'25 Facility Management Workshop Sessions
Construction Documents 101: A Guide for Owners on Reviewing Drawings and Specifications
Breakout 1
Speakers
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Laurie Hoffman - Planning and Development Manager
Summary
Hiring outside consultants is a smart choice for large construction projects. However, it can be challenging to communicate with your staff and the public about whether the project will meet expectations. If issues arise, it’s important to explain why. As a licensed architect, I've observed that each consultant and design solution is unique, making management harder, especially with multiple projects or long gaps between them and possible staff turnover. Using real project examples, I aim to share insights that will help you ensure that by the end of the design process, you are confident that you've done everything within your power to help the project meet all its goals related to staff workflow, maintenance, and overall usability before it goes out for bid.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to...
1. Understand construction documents and how to read them.
2. Recognize differences and spot discrepancies between drawings and specifications.
3. Effectively communicate expectations and understand the role of third-party consultants.
Fitness Trends
Breakout 1
Speakers
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Mike Munson - Regional Manager
Summary
Discover the latest advancements in fitness trends, equipment innovations, and insights shaping the fitness industry. From cutting-edge equipment to evolving demographics, we'll delve into their impact on fitness routines and overall health. You'll gain actionable insights to stay ahead, leveraging these trends to enhance member retention and attract new clients.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to...
1. Examine prevailing and emerging fitness trends, their influence on workout routines, and their potential to shape the future of the fitness industry.
2. Explore recent advancements in fitness equipment—from traditional machines to functional training tools—and how they align with evolving member preferences.
3. Assess how industry trends and equipment innovations influence the design of fitness spaces and drive strategic decisions in fitness programming.
Developing Capital Projects: Building with the End in Mind
Breakout 2
Speakers
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Laura Rudow - Superintendent of Parks and Planning
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John Kramer - Director of Parks and Planning
Summary
This session explores best practices in the planning and development of capital projects, with a focus on the critical importance of early and ongoing collaboration with all departments impacted by the project. Participants will learn how involving both future end users, programmers and operational staff (e.g., maintenance, custodial, IT, facilities management) improves project outcomes, reduces long-term costs, and ensures functionality and sustainability over time. Using real-world examples, the session will highlight strategies for stakeholder engagement, communication planning, and aligning design with long-term operational needs.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to...
1. Identify the key internal stakeholders who should be included during the early planning stages of capital projects and explain their roles in shaping effective outcomes.
2. Evaluate how integrating input from both future users, program/rec staff and maintenance teams influences design decisions, long-term usability, and lifecycle cost savings.
3. Develop a framework for cross-departmental collaboration throughout a project’s development—from concept to completion—to ensure functionality, efficiency, and sustainability.
Emerging Sports: Pickleball
Breakout 2
Speakers
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Andrew Nelson - Athletic Supervisor
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Tim Beckmann - Division Director of Park & Facility Services
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Michael Contreras - Superintendent of Recreation & Revenue Facilities
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Michelle Kelly - Principal Landscape Architect
Summary
Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., presents exciting opportunities for recreation professionals and community leaders to enhance public spaces and foster stronger community engagement. As interest in the sport skyrockets, thoughtful site planning becomes essential to balance demand with noise concerns, parking, and integration into existing recreational infrastructure. Engaging with a range of consultants from acousticians to landscape architects can ensure that facilities are not only functional but also sustainable and community-friendly. This panel Q&A session will explore best practices for aligning pickleball facility development with community needs, strategic site selection, and the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, while allowing attendees to ask questions and share insights on real-world challenges.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to...
1. Understand how to involve residents and gather feedback throughout the planning process.
2. Learn key factors in selecting and designing suitable locations for pickleball courts.
3. Know when to bring in sound and traffic experts and how to use their findings effectively.
Lunch & Facility Tours
Lunch & Facility Tours
Summary
Lunch is included with in-person registration, and following lunch with be guided facility tours led by West Chicago Park District staff.
Harmonious Relationships
Breakout 3
Speakers
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Erin Chapa - Superintendent of Facility Operations
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Lindsey Robertson - Superintendent of Recreation Facilities
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Matt LaPorte - Executive Director
Summary
Creating harmonious relationships among recreation staff, parks staff, and maintenance staff is essential to delivering high-quality public spaces and programming. When these roles operate in sync, the result is a more efficient, responsive, and enjoyable experience for the community. This panel Q&A session will dive into strategies for fostering mutual respect, clear communication, and shared goals across departments. From understanding each other’s challenges to celebrating shared successes, we’ll explore how to cultivate a positive work culture that supports collaboration, reduces friction, and promotes professional growth across all levels of parks and recreation operations.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to...
1. Highlight tools or strategies used to ensure open and transparent communication between teams.
2. Explain how aligning team goals with overall organization objectives fosters collaboration.
3. Understand the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in collaboration.
Playground Maintenance and Management
Breakout 3
Speakers
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Brian McKenna - Superintendent of Parks
Summary
This course provides parks and recreation professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to ensure the safety, longevity, and community value of public playgrounds. Participants will learn to recognize common playground safety hazards and understand the critical role that consistent hazard identification plays in preventing injuries and maintaining compliance with safety standards. The class will cover the core components of an effective playground maintenance program, including routine inspections, detailed documentation, work order systems, and staff training protocols. In addition, the course explores strategic approaches to planning for future playground replacements, focusing on lifecycle assessment, budgeting, and engaging community stakeholders in meaningful decision-making. Designed for both maintenance personnel and recreation supervisors, this course promotes a collaborative approach to creating and maintaining safe, inclusive, and sustainable play environments.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to...
1. Recognize common playground safety hazards and explain the importance of consistent hazard identification by both parks maintenance crews and recreation supervisors.
2. Describe the essential elements of a playground maintenance program, including routine inspections, documentation, work order systems, and ongoing staff training to ensure safety and compliance.
3. Discuss strategies for planning future playground replacements, including lifecycle assessment, budgeting, and engaging community stakeholders in the decision-making process.
Superhero Service: Elevating Customer Service in Parks & Recreation
Closing Keynote
Speakers
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Hank Ebeling - Keynote Speaker
Summary
As a facilities professional, you’re not just operating buildings—you’re shaping the community’s experience. This dynamic session shows how embracing a 'superhero' mindset can turn everyday interactions into memorable moments that drive repeat visits, positive reviews, and long-term loyalty. Discover practical tools and leadership strategies that empower frontline staff to deliver standout service with consistency and confidence. Whether you're overseeing a bustling community center or a multi-purpose recreation complex, you’ll leave equipped to elevate your facility's reputation and create a culture where exceptional service becomes the norm.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to...
1. Discover Hank’s LTS framework for delivering consistent, superhero-level service at your facility.
2. Identify the two foundational elements needed to build a high-performance, service-first culture.
3. Uncover the #1 mistake facility leaders make with staff that can sabotage great service.
Post-Event Social
Social
Summary
Following the Facility Management Workshop will be a social at Hawthorne's Backyard, located at 1200 Hawthorne Lane in West Chicago.
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