Recorded live at The Workplace Event in Birmingham 2026, this EuroFM Podcast episode gives the next generation of facility management professionals a voice. Host and EuroFM Board Member Marlinda Dressen-Rog is joined by facility management students Izabelle Lodge and Renske Philipsen, and young professional Billy Wilson, for an open conversation about what young people expect from their future careers and workplaces.

Together, they explore why sustainability and mental wellbeing are no longer optional extras, but essential parts of a modern working environment. They discuss the importance of connection in an increasingly hybrid world, the role of employers in helping young professionals grow, and why clear development opportunities can make the difference between retaining talent and losing it.

The episode also looks at the transition from education to employment. How can universities better prepare students for the realities of the workplace? Why are practical projects and real-life assignments so valuable? And how can organisations recognise the fresh perspectives that young professionals bring to facility management?

From career expectations and workplace culture to the visibility and future appeal of the FM profession, this conversation offers valuable insights for employers, educators and anyone interested in shaping the workplaces of tomorrow.

Watch this episode here.

Live from the Workplace Event at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, host Vera van de Loo speaks with EuroFM chair Natalie Hofman, facilities manager Sarah Orpwood, and FM consultant Bernard Crouch about what sustainability really means in facility management.

The conversation goes beyond carbon reduction, focusing on behavior change, employee experience, and the urgent need to grow FM knowledge through training, events, and shared best practices.

They explore real-world challenges such as confusing recycling rules, contaminated waste streams, limited UK recycling capacity, and the huge amount of construction and fit-out waste that still lacks proper reuse solutions.

The panel also looks at how suppliers can be pushed further through tenders with rising recycling targets, why waste-to-energy should be avoided where possible, and how collaboration between FM, HR, environmental teams, and external partners can support social sustainability through mobility plans, inclusive workplace policies, and practical facilities like showers and drying rooms.

They end with a clear message: sustainability education must become essential, and lasting progress depends on stronger stakeholder involvement and empowered employee champions.

Three leading facility management associations come together for one powerful conversation. In this special EuroFM podcast episode, live recorded from the EuroFM Conference in Trondheim, leaders from EuroFM (Natalie Hofman), IWFM (Andrew Hulbert) and IFMA EMEA (Lara Paemen) share their perspectives on the future of facility management and the growing importance of collaboration across borders.

As the FM industry continues to evolve rapidly, driven by topics such as technology, sustainability, wellbeing and hybrid work, the need for international cooperation has never been greater. In this discussion, the panel explores how associations can support professionals at every stage of their careers, from students to experienced leaders, and how knowledge sharing between regions strengthens the entire industry.

The conversation highlights:
• Why collaboration between FM associations is essential
• The role of knowledge exchange and global best practices
• How FM differs across regions and what we can learn from each other
• The importance of lifelong learning and professional development
• How associations attract and support the next generation of FM professionals
• The power of partnerships, networks and volunteering

With decades of combined experience, this panel offers valuable insights into how the FM community can move forward together, beyond borders and beyond competition.

Watch this episode here.