For Ireland's FM industry

Where facilities management meets what's next.

One day in Dublin for the people who run, service and shape Ireland's buildings and workplaces — as FM steps up from operational support to a strategic, technology-driven, people-focused driver of the business.

DateWednesday 4 November 2026
VenueCrowne Plaza, Santry
Time9:00 – 15:00
Book Now → Supplier? Get in touch →

Final Chance to Save — save €100 · ends 23 October 2026

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Keynote

Setting the tone.

The opening address — a senior industry perspective that frames the day ahead.

Áine Mulcahy
Keynote Speaker

Áine Mulcahy

Managing Director

OCS Ireland

A member of the OCS UK & Ireland Executive Committee, Áine brings more than 20 years of senior leadership across facilities management, security and support services. She leads the OCS commercial business across the island of Ireland, delivering Total Facilities Management solutions to public and private sector clients, and is a passionate advocate for people development — mentoring future leaders while driving high standards of service delivery.

Speakers

First on the stage.

Senior voices from across workplace, facilities and the built environment — taking the stage across the four themes.

Fionnuala Byrne
Just Announced

Fionnuala Byrne

GM, Real Estate & Workplace Services, EMEA

Google

Over 20 years in FM and workplace services, leading Google’s real estate and workplace services across EMEA. EuroFM Ambassador for Ireland and an IWFM committee member, she received the FM Leader Award in 2019 and the Women in FM Legacy Award in 2025.

Vincent Hickey
Just Announced

Vincent Hickey

Director

Aramark Property

A Chartered Surveyor (MRICS, MSCSI) with over 40 years in Irish commercial property, specialising in development projects, office management and sustainability. Past chair of the Irish Property & Facilities Managers Association and the SCSI Property & Facilities Professional Group, and Leader in FM 2024.

Maeve Boland
Just Announced

Maeve Boland

Facility Manager

Gilead Sciences Ireland

An experienced facilities and operations professional with an Executive MBA, Maeve manages soft services contracts and improvement projects supporting Gilead Sciences. Previously General Services Manager with Sodexo at DePuy Synthes, she led a team of more than 70 and managed a €2.2 million budget.

Conor Cooney
Just Announced

Conor Cooney

Workplace and FM Consultant

Arup

Leads Arup’s Assets and Operations service across Europe, with over 25 years in workplace and facilities management, asset management and operational advisory. He established Arup’s Workplace & FM consultancy in Ireland and is the current Chair of IWFM Ireland.

Alex Magee

Alex Magee

Programme Chair, Facilities & Building Services Management

ATU Sligo

A Fellow of the IWFM with three decades across FM, building services and asset management, Alex leads ATU Sligo's honours degree in Facilities & Building Services Management — connecting academic learning with professional practice.

John Cunniffe

John Cunniffe

Head of Operations and Facilities

Maples Group

A strategic FM leader with broad international experience across multi-site portfolios, critical infrastructure and complex real estate operations. A judge for FM Awards Ireland, John has contributed to the development of international FM ISO standards and asset management frameworks.

John Smith

John Smith

Sustainable Infrastructure & Facilities Manager

An Post

Manages An Post’s national estate of around 180 properties and more than two million square feet, from the GPO to Mail Centres and the EXO Building headquarters. He began as an electrician with Guinness before moving into FM with Vector FM. FM Leader Award winner in 2021, he led the SEAI Sustainability Team of the Year in 2023.

Stuart McIntosh

Stuart McIntosh

Managing Director

Walkair Ireland

A workplace and facilities management leader with over 25 years’ experience, recognised for customer-focused solutions that enhance operational performance and employee experience. He champions operational excellence, sustainability and the integration of new technology in the building lifecycle.

Mary Banks

Mary Banks

Office Facilities Manager

Tirlán

Leads workplace strategy and office operations at Tirlán, with over 20 years in facilities and workplace management. Through her leading role in its award-winning Smart Workplace Programme she connects design, digital innovation and workplace data to enable hybrid working — rethinking the office as a place people choose to use.

Ronan McDonnell

Ronan McDonnell

Operations Director

SOS Group

Over 30 years in customer service and facilities management, MBA-qualified with specialist management diplomas. He has led major commercial, corporate and retail contracts and large multidisciplinary teams, with significant mobilisations across the UK and Ireland. His focus is service transformation, client partnership and continuous improvement.

Julie Nicholson

Julie Nicholson

Bid Director

Bidvest Noonan

Leads a team of bid professionals shaping strategic solutions for major public and private sector opportunities. More than 20 years in facilities management, focused on where people, technology and operational excellence meet. Ireland’s first Purple Tuesday Ambassador and Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year 2024.

Gar Holohan

Gar Holohan

Founder and Executive Chairman

Aura Holohan Group

Founder and Chair of the Aura Holohan Group, the largest operator and employer in Ireland’s health and fitness industry, with 18 leisure centres under management. A Fellow of the RIAI, he chaired the International Union of Architects’ working group on sport and leisure and advised government on sport and tourism for 25 years.

Narcisa Popovici

Narcisa Popovici

HR Director

Aura Holohan Group

Leads the people strategy at Aura Holohan Group, with over 14 years in senior HR leadership across the leisure, healthcare and facilities management sectors. Under her leadership Aura was named a Great Place to Work® Best Workplace in Ireland 2026 and achieved Investors in Diversity accreditation.

Next reveal More Speakers — coming soon Further names taking the stage across the four themes.
Announcing soon
Advisory Committee

Shaping the conversation.

Senior FM leaders and industry voices are shaping the programme — making sure every session earns its place on the agenda.

Alex Magee

Alex Magee

Programme Chair, Facilities & Building Services Management

ATU Sligo

A Fellow of the IWFM with three decades across FM, building services and asset management, Alex leads ATU Sligo's honours degree in Facilities & Building Services Management — connecting academic learning with professional practice.

Eileen Slamon

Eileen Slamon

Property & FM Leader

Formerly LinkedIn & Bank of Ireland

More than 20 years in property and FM at Bank of Ireland and LinkedIn — from delivering Dublin operations to leading workplace and food programmes across EMEA. Recipient of the FM Leader Award in 2022.

Fionnuala Byrne

Fionnuala Byrne

GM, Real Estate & Workplace Services, EMEA

Google

Over 20 years in FM and workplace services, now leading Google's EMEA real-estate and workplace strategy. EuroFM Ambassador for Ireland, IWFM committee member and a passionate mentor of emerging FM talent.

John Cunniffe

John Cunniffe

Head of Operations and Facilities

Maples Group

A strategic FM leader with broad international experience across multi-site portfolios, critical infrastructure and complex real estate operations. A judge for FM Awards Ireland, John has contributed to the development of international FM ISO standards and asset management frameworks.

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Part of something bigger

You'll be in good company.

This conference is brought to you by BusinessRiver — the team behind the Facilities Management Awards, Ireland's leading platform for facilities management since 2014, alongside the Fit Out Awards, Green Awards and Irish Construction Industry Awards.

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Partners & Suppliers

Get involved at FM Today and Tomorrow 2026

Companies that supply products or services to the sector partner with us rather than attend as delegates. Tell us about your business and we'll be in touch about exhibiting, sponsoring or supporting the conference.

Become a partner →

The awards & events behind the community

Facilities Management Awards
Facilities Management Awards UK
Women in FM Awards

Our Partners & Supporters

In partnership

The organisations behind the conference.

Collaboration Partner – Gold

Ryans Cleaning

Ryans Cleaning is an award winning, commercial cleaning provider headquartered in Thurles, County Tipperary. Proudly operating as a female-led organisation, this family-owned company has delivered commercial cleaning services across Ireland and the UK since 1985.

The company’s success is deeply rooted in the values of commitment, care, and quality, mirroring the ethos upheld within the Ryan family home. These principles guide us to create pleasant, healthy, and safe environments for our clients, treating each venue or building as if it were our own.

www.ryanscleaning.com

Conference Strategic Supporter

Zeelo

Zeelo is the all-in-one provider for group transportation, delivering fully managed shuttle programs that combine technology, operations, and vendor management into one simple solution. Leading businesses such as Amazon, UPS and ISS trust Zeelo for their employees commute every day.

zeelo.co

Supported by

Amárach Research

Amárach Research is Ireland's leading market research consultancy and provides detailed analysis of consumer and business trends to Ireland's blue-chip companies. In uncertain times, Amárach Research provides the insights that give a firm foundation on which to base key investment and purchase decisions. Amárach's Chairman Gerard O'Neill is a member of IBEC's Sustainable Enterprise Committee and has co-authored several studies and reports on business and economic trends in Ireland.

Brought to you by

BusinessRiver

BusinessRiver is the B2B events company behind Ireland's industry awards and conferences, including the Facilities Management Awards, Women in Facilities Management Awards, and the Facilities Management Awards UK. It engages a community of more than 24,000 professionals across Ireland and the UK.

20Speakers
4Themed Sessions
1Day, Dublin
The programme

Hour by hour.

Keynote, presentations and panels across the morning and afternoon.

Introduction

9.00 – 9.30

Registration

9.30 – 9.40

Chair welcome

  • Eileen Slamon, Property & FM Leader, Formerly LinkedIn & Bank of Ireland
9.40 – 10.00
Opening Keynote

The strategic rise of facilities management: from operational support to organisational influence

Facilities management has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. Once viewed primarily as an operational function focused on buildings and services, FM is now playing an increasingly strategic role in organisational performance, workplace experience, sustainability and business resilience. This opening keynote will explore the forces driving that shift, from Covid and changing workplace expectations to technology, ESG and growing stakeholder demands. The session will set the scene for the day by examining how FM’s influence is expanding and what this means for the future of the profession.

  • Áine Mulcahy, Managing Director, OCS Ireland
10.00 – 10.15
Presentation

Design today, manage tomorrow: how building design shapes facilities management

The decisions made during building design and construction can shape facilities management for decades to come, influencing everything from maintenance access and equipment reliability to energy performance, operational costs and sustainability. This presentation explores why FM expertise needs to be brought into the conversation much earlier, ensuring buildings are designed not simply to look and perform well at handover, but to remain practical, adaptable and cost-effective throughout their operational life. It will examine how greater collaboration between designers, contractors and FM teams can improve maintainability, reduce lifecycle costs and ultimately create buildings that work better for the people who manage and use them.

  • Alex Magee, Lecturer, Atlantic Technological University
Session 1

Technology, AI and the intelligent workplace

10.15 – 10.30
Presentation

Beyond automation: how AI, data and smart technologies are reshaping FM

From predictive maintenance and intelligent building systems to AI-assisted planning and operational analytics, technology is changing the way facilities are managed. This session will explore how leading organisations are using AI, IoT and data-driven insights to improve efficiency, optimise assets and enhance workplace performance. The presentation will separate practical reality from industry hype and examine where the greatest opportunities lie for FM leaders today.

  • Speaker to be confirmed
10.30 – 11.15
Panel discussion

From smart buildings to smart decisions: what will technology mean for FM?

Technology promises significant benefits, but how far can automation go in a people-focused profession? This panel will explore the real-world impact of AI and digitalisation, the challenges of implementation, data governance, cybersecurity and the skills FM teams will need to thrive in an increasingly connected environment. Panellists will discuss how technology can support better decision-making while ensuring that human expertise remains at the centre of the workplace experience.

  • Moderated by Eileen Slamon, Property & FM Leader, Formerly LinkedIn & Bank of Ireland
  • Stuart McIntosh, Account Director, Workplace EMEA and LATAM, JLL
  • Julie Nicholson, Bid Director, Bidvest Noonan
  • Patrick Crawford, Business Development Manager, SOS
11.15 – 11.45

Refreshment break

Session 2

Workplace experience and the future of work

11.45 – 12.00
Presentation

Creating workplaces people want to use

The role of the workplace has fundamentally changed. In a world of hybrid working, organisations can no longer assume that employees will automatically come into the office. This session will explore how workplace expectations have evolved and what organisations are doing to create environments that foster collaboration, culture, wellbeing and productivity. From hospitality-inspired services to smarter space utilisation, the presentation will examine how FM is helping shape the future workplace experience.

  • Narcisa Popovici, HR Director, Aura Holohan Group
12.00 – 12.45
Client-side FM panel discussion

What is the purpose of the office today?

As organisations continue to navigate hybrid working models, questions remain about the role of the office, employee expectations and the value of in-person collaboration. This panel will discuss the challenges and opportunities of the modern workplace, exploring how organisations can balance flexibility with culture, support employee wellbeing and create spaces that people actively choose to use. The discussion will consider whether the workplace is evolving from a place of work into a destination for collaboration, connection and innovation.

  • Moderated by Eileen Slamon, Property & FM Leader, Formerly LinkedIn & Bank of Ireland
  • John Cunniffe, Head of Operations and Facilities, Maples Group
  • Mary Banks, Office Facilities Manager, Tirlán
  • Maeve Boland, Facility Manager, Gilead Sciences Ireland
12.45 – 14.00

Lunch break

Session 4

Leadership, talent and skills in an age of change

14.00 – 14.15
Presentation

From service delivery to strategic partnership: the changing role of the FM leader

Client expectations of FM are changing — and so is the role of those leading its delivery. This session explores how FM leaders can move beyond managing contracts and services to become trusted partners who understand organisational priorities, anticipate needs and influence decisions.

  • Ronan McDonnell, Operations Director, SOS Group
14.15 – 15.00
Leaders panel

Leading through uncertainty: the future of facilities management

Bringing together senior FM leaders and award-winning practitioners, this headline discussion will explore the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the profession over the next five years. Topics will include AI and technology, workplace transformation, sustainability, talent and skills, regulation, stakeholder expectations and organisational resilience. The panel will provide strategic insights from leaders at the forefront of the profession and examine what successful FM leadership will look like in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing environment.

  • Moderated by Eileen Slamon, Property & FM Leader, Formerly LinkedIn & Bank of Ireland
  • Gar Holohan, Founder and Executive Chairman, Aura Holohan Group
  • John Smith, Sustainable Infrastructure and Facilities Manager, An Post
  • Vincent Hickey, Director, Aramark Property
  • Conor Cooney, Workplace and FM Consultant, Arup
  • Fionnuala Byrne, GM, Real Estate & Workplace Services, EMEA
15.00 – 15.10

Chair’s closing remarks

Speakers and timings are subject to change.

Inside the room

Where the community meets.

A working room of leaders, teams and partners — the panels, the questions, and the networking that make the day.

Photographs from the recent BusinessRiver conference.

In their words

Recent conference experiences.

“Having a forum like this where everybody can share their views, brainstorm and problem-solve together — it's a great opportunity.”
June KohHead of Workplace & Transformation (EMEA)
“A wonderful mix of delegates and speakers, everyone bringing their own perspective. Great engagement — and we've moved beyond trends, we're looking to the future.”
Colin FalconerAssociate
“We all have the same challenges and the same opportunities. Platforms like this are a great chance to meet up and collaborate head-on.”
Graham O'DonnellFounder & Design Director

From the BusinessRiver Fit Out Conference.

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This conference is for organisations directly responsible for managing, operating or maintaining facilities, either in-house or on behalf of clients. Suppliers should complete the Partners & Suppliers form to discuss Supporter options with our Partnerships team.

Built for
In-house FMPublic Sector & Estates HealthcareHigher Education Commercial Real Estate
FM & Workplace DirectorsHeads of Estates Property & Building ManagementEnergy & Sustainability ProcurementHealth, Safety & Compliance