Young FM Forum announces new chairman and seven events for 2008

27 March 2008

At its most successful event to date, the Young Managers Forum announced a fully sponsored programme for 2008 and a change at the top as Rebecca Bradley hands over chairmanship to Johan Vanlook.

The evening of Thursday 27th March saw the FMA's Young Managers' Forum host by far their most successful event to date in the formidable surroundings of the British Library in London. The event, generously sponsored by the YMF's Headline Sponsor ORACLE, reached it's maximum capacity with 80 people attending. John de Lucy, Head of Facilities at the British Library treated attendees to a tour of the public spaces, in particular a look around the King's Library.

Rebecca Bradley, Chair of the YMF gave an update on the Forum's achievements to date and further plans for 2008. This included confirmation that the YMF will be hosting a further 7 events throughout the year with venues and sponsors confirmed for all.

Rebecca also announced that after a year in the chair she would be handing over the reines to Johan Vanlook on 1st April 2008 and confirmed that Maryanna Camilleri would take the post of Deputy Chair for 2008 and Chair Elect for 2009. Vanlook expressed his thanks to Rebecca for her leadership and contribution to the YMF which she helped set up some 5 years ago and welcomed her commitment to stay on the committee for the foreseeable future.

ORACLE's representative Florian ........ took a few minutes to explained they believe supporting the FM Industry and the YMF in particular is of great importance to the continued development of their products.

Immediate Past Chair of the YMF and FMA Committee Member Jason Cousins was the main speaker for the event and lead the debate on "An FM's mid-life crisis". Topics discussed included the influence of technology on flexible working, qualifications versus experience and the benefits of networking. Twelve lucky contributors to the debate walked away with a mini MP3 player, courtesy of our sponsors, ORACLE.

The event also saw our youngest attendee to date, Josh Kirk. At just 19 years old, Josh expressed a vague interest in FM but by the end of the night he said he had never felt more at home in a professional group like ours and is now determined to move his career into the facilities sector. The YMF were also very happy to welcome a number of members of BIFM, including some Fellows of the Institute.

Before leaving the attendees to mingle, network and generally enjoy the surrounding, Rebecca Bradley commented that it was fantastic for the YMF to see soo many new faces and young people who are working in the industry. Rebecca also gave credit and thanks to Maryanna who was the main driver for organising this, the most successfull YMF event to date.

The YMF will be hosting it's next open invitation event at the Award Winning Head Quarters of EC Harris next to Kings Cross Station on Wednesday 7th May. With the Forum's growing success, you may want to put this date in the diary so you don't miss out!

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