NFMT East Brings Facilities Professionals Together in Charlotte

Annual conference highlights industry collaboration and growth opportunities for facility managers

Mar. 20, 2026 at 12:00am

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The annual National Facilities Management and Technology (NFMT) conference took place in Charlotte, North Carolina for the first time, bringing together facilities professionals from across the industry to share best practices, discover new technologies, and network with peers. The event featured educational sessions, an expo hall showcasing the latest industry products, and opportunities for attendees to learn from experienced facility managers.

Why it matters

NFMT has been a leading event for the facilities management industry for over 20 years, providing a platform for professionals to come together, collaborate, and advance their careers. The Charlotte location marked the first time the East Coast edition of the conference has been held outside of Baltimore, expanding its reach and impact.

The details

The NFMT East conference in Charlotte featured a range of educational sessions and networking opportunities for attendees. Highlights included a general session with Charlotte Hornets facility executives discussing arena operations, an expo hall showcasing the latest industry products and technologies, and a "Women Who Make It Work" panel highlighting the perspectives of female leaders in facilities management. Attendees also had the chance to tour the NASCAR Hall of Fame and participate in interactive experiences during the opening night welcome reception.

  • NFMT East took place in Charlotte, North Carolina from March 20-22, 2026.
  • NFMT West will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 3-4, 2026.
  • NFMT East will return to Baltimore, Maryland on March 31 - April 2, 2027.

The players

Dave Lubach

Chief editor for Facilities magazine.

Donna Julian

Facility executive for the Charlotte Hornets.

Ronnie Bryant

Facility executive for the Charlotte Hornets.

Gretchen Catlin

Chief facilities and general services officer at University of Maine System.

Tahja Ingram

Facilities program manager at Tuskegee University.

Paula Murphy

Business development administrator at Supreme Maintenance Organization.

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What they’re saying

“We enjoyed bringing the NFMT East experience to Charlotte. The energy at the show was inspiring to our staff, which savors the opportunity to meet our readers and learn from them and the exhibitors about the latest facilities management trends, and also have a little fun while doing it.”

— Dave Lubach, Chief editor for Facilities magazine

“One of the highlights for me was attending the Women Who Make It Work panel and hearing different perspectives from women across the industry. Many of the conversations touched on challenges that extend beyond one field, from equal pay to ensuring our voices are heard and having opportunities for leadership. It was also great to see a few men in the room supporting the conversation. Moments like that matter. It was refreshing to hear honest experiences and realize how many of us are navigating similar paths.”

— Jennifer Flamenco, Key account manager, Metro Compact Service Inc.

What’s next

NFMT East will return to Baltimore, Maryland on March 31 - April 2, 2027, and NFMT West will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 3-4, 2026.

The takeaway

The NFMT East conference in Charlotte demonstrated the value of facilities management professionals coming together to share knowledge, discover new technologies, and build connections within the industry. The event's focus on collaboration, career growth, and addressing industry challenges resonated with attendees and highlighted the continued importance of events that bring the facilities management community together.