Today’s workplaces and commercial environments are transforming rapidly, driven by technology, data, and rising expectations for healthier, more efficient spaces. This ISSA session brings together forward‑looking professionals and innovators to explore how smart cleaning solutions and human‑centered design are reshaping the modern facility.
Through four concentrated micro‑sessions, participants will gain insight into the tools, trends, and strategies redefining facility management. From digital training and predictive cleaning to wellbeing-focused innovations, this program offers a clear view into what the future of smart, connected workplaces looks like.
What’s included:
Join us to explore how emerging technologies, smarter processes, and a people‑first mindset are shaping the workplaces of tomorrow.
Organised by ISSA.
AI & AR in Cleaning Operations
Workforce Training in the Digital Age (Panel)
Discover how cutting-edge digital training solutions, including VR, AR, and multilingual AI, are transforming workforce development in the cleaning industry. This session introduces the challenges faced by today’s diverse and understaffed teams and demonstrates how immersive technologies build essential skills in chemical safety, equipment use, and hazard recognition. Learn how augmented reality delivers real-time, on-the-job guidance, while AI-powered tools offer multilingual support and instant feedback. Explore a real-world case study highlighting measurable improvements in safety and performance, and get practical tips for deploying and selecting the right tools for your organization.
Smart Buildings, Smarter Facilities: How to Prepare for What’s Next
What does “smart building” really mean—and how do you get ready for it? This session cuts through the buzzwords to show where smart technology delivers real value today, how to prepare teams and buildings for integration, and how to move forward with confidence into predictive, data-driven facilities (without the overwhelm).
Ergonomics & Wellbeing at Work
This session will explore innovative strategies and practical solutions to enhance the well-being of cleaning professionals. Participants will gain insights into effective tools and best practices designed to promote health, prevent injuries, and foster long-term workforce retention in the cleaning industry.
About Lara Paemen
Lara Paemen is the Managing Director of IFMA EMEA (International Facility Management Association), where she leads the organization’s strategy and activities across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. She also serves on the IFMA EMEA Board of Directors.
With a background in interior design and a Master’s degree in International Business, Lara brings over 18 years of experience as a strategic workplace consultant and change manager, working with organizations across Europe before joining IFMA.
She is a sought-after speaker at international conferences and a recognized voice in the facility management and real estate industries, frequently featured in leading FM and workplace publications worldwide.
About Jill Frey
Jill Frey is a trailblazer in smart building technology and AI-powered facility management. As CEO of Cummins Facility Services, she has redefined what’s possible in the cleaning and maintenance industry by integrating AI, IoT, and data-driven insights into everyday operations.
She is also the founder of Facility Data Standard (FDS) and FacilityGenius, and the visionary behind FacilityInSites, a platform that transforms buildings into intelligent, responsive environments through automation, robotics, and analytics.
Jill’s work sits at the intersection of technology and human innovation—shaping the future of how facilities think, communicate, and perform.
About David Swindle
David Swindle II, is a nationally recognized cleaning industry strategist and educator with more than 30 years of experience spanning janitorial operations, distribution, manufacturing, training, and consulting. He serves as the Director of Education, Training, and Field Services at ISSA, where he leads the association’s comprehensive portfolio of industry advancing programs. In this role, David oversees ISSA’s CIMS assessor program, global consulting services, and all education and training initiatives, ensuring they align with best-in-class standards and deliver measurable impact for organizations across the industry. This work includes guiding national operational assessments, developing advanced training frameworks, and strengthening quality assurance systems grounded in the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) advancing programs. In this role, David oversees ISSA’s CIMS assessor program, global consulting services, and all education and training initiatives, ensuring they align with bestinclass standards and deliver measurable impact for organizations across the industry. This work includes guiding national operational assessments, developing advanced training frameworks, and strengthening quality assurance systems grounded in the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS). advancing programs. In this role, David oversees ISSA’s CIMS assessor program, global consulting services, and all education and training initiatives, ensuring they align with bestinclass standards and deliver measurable impact for organizations across the industry. This work includes guiding national operational assessments, developing advanced training frameworks, and strengthening quality assurance systems grounded in the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS). -advancing programs. In this role, David oversees ISSA’s CIMS assessor program, global consulting services, and all education and training initiatives, ensuring they align with best-in-class standards and deliver measurable impact for organizations across the industry. This work includes guiding national operational assessments, developing advanced training frameworks, and strengthening quality assurance systems grounded in the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS).
About Dirk Tuip
From elite sports to tech innovation, Dirk Tuip’s journey is one of resilience. After a career-ending injury as captain of the Netherlands' top handball team, Dirk spent five years in the cleaning industry before founding FacilityApps. Today, the platform serves over 600 companies and 40,000 daily users. With a recent expansion into the UK and the acquisition of VR-training pioneer Cleaning Workx, Dirk continues to lead the digital shift. He also serves as Chairman of H20 Esports Campus and Board Member of the Facility Data Standard.
