2026 Global Facility Management Trends, Challenges and Opportunities

What will facility management look like in 2026, and how does that future differ across regions?'In this episode of the Connected FM podcast, host Wayne Whitzell, Second Vice Chair of IFMA’s Global Board of Directors, is joined by IFMA Global Board of Directors Chair Christa Dodoo and facility management leader Maria Gonzalez-Burgos for a global conversation on the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the profession worldwide. The conversation examines how technology adoption, workforce skills, and leadership expectations are evolving differently across regions, while reinforcing the universal importance of soft skills, data, and strategic thinking as FM professionals prepare for 2026 and beyond.00:00 Introduction01:28 Meet the Hosts and Guests04:19 Global Trends in Facility Management05:46 Regional Insights: Africa and Middle East10:44 Regional Insights: Latin America16:02 Challenges and Opportunities in Facility Management22:44 The Future of Facility Management39:02 IFMA's Role in Global Facility Management44:22 Conclusion Connect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobalVisit us at https://ifma.org