No matter where you work or what your responsibilities are, proper communication always requires an effort. Let’s face it, it’s not easy. And believe it or not, this is just as true for people as it is for technology. Have you ever been a part of a multi-faceted operational, design, construction or maintenance project and experienced the mysterious disappearance of vital bits of information? Sometimes it feels like the children’s game known as telephone.

The National Institute for Building Sciences (NIBS) and buildingSMART Alliance want to help fix that problem. These organizations have been instrumental in promoting a new facilities management communications protocol called the Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBIE).

COBIE is a universal, computerized system of data entry to integrate the documentation involved in all stages of a commercial building and/or maintenance project -- from the design plans to operations manuals. COBIE uses internationally recognized standard and data definitions requirements. It can save you money by strengthening communications and solving the all-too-common problem of fragmented documentation throughout project management and execution.

I’m excited to announce that NFMT is one of only a few limited venues across the country that was chosen by NIBS and the buildingSMART Alliance to host the COBIE Challenge. The event, which will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, puts suppliers and users of the application to the test in a live competition, which is open and free to all registered attendees. The challenge will demonstrate how CMMS, CAFM and CADD programs handle facility data in a real-world, real-time environment. (Vendors interested in participating in the COBIE Challenge at NFMT 2009 can contact Bill Brodt at NIBS/NASA: WBrodt@nasa.gov or 202/358-1117.) 

So join us on March 11 for this fun and informative event – and be prepared to hang up on the old telephone game and enjoy a new way to streamline your project management mandates.

For more information about COBIE, visit:

• More about the NFMT COBIE Challenge
• Whole Building Design Guide
• AIA Edges News
• The New Daedalus 
   

With just over 90 days before the most robust learning event for facility professionals, it’s now time to make your plans.  Online registration is now open for this completely FREE event.  

Look at all the great offerings we have planned for next NFMT.  With 100+ education sessions and an exhibit hall featuring four expositions in one – NFMT offers the best return-on-investment for facility professionals.

Register now so you can plan your educational itinerary and determine which of the 500 leading product/service suppliers you want to visit on the exhibit floor. 

There are many resources available on this Web site. As we anticipate record-breaking attendance again next year, be sure to utilize the travel section to make your hotel and air/car rental reservations with NFMT discount pricing.

We’re excited to bring together facilities professionals from across the country, along with the industry’s foremost speakers and suppliers. And as always, NFMT is FREE to all attendees.  Be sure to check the site regularly to stay abreast on new events and features planned for NFMT next spring.

Register today and we’ll see you March 10-12, 2009!

Warren Buffett recently wrote a recent New York Times op-ed titled, “Buy American. I am.” In it, he advised: “Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful.” This is a savvy investment strategy -- one that obviously works for the world’s most wealthy businessman.

I’m not one to tell others to be “greedy” necessarily, but I do think members of the facilities management community face a prime investment opportunity right now. What better time to make an investment in yourself, your organization and our industry?  It is a great time to invest in ourselves with professional development,  creativity and a determination to work even smarter. Whether it’s a matter of evaluating best practices and overhauling operations for maximum efficiency or making investments in new products and solutions today that will benefit your facility long-term, the time to do so is now … especially while the daily news has stopped us in our tracks.

Think of NFMT as your investment vehicle. Unlike Wall Street, NFMT guarantees high-yield returns on your investment, which is actually free. At NFMT you get access to the country’s top facilities experts who arm you with out-of-the-box thinking and problem-solving skills to help you run your buildings like well-oiled machines. You also get the advantage of an insider’s view of the latest products and services for leading suppliers from around the world in the Expo Hall. And don’t forget the valuable networking opportunities. You never know where a handshake at NFMT can lead. All these returns boost your bottom line and make you a more valuable facilities management professional.

Buffett’s strong words about the state of the economy were all positive -- instructing us to look for opportunity in a time when others might go dark. It’s smart business to do so to seek advantages right now. The difference between the opportunities and investments Buffett is referring to and NFMT? With NFMT there’s no risk. Only gains. In fact, your greatest risk only exists if you don’t join us in Baltimore next March. See you there.