2021 Midwest Facility Masters Conference

Join us for the 14th Annual Midwest Facilities Conference providing Career Development, Continuing Education and Networking for School Facility, School Operations and School Business Professionals from throughout the Midwest.

The Midwest Facility Masters Conference provides Career Development, Continuing Education and Networking for School Facility, School Operations and School Business Professionals from throughout the Midwest.

See Keynote Speaker and former Green Bay Packer star player Jordy Nelson,  who will close out day two of the conference! 

Along with new trends and innovations in safety, security, facilities management and operations this year’s conference features sessions and keynotes on enhancing your leadership skills.

Additionally, you will want to visit the exhibit hall to learn about innovative new products and services available to improve efficiency, save your district money, and improve the learning environment for kids!

Learn from industry experts in over 60 sessions, with tracks on:
  • Workplace Culture & People Management
  • Leadership Skills
  • Safety, Security & Risk Management
  • Community Partnerships
  • Sustainability
  • Infrastructure Management
  • Long Range Facilities Planning
  • WASBO Facilities Manager Certification Sessions (Module 6 Leadership and Module 8 Business & Human Resources)
 
           
Certification credits are available from the following:
  • The Facilities Designation Program for Illinois
  • Wisconsin ASBO Facilities Manager Certification Program - Modules 6 (Leadership) and 8 (Business & Human Resources)
  • CEUs for Certified Plant Engineer (CPE)
  • CEUs for Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM)
  • CEUs for Certified Plant Supervisor (CPS)

Register today for this valuable learning opportunity – only $275 per person when you register by October 18 ($290 after)! Bring multiple attendees from your school district and save even more! Bring two or more from your school district, and all of your attendees save 10% on registration, making it only $255 per person ($260 after October 18). Register early to save!

Additional Materials and Information

 

Read the Memo from Mike Barry, WASBO Executive Director, Regarding COVID-19 Safeguards Issued 9/10/2021

 

Ensuring the Health and Safety of Conference Attendees - WASBO Safeguards updated 9/3/2021

As we prepare for in-person conferences, providing attendees and exhibitors with a safe and healthy learning environment is our top priority.  To do this well, all participants must follow the safeguards necessary for minimizing transmission of the COVID-19 virus, including the emerging Delta variant.Additionally, this will allow a lower risk of transmitting the virus to your family and community. The safeguards include the following:

Before the Event:

Get the vaccine. All registrants including guests and speakers will be required to provide proof of being fully vaccinated. You are considered fully vaccinated:

  • 2 weeks after your second dose in a 2-dose series, such as Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
  • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine

Prepare to attend by monitoring your fever or symptoms before the conference even if you are fully vaccinated.

Stay home if you have a fever or other symptoms even if you are fully vaccinated.

Stay home if you have a family member with COVID-19 even if you are fully vaccinated and follow CDC recommended precautions.

During the Event: 

Present proof of vaccination.

All attendees will be required to wear a mask indoors, with the exception of when actively eating or drinking, even if you are fully vaccinated. WASBO will provide a mask if you do not have one.

Practice physical distancing as required.

Follow the CDC’s guidance.

Please note that additional safeguards may be established based on CDC guidelines as the conference nears. If change is needed, this will be communicated in conference emails.

After the Event:

Monitor your temperature and symptoms to keep yourself and others safe.

To learn more about how the Kalahari is making changes to keep their guests safe, please visit:  https://www.kalaharimeetings.com/our-covid-19-response/

The Midwest Facility Masters Conference will provide school leaders and exhibitors with critical information and networking opportunities.  At this time, we are confident that participants can safely conduct an in-person conference with comprehensive COVID-19 safeguards in place and practiced by all who attend. We will continue to closely monitor the situation.

 



To register please sign in or click the create a new account link in the area to the right. If you have previously attended a WASBO or Midwest Facility Masters Conference, your User Name is your email address. If you are unsure of your password, click the Forgot My Password link to reset your password to log in.

Be sure to click the orange Save Responses button below before you Proceed to Checkout.

If the multi-attendee pricing option is selected erroneously (i.e. you are the only registrant from your organization), you agree to be billed for the difference in registration fees. Each individual from your organization will need to register separately. Individuals from vendor organizations not sponsoring or exhibiting at the Midwest Facility Masters Conference may register as attendees to participate in networking events and attend sessions; however, distribution of literature is not permitted. Contact WASBO at (608) 249.8588 or [email protected] for sponsorship information or to sign up to sponsor.

 

EXHIBITORS - please register each of your two included representatives per company below; you will each have to login or create an account to do so. If you will have more than two representatives, please make sure those additional reps use the registration option to be added. WASBO will monitor these registrations and charge for any representatives not included with your booth if they are not registered for properly.

When
11/1/2021 8:00 AM - 11/2/2021 3:00 PM
Central Daylight Time
Where
Kalahari Convention Center 1305 Kalahari Drive Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

Program

Sunday, 31 October 2021

Description
7:00 PM

Monday, 01 November 2021

Description
Time
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
7:00 AM
Time
7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
7:00 AM
Time
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM
First the Pandemic. Now the Sansdemic ("Sans" = without. "Demic" = people)! The talent shortage is real, not only skills but bodies, and it is crippling business growth. And yesterday’s recruitment and retention practices simply won’t work anymore! Employers have reached new levels of creativity and innovation in their search for talent. This event will enlighten you on: • The numbers behind the talent shortage: What are the underlying factors causing the great sansdemic? • Effective approaches to a positive Candidate Experience: How have employers changed their candidate experience to be faster, on brand, and candidate friendly? • A Winning Onboarding Experience: What are companies doing to re-engineer their onboarding process to ensure positive first, second and third impressions? • An Engaging Employee Experiences: Having secured people, how are they changing the employee experience to keep them engaged and motivated at work? • Top Ten Talent Attraction Strategies: Where in the world are they going to find talent?
Track
Workplace Culture & People Management
Time
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
9:15 AM
Life moves pretty fast...if you don't stop and take a minute to look around, you might just miss it! The world of school administration is fast past and incredibly demanding and this session is designed to share strategies to balance work & life. We will discuss how to handle the workload when things go sideways, and what positive outcomes can come when you put the focus on yourself (or in some instances, others). Through this session you will find some practical tips to engage your staff & district as well. This session was a bi-product of participation in the WASBO - Wally Zastrow Leadership Academy.
Track
Leadership
Time
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
9:15 AM
Track
Safety Security and Risk Management
Time
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
9:15 AM
Join your presenters for an overview of how you can use One Note to your advantage... and keep your desk a little less cluttered!
Track
Infrastructure Management
Time
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
9:15 AM
How to Truly Succeed with Energy Optimization, Energy Storage & Solar Projects. Energy efficiency projects are a proven way to save money and create resiliency. Scope can include high performance envelope, shading devices, building orientation, HVAC, building automation controls, lighting system design, renewable energy, microgrids and energy storage. Attend this session to avoid the pitfalls and learn the key factors for success.
Track
Sustainability
Time
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
9:15 AM
Construction Managers and General Contractors both bring different attributes to a construction project. Hear from a team that has completed projects together using both methods successfully to learn more about which method is right for you.
Track
Long Range Facility Planning
Time
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
9:15 AM
This facilities manager certification session will feature effective communications and interaction with the public. We will review the elements of effective communication and personal contacts, identify the key components to gaining trust and respect from others, and getting your message out and understood. We will also discuss ways to counteract misinformation and correct false rumors before they become widespread, as well as how to react to complaints about you and/or your staff.
Track
WASBO Facilities Manager Core Certification Module 6
Time
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
9:15 AM
Time
10:05 AM - 10:20 AM
10:05 AM
When planning for facilities, process matters. Your facility planning process should be intentional, seek clarity, instill confidence, and produce outcomes. This session will encourage a clear study objective, review a planning roadmap, and help you build implementation engines. Let’s plan for your next facilities plan, with purpose.
Track
Long Range Facility Planning
Time
10:20 AM - 11:10 AM
10:20 AM
Track
Safety Security and Risk Management
Time
10:20 AM - 11:10 AM
10:20 AM
Track
Community Partnerships
Time
10:20 AM - 11:10 AM
10:20 AM
Last February’s energy billing sent organizations into panic mode, including many school districts. Join the discussion as your presenters’ address the confusion of what happened February of 2021, energy purchasing, and what to expect as we move into winter.
Track
Infrastructure Management
Time
10:20 AM - 11:10 AM
10:20 AM
Wisconsin school districts spend more than $175 million a year in energy costs, exceeding the funding needed to cover textbooks and technological resources combined. After salaries and health benefits, energy costs are the largest operating expense for districts. This is why improving energy efficiency in schools should be a priority for all districts. Energy is one of the few costs that can decrease without negatively affecting education. Learn how FOCUS ON ENERGY® is helping Wisconsin school districts become more energy-efficient. This presentation will focus on practical energy management strategies districts can model to manage energy consumption while also having a positive effect on the community. Attendees will discover the steps to building a strategic energy plan, including setting energy-saving goals and developing and implementing an energy-saving plan to measure impact and success.
Track
Sustainability
Time
10:20 AM - 11:10 AM
10:20 AM
Facility Managers are being called on more than ever to present data related to facilities. From energy savings to customer satisfaction- this session will explore data that can be tracked and celebrated, as well as shared with your leadership team or school board. If it is worth doing....then it is worth measuring!
Track
Facilities Manager Core Certification Mod. 6
Time
10:20 AM - 11:10 AM
10:20 AM
Time
11:10 AM - 12:10 PM
11:10 AM
Time
12:10 PM - 1:10 PM
12:10 PM
Track
Workplace Culture & People Management
Time
1:10 PM - 2:00 PM
1:10 PM
Public Speaking - From a Kindergarten Class to Your School Board: How Not to Suck. Public speaking....one of our GREATEST fears! Up to 75% of the population experiences anxiety when it comes to speaking in front of an audience. In this session, we will learn effective tips and methods to improve our public speaking. Everything from making an introduction to structuring your talk. We will learn how to recover from a mistake, and techniques to ease your anxiety. Public Speaking is a critical component of our jobs and this practical session will empower you to sharpen your speaking skills.
Track
Leadership
Time
1:10 PM - 2:00 PM
1:10 PM
Everyone Wins: Partnerships Between Schools and Businesses that Benefit All. Educators seek authentic learning experiences for their students that connect what happens in the classroom with the world beyond. Administrators seek to build systems that increase student engagement and scale innovative practices to ensure that all students graduate ready for their futures. Employers seek opportunities to build their pipelines and nurture future employees with the skills and dispositions needed to drive the organization to the next level. In this session, learn about various ways that Pewaukee Schools are partnering with professionals and businesses to provide opportunities that are beneficial to all, enriching student learning while preparing the next generation for the world of work. Topics will include mentorship, internships, and project-based learning. Open and candid dialogue will focus on how to build systems that connect the school and broader community in ways in which everyone benefits.
Track
Community Partnerships
Time
1:10 PM - 2:00 PM
1:10 PM
The creation of cleaning solutions through the use of electrochemical activation technology provides the needed bridge connecting safe and effective. Learn about the technology, benefits and applications for your district's facilities.
Track
Infrastructure Management
Time
1:10 PM - 2:00 PM
1:10 PM
Splash & Trash: Improving the Management of Stormwater, Waste & Recycling. Join representatives from Waukesha County’s Land Resources Division to discuss 10 tips to increase the sustainability of school sites and facilities through improving water quality, waste disposal, and recycling. In this fast-paced session Jayne Jenks, Conservation Specialist and Analiese Smith, Recycling and Solid Waste Supervisor, will share ways to advance the way you handle stormwater and waste through operational, site, and contractual improvements.
Track
Sustainability
Time
1:10 PM - 2:00 PM
1:10 PM
Leadership is critical to the success of any organization. In this interactive session we will explore the philosophies and qualities of outstanding leaders. We will also examine ways to implement those strategies to become more effective leaders ourselves.
Track
Facilities Manager Core Certification Mod. 6
Time
1:10 PM - 2:00 PM
1:10 PM
Time
2:20 PM - 3:30 PM
2:20 PM
Multi-Generational Workplaces - Differences between Employee & Management Styles.
Track
Workplace Culture & People Management
Time
3:30 PM - 4:20 PM
3:30 PM
Community partnerships are critical in our schools today. We will examine a recently completed $4.8 million addition to Hamilton Elementary School in La Crosse. Over 50% of the project was paid for by community partners. We will follow the three year process from conception to completion of the project. Participants will gain an understanding of how our story developed and how you can build similar relationships in your community.
Track
Community Partnerships
Time
3:30 PM - 4:20 PM
3:30 PM
Shutting down a school takes more than turning off the lights, turning down the heat, and locking the doors. During this session you will learn what will be required to shutter a school, how to maintain the school while it is shut down, and what will be required when it is time to open the doors again.
Track
Infrastructure Management
Time
3:30 PM - 4:20 PM
3:30 PM
Track
Infrastructure Management
Time
3:30 PM - 4:20 PM
3:30 PM
Are you looking to advance in your career or receive recognition for the level of expertise you have achieved in your role? Hear how Illinois ASBO has partnered with AFE to bring facilities professionals internationally recognized certification programs that allow you to demonstrate your proficiency in the field of facilities and earn a certification to bring back to your district and put on your resume.
Track
Workplace Culture & People Management
Time
3:30 PM - 4:20 PM
3:30 PM
Bring your raffle tickets to see if you won a prize!
Time
4:20 PM - 5:30 PM
4:20 PM
Stop by for sliders, a corn hole tournament with prizes, and great networking with your peers!
Time
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
8:00 PM

Tuesday, 02 November 2021

Description
Time
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
7:00 AM
Time
7:00 AM - 2:45 PM
7:00 AM
Theater productions can only go on safely with proper safety guidelines in place.  Your position can assist in keeping students, staff and the public attending the production safe.  Risk prevention and control techniques can help prevent injuries from falls, building stage structures, flammables, electrocutions and concussions.
Track
Safety Security and Risk Management
Time
8:10 AM - 9:00 AM
8:10 AM
Track
Community Partnerships
Time
8:10 AM - 9:00 AM
8:10 AM
Sport surfaces and fields are critical to the operation of successful athletic programs. Learn how to manage different types of sports surfaces through effective field maintenance, aerating, seeding, fertilizing, top dressing, set-ups, and documentation. Artificial turf maintenance & product selection will be discussed.
Track
Infrastructure Management
Time
8:10 AM - 9:00 AM
8:10 AM
Maximizing Your Facility's Energy Savings in Preparation for Renewable Energy. Investing in solar has been slow to catch on in Wisconsin schools. However, as solar prices have decreased dramatically in the last 10-15 years, more schools are investigating the move to renewable energy. Making a facility as energy efficient as possible should be the first step before investing in renewable energy. Energy-efficient improvements can reduce utility costs and allow a facility to install a smaller solar array to support its building load. Learn how to prepare your facility for this type of installation by focusing on reducing energy consumption. Hear how the Mukwonago Area School District saved energy by incorporating a solar power system. This presentation will review the District's solar power dashboard to track electricity production and energy monitoring in real-time. In addition, FOCUS ON ENERGY® will touch on energy efficiency improvements, such as LED lighting and other upgrades to consider when integrating your facility with renewable energy systems.
Track
Sustainability
Time
8:10 AM - 9:00 AM
8:10 AM
Using ESSER Funds for Facilities Improvements: Construction from Start to Finish. Many Illinois schools have an unprecedented source of funding in ESSER grants. Using these funds for long overdue facilities improvements is one key approach. Learn from an experienced panel consisting of a SBO, former school board member and current construction manager/owner’s rep, school attorney and school architect about how to use these funds and how to run your construction project from start to finish.
Track
Long Range Facility Planning
Time
8:10 AM - 9:00 AM
8:10 AM
Everyone wants to do the right thing and act ethically. Is it really that simple? Join your presenters to discuss, “What would you do?” when applying ethics using real life experiences in the operations of your department and school district.
Track
WASBO Facilities Manager Core Certification Module 8
Time
8:10 AM - 9:00 AM
8:10 AM
Time
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
9:00 AM
“The Office” Building Relationships and Trust between the District Administrator, Business Manager and Facility Manager.
Track
Workplace Culture & People Management
Time
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
9:15 AM
Basic user functionality and registration process for Wisconsin Electronic Safety and Licensing Application (eSLA). Special focus will be on submitting the annual Injury and Illness Report.
Track
Safety Security and Risk Management
Time
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
9:15 AM
Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs have reemerged to provide career ready skills. This session will discuss how to shape and reinvigorate career readiness curricula in schools. The panel will discuss recent work to reintroduce CTE programs and create connections to students who may have been previously overlooked.
Track
Community Partnerships
Time
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
9:15 AM
One of the largest budget line items for school districts are the operating costs. Future forward teams are moving toward designing “Net Zero” schools, which are buildings that generate as much energy as they consume in one year. Join us for this case study about how FGM Architects helped River Trails School District 26 transform a 1966 school building into a high-performing Net Zero Energy Usage facility.This would be a panel of the buildings and grounds director, engineers, architects and the solar provider.
Track
Sustainability
Time
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
9:15 AM
With the on-going threat of school closures due to COVID, we will cover the means and methods that you can implement to adhere to CDC and ASHRAE guidelines for improved environmental occupant safety. From the basics of masks, sanitizing, and distancing; to an in depth review of building equipment improvements of ventilation, ionization, filtration, and ultraviolet lighting.
Track
Infrastructure Management
Time
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
9:15 AM
Construction Project Close Out-Don't Stop Short of the Finish Line!So much effort is given towards the first 95% of a capital project – securing the funding, hiring a design and construction team, managing the design process, getting plan approvals and building permits, overseeing the construction of the school, outfitting the building with furniture, fixtures and equipment, opening the school, and keeping your school board informed throughout the process. Too many times the last 5% of the project, those tasks that happen after substantial completion and opening the school, are either rushed, procrastinated or ignored. This session will help you better understand all of those tasks, how to accomplish them, and the benefits that completing them effectively can bring to you and your district.
Track
Long Range Facility Planning
Time
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
9:15 AM
Working with vendors - Contracts, bids, purchasing policies - RFPs - Communication Strategies - Different Levels of Management, Different Generations - Negotiation Practices Dos and Don'ts - Working with Municipalities & Local Government, Rec & Other Entitities (Facilities Contracts) - Working Your Way Up
Track
Facilities Manager Core Certification Mod. 8
Time
9:15 AM - 10:05 AM
9:15 AM
Time
10:05 AM - 10:20 AM
10:05 AM
This session will focus on the process of evaluating requests from staff, the community or PTO/booster clubs to do an activity. We will briefly discuss the risk management process and walk through a number of examples. This will involve group participation and analysis of any issues a participant may be currently facing. Examples to be evaluated include: - Helicopter landing at homecoming - Drone to record swimming stroke - Gaga Pit - should we have one - Car Smashing Fundraiser - Donkey Basketball - Gun Shows on school property - Motorcycle racing - Inflatables
Track
Safety Security and Risk Management
Time
10:20 AM - 11:15 AM
10:20 AM
Understanding the Difference between Residential and School Maintenance Projects - Communicating with your Board & Community
Track
Community Partnerships
Time
10:20 AM - 11:10 AM
10:20 AM
Learn how districts are leveraging their ESSER monies to not only improve air quality, but also reach sustainability goals and improve the health and life safety of their educational spaces.
Track
Infrastructure Management
Time
10:20 AM - 11:15 AM
10:20 AM
Every day we engage in numerous conversations, each which play important roles in shaping our expectations, relationships, and outcomes. Navigating conversations effectively can be tricky and it takes certain skills, such as social intelligence, courage, self-control, and even humility. We will explore examples and challenge our thinking around crucial conversations within the workplace.
Track
Facilities Manager Core Certification Mod. 8
Time
10:20 AM - 11:15 AM
10:20 AM
Time
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
11:15 AM
Learn about the importance of partnering with your local fire, police and EMS before an emergency happens. In addition, your presenter will discuss Incident Command, Safety Protocols, and including your local emergency responders in drills.
Track
Safety Security and Risk Management
Time
11:30 AM - 12:20 PM
11:30 AM
Deep dive in process for flooring selections, specification and gaining knowledge on the types of flooring and their ROI. Maintenance,installation and bidding is key to giving long term value and design inspiration. Environments for students can gain from healthy options, assist with COVID and hygiene.
Track
Infrastructure Management
Time
11:30 AM - 12:20 PM
11:30 AM
A Facility Condition Assessment is the first step towards developing a clear understanding of your buildings and provides critical information for identifying, planning, and budgeting for future repairs and maintenance. Learn how an effective Facility Condition Assessment cannot only help predict future funding needs but can help support and increase funding for the facilities. This presentation will focus on the most important aspects of an effective Facility Condition Assessment, best practices, common mistakes, some examples of assessments, and tips for implementing an effective and useful Facility Condition Assessment program.
Track
Infrastructure Management
Time
11:30 AM - 12:20 PM
11:30 AM
Help your School Board, Community and Administrative Team understand the need for the latest and greatest without underselling the long term impacts that coincide.
Track
Sustainability
Time
11:30 AM - 12:20 PM
11:30 AM
Learn from a panel of construction professionals including a CM/Retired School Board member, architect and school attorney about common construction project problems and practical solutions.
Track
Long Range Facility Planning
Time
11:30 AM - 12:20 PM
11:30 AM
Districts face many issues during an employee’s “life cycle” during the employee’s employment with a district. This session will cover the hiring of employees, transfers and changes of assignment, leave provisions and retirement issues
Track
Facilities Manager Core Certification Mod. 8
Time
11:30 AM - 12:20 PM
11:30 AM
Time
12:20 PM - 1:20 PM
12:20 PM
Time
1:20 PM - 2:20 PM
1:20 PM

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