ConnexFM 2026: Winning Plays and Waste Solutions in Orlando
– May 8, 2026 –
From April 19-22, the Quest team traveled to the sprawling Gaylord Palms in Orlando, Florida, for the ConnexFM 2026 National Conference. We arrived ready to talk about waste solutions, but we left with something much deeper. We left with a profound reminder of what community, enduring relationships and getting truly involved mean for our industry.
Here’s a look back at the insights, the energy and the unforgettable moments from an incredible week in Florida.
The Heartbeat of ConnexFM: The People
It’s easy to measure a conference by the numbers. We could talk about the record-breaking attendance, with more than 2,200 professionals walking the floors. We could mention the 600 first-time attendees stepping into this world with fresh eyes, or the 180 companies filling a completely sold-out exhibit hall.
But numbers only tell half the story. ConnexFM 2026 proved that the true heartbeat of this industry is the people. It was not just about the show, the booths, or the evening events. It was about celebrating relationships that have lasted decades and shaking hands with new partners who will help shape the next ten years. You could feel the momentum in every conversation. Multisite facility management is evolving, and the professionals driving it are eager to lead the transformation.
Coach K’s Playbook for Facility Leaders
The Preparation to Win
One of the most highly anticipated moments of the conference was the keynote address by legendary basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski. “Coach K” brought a quiet intensity to the stage, delivering a message that transcended sports and landed right at the core of facility operations.
“Everyone wants to win, yet few prepare to win,” he told the crowd.
Managing complex multi-site operations requires a winning strategy. Coach K reminded us that true leadership isn’t just about what you are doing—it is about why you are doing it. When you know your “why,” the long hours and complex logistical hurdles find their purpose.
The Non-Negotiables of Leadership
He challenged the audience to define their non-negotiables. For Coach K, those pillars are clear: values, respect, courage, a sense of service, integrity, and trust. He reminded us to simply show up, fully and completely, for our teams and our facilities.
Perhaps his most poetic insight was his view on setbacks. “Failure is part of the process, but never the destination,” he shared. In the unpredictable world of facility management—where equipment breaks, supply chains stall and storms hit—that perspective is a brilliant kickoff to navigating the modern operational landscape.
Hitting the Bullseye on Waste Solutions
Down in the bustling exhibit hall, the energy was electric. The Quest booth became a lively hub for conversations about the future of sustainability. We spoke with facility leaders from across the country about how strategic waste solutions can streamline operations, cut costs and hit sustainability metrics.
A Little Friendly Competition
Of course, we also believe that serious work requires a healthy dose of play. To break the ice and test our aim, we brought a dart board and some toy axes to the booth. Throwing toy axes between deep discussions on waste diversion rates brought out the competitive spirit in everyone. We shared laughs, cheered for bullseyes and proved that you can design complex recycling programs while still having a fantastic time on the exhibit floor.
A Masterclass in Innovation
When we stepped away from the exhibit hall, we soaked up the incredible educational tracks. ConnexFM intentionally designed the sessions this year, curating learning pathways that offered practical, immediately usable insights.
The industry is moving incredibly fast, and the education sessions reflected that urgency. We explored Emerging Technologies, diving into real-world applications of AI and automation for maintenance workflows. The Sustainability & Smart Systems track perfectly aligned with Quest’s mission, offering brilliant low-cost sustainability strategies and circularity planning. From Technical Foundations to The Evolving Professional, every track offered tools we could take straight back to our desks.
Looking Ahead to Next Year
As we packed up our booth and said our goodbyes to the Florida sunshine, we felt a deep sense of gratitude. ConnexFM 2026 was a vibrant celebration of human connection, forward-thinking innovation and the shared purpose of making our built environments better, smarter and more efficient.
We are already setting our sights on next year. The ConnexFM 2027 National Conference will take place from April 18-21 in National Harbor, MD.
Until then, let’s take Coach K’s advice to heart. Let’s prepare to win, let’s remember our “why” and let’s keep building a sustainable future together. We will see you in Maryland!
Note: All images above come courtesy of ConnexFM.