a predictive weather model that provides invaluable insights into weather extremes months in advance. Attendees will learn how to utilize these forecasts to enhance staffing, supply, and demand assets, and help ensure safety across weather sensitive locations
If you knew, what would you do? Explore the transformative impact of advanced weather forecasting on multisite facilities management. This session will focus on the Lezak Recurring Cycle (LRC), a predictive weather model that provides invaluable insights into weather extremes months in advance. Attendees will learn how to utilize these forecasts to enhance staffing, supply, and demand assets, and help ensure safety across weather sensitive locations. We will share weather prediction examples and discuss the crucial role of precise weather predictions to help mitigate risks and maintain continuity as significant weather events create impacts.
Gary Lezak
Meteorologist and Founder
Weather 20/20
From his earliest memories, fascinated by clouds and storm systems in the calm weather climate of the western San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, Gary Lezak's passion for meteorology ignited at the tender age of five. This profound interest led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology at the University of Oklahoma, where a fortuitous break transformed an internship at a local Oklahoma City station into the launchpad for a distinguished 38-year career in television meteorology. Gary's career took a pivotal turn when he developed a groundbreaking scientific technology now utilized by businesses worldwide to harness accurate weather data for strategic planning and profitable decision-making. Weather 20/20, the enterprise Gary founded, stands at the forefront of this innovation, offering predictions that enable businesses to prepare for weather impacts weeks to months in advance, rather than just a few days. Over the past year, his technology notably predicted major hurricanes affecting the southeastern United States up to six months in advance, affirming its precision and reliability. Beyond his professional endeavors, Gary's life is rich with personal passions. An avid sports enthusiast, he fervently supports the Kansas City Chiefs. He is also an outdoor aficionado, frequently found enjoying nature with his two dogs. Committed to a healthy lifestyle, Gary dedicates time to working out and eating well, maintaining a balance that fuels both his professional productivity and personal fulfillment.
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ConnexFM2025 Session: Leading with Emotional Intelligence: The Key to High-Performing Facility Teams
This session will dive into how facility managers can use EQ to better understand their teams, resolve conflicts, and drive engagement.
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is one of the most powerful tools in a leader’s toolkit. This session will dive into how facility managers can use EQ to better understand their teams, resolve conflicts, and drive engagement. Attendees will gain practical skills in reading emotional cues, managing stress, and improving team morale through compassionate leadership.
Sherry Darden
Growth Strategist and Consultant
CIRSBY
Sherry Darden is owner and CEO of CIRSBY, LLC, a keynote speaking, training, and consulting firm helping companies connect their people, processes, and profit to a sustainable work culture.
Sherry, a Kansas City native, is a pioneering force in the ever-evolving culture quotient world. With over 21 years of experience as a coach and trainer, she brings 'Common Sense thinking' and applications to her client's solutions.
Sherry believes that you cannot nurture your profit without encouraging your people with professional development. For this very reason, this is why her focus has been on diversity, equity, and inclusion to create an impactful culture quotient.
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Contains 1 Component(s)
This hands-on demonstration with a 10-ton Rooftop Unit on-site will show the work involved in the replacement of condenser fan motors, compressors, blower motors, heat exchangers, and control boards.
HVAC repair is one of the largest expenses in a Facility Manager’s budget. Increases in parts and labor costs have been significant over the past few years and continue to rise, necessitating close evaluation of proposed replacement of major components.
This hands-on demonstration with a 10-ton Rooftop Unit on-site will show the work involved in the replacement of condenser fan motors, compressors, blower motors, heat exchangers, and control boards. Leak repairs will also be addressed.
Curt Picard
Vice President, Strategic Asset Management
Brinco Mechanical Management Services, Inc.
Curt Picard is a 40 year veteran in the HVAC industry and Vice President of Strategic Asset Management at Brinco Mechanical Management Services, Inc. He is a past PRSM Charter Member, formerly served on the Board of Directors and Advisory Board, and was the 2013 Vendor of the Year and 2019 Service Excellence Award winner. Curt has presented many educational sessions throughout his 25 years of active membership with the organization.
Ron Prager
Executive VP & COO
Brinco Mechanical Management Services, Inc.
Ron Prager is a mechanical engineer and a certified HVAC technician, and is currently the Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer of Brinco Mechanical Management Services, Inc. He is an industry expert with over 40 years of experience in the area of commercial HVAC repair, maintenance, and replacement. During Ron’s career, he has been responsible for the supervision of thousands of replacement projects and repairs. He has authored numerous published magazine articles and has developed more than 15 technical presentations for ConnexFM over the past 24 years. Ron is a past PRSM board member and past co-chair of the education and awards committees. He was also the recipient of the 2009 PRSM Vendor of the Year Award, the 2008 Service Excellence Award, and the 2024 ConnexFM Lawrence Whelan Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ken Pantin
Vice President
Blue Northern Air Conditioning, Inc.
Ken Pantin has more than 55 years in the refrigeration and HVAC industry. His knowledge and work have been from small window units to large 600-ton centrifugal chillers. After serving in the Air Force Ken worked as a technician for different companies in the greater Houston area, while teaching HVAC at the local community college at night.
In 1983 Ken and his Wife Sharon opened Blue Northern Air Conditioning, Inc., during this time operating the company Ken has multiple design build projects and assisted MEP’s on equipment design.
Ken and Sharon retired in 2002 and their Son Thomas Pantin has taken over the operation and management of Blue Northern. Ken has retired, but he is still assisting and consulting with Architects and Engineers on current projects.Ken was diligent in teaching hands on training classes to Facility Managers for ConnexFM in many states over the years.
Thomas Pantin
Vice President
Blue Northern Air Conditioning, Inc.
Thomas Pantin is the owner of Blue Northern Services LLC, with over 33 years of experience in the HVAC industry. Thomas is recognized on the national level with Facility Managers of his overall knowledge of HVAC, controls, air and water balancing, along with the ability to troubleshoot and solve the most difficult challenges.
Thomas started out as a helper, then a Service Technician, Service Manager and is now the Owner of Blue Northern Services LLC, holding a class A license in the State of Texas.
Thomas has factory training and is certified by the top HVAC manufacturers. He continues to enjoy educating Facility Managers with a hands-on approach in his presentations.
In 2002 Blue Northern was awarded Vendor and Educator of the year at the ConnexFM's National Convention. -
ConnexFM20205 Session: Master Workforce Strategies To Hire or To Outsource, What is the Calculation?
In this session, you’ll learn a practical formula to help you make the right choice for your facility by examining the key factors affecting both options beyond just surface-level costs.We’ll explore hidden expenses such as turnover, training, absenteeism, and supervision, using a real-world example from a 50,000 sq ft facility to compare labor efficiency, weekly cleaning costs, and fully burdened labor rates for in-house versus outsourced services.
Facility Managers often grapple with the decision to handle services in-house or outsource them. In this session, you’ll learn a practical formula to help you make the right choice for your facility by examining the key factors affecting both options beyond just surface-level costs.We’ll explore hidden expenses such as turnover, training, absenteeism, and supervision, using a real-world example from a 50,000 sq ft facility to compare labor efficiency, weekly cleaning costs, and fully burdened labor rates for in-house versus outsourced services. This analysis will illustrate how outsourcing can lead to cost savings and improved operational efficiency by reducing liability and minimizing overhead.By attending, you’ll gain insights into making informed, data-driven decisions that enhance productivity and reduce costs. Designed for Facility Managers and decision-makers, this session equips you to navigate workforce challenges and make smarter, more efficient choices for your organization.
Shawnee Driskell
Sales Marketing Proposal Manager
EcoBrite Janitorial Services and Floor Care
With over 40 years of management experience, Shawnee Driskell directs sales, marketing, and proposal initiatives at EcoBrite Janitorial Services and Floor Care. Her expertise lies in developing custom solutions for diverse clients and managing high-value partnerships with leading organizations, including APPA - Leadership in Educational Facilities, the Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA), Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI), ConnexFM Multi-Site Facilities Management, the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the LEED U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the NW Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), and World of Concrete.
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Join us to explore how Facility Managers can leverage data from Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) to make strategic, informed decisions that enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. This session will focus on transforming data into actionable insights, enabling a shift from reactive maintenance to proactive strategies that optimize energy use and improve asset performance.
Join us to explore how Facility Managers can leverage data from Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) to make strategic, informed decisions that enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. This session will focus on transforming data into actionable insights, enabling a shift from reactive maintenance to proactive strategies that optimize energy use and improve asset performance.Through a mix of technical insights, leadership strategies for data-driven decision-making, and firsthand experiences from industry experts, participants will engage in discussions on the future of facility management. Discover how to harness data to drive profitability, support sustainability efforts, and ensure a strong return on investment for energy management initiatives.
James Walton
Founder and VP of Product Commericialization
Entouch
As a Co-Founder of ENTOUCH, James has an entrepreneurial spirit paired with his experience as a multi-national sales and partner development leader. With several patents already, James is constantly on the lookout for ways to make facilities perform better and describes his work as “creative product solutions with a practical approach.” James has an Executive MBA from SMU’s Cox School of Business and enjoys educating others in smart building technology and energy management solutions. His hobbies include playing soccer, golf and spending time with his family.