Swiss FM Day 2026
Thursday, 17. September 2026
Papiersaal & Folium in Zurich
Following the successful premiere of Swiss FM Day on September 18, 2025, at the breathtaking Millennium in Crissier Lausanne, we are now moving to the industrial-rustic, heritage-listed Papiersaal in Sihlcity, in the heart of Zurich. The contrast couldn’t be greater, but that’s exactly what makes our new Swiss FM Day event series so special. No two editions will be the same, constantly evolving, trying new things – that’s what IFMA Switzerland stands for – and that’s why we launched the annual Swiss FM Day event series.
Program
08:00 – 09:00 • GA IFMA Switzerland
(for members)
[Folium]
Shortened general assembly before Swiss FM Day.
08:30 – 09:50 • Admission and networking café
[Papiersaal]
Opportunity for networking/visiting exhibitors over coffee and croissants.
10:00 – 10:15 • Opening of Swiss FM Day 2026, Nicole Berchtold, Michael Bürki & Thierry Huggler
Opening of Swiss FM Day 2026
[Folium]
Welcome by Nicole Berchtold, moderator.
Introduction by Michael Bürki, Co-President IFMA Switzerland and Thierry Huggler, Executive Board IFMA Switzerland.
10:15 – 10:55 • Opening Keynote "FM Beyond Walls", Dr. Matt Tucker
Opening Keynote incl. Discussion
[Folium]
“FM Beyond Walls”: This presentation challenges FM professionals to look beyond organizational boundaries and consider the social realities of the communities that interact with, work in, and live around the facilities they manage. FM Beyond Walls reflects a shift in mindset: from FM as a purely operational discipline, to FM as a strategic contributor to place-based social value.
Dr. Matt Tucker, Director of Research, IFMA EMEA.
11:00 – 11:30 • "The next generation of office space concepts.", Prof. Dr. Lukas Windlinger Inversini
Presentation
[Folium]
The next generation of office space concepts. The further development of activity-based office concepts: sufficient, adaptive, inclusive, and team-oriented working environments.
Prof. Dr. Lukas Windlinger Inversini, IFM ZHAW, Wädenswil.
11:40 – 12:10 • Panel discussion - “Inclusive, inspiring, and productive working environments – what does that mean in concrete terms?”
Panel discussion
[Folium]
“Inclusive, inspiring, and productive working environments – what does that mean in concrete terms?”
With representatives from research and teaching, practice, FM, architecture, and HR, featuring Dr. Matt Tucker, Director of Research, IFMA EMEA, Prof. Dr. Lukas Windlinger Inversini, Sandra Gauer, Gauer Consulting, Mona Hepp, autismus schweiz, Kira Bloem, Canton of Aargau, and Nicole Berchtold, moderator.
12:15 – 13:20 • Networking Lunch
[Papiersaal]
Opportunity for networking/visiting exhibitors during a standing lunch.
13:35 – 13:50 • Presentation CBRE, Gold Partner
Presentation CBRE
[Folium]
tbd
14:05 – 15:20 • Breakout Sessions 1-4
Interactive formats with short presentations, case studies, and group discussions, advance registration required, first come first served:
- Session 1 [Folium East]: Presence Is a Lever – Not a Strategy: AI is transforming individual productivity, and hybrid work has changed where we work — but few organizations have redesigned how we work together. Organizations still reward physical presence while ignoring collective coordination, so the debate stays on “how many office days?” The remedy is to deliberately design fluid coordination, natural interaction and offices that truly support teamwork.
Moderated by Martin Bonny, Senior Consultant and Adrien Rospabe, Head of Consulting Aremis. - Session 2 [Folium Stage]: Autism spectrum in the workplace: Opportunities for innovation and teams. Exchange on specific tools and methods for making work environments more inclusive, diversity-friendly, and productive.
Moderated by Mona Hepp, autism switzerland.
- Session 3 [Folium West]: Green Workplace by Design: How sensor technology and IoT are making the office world more sustainable.
Moderated by Leonz Korner and Stefan Landolt, thingdust. - Session 4 [Folium South-East]: Reverse panel with young professionals: Young professionals, students, or career changers describe their expectations for future working environments. The “senior panel” responds – a dialogue on equal terms.
Moderated, for example, by MSc or BSc students from IFM.
15:35 – 15:50 • “Data-driven insights for people-centered work environments.”, Björn Dirks, Planon, Platin-Partner
Presentation Platinum Partner Planon
[Folium]
“Data-driven insights for people-centered work environments.”
How workplace data and intelligent analytics help promote well-being and collaboration and make spaces sustainable, flexible, and future proof.
Björn Dirks, Manager Services, Planon.
15:55 – 16:25 • Coffee break
[Papiersaal]
16:40 – 17:10 • "Workplace as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development", Kati Barklund
Presentation
[Folium]
Modern workplaces must address social, economic and environmental challenges. By creating inclusive, engaging spaces we strengthen culture, collaboration and innovation, improve safety and resource efficiency, and cut the environmental footprint of buildings. Sustainable workplaces therefore generate value for people, organisations, societies and the planet—and are no longer optional but essential. This presentation will explore the “what” and “how” of leveraging the workplace for sustainability, illustrated with client examples.
Kati Barklund, Senior Manager, Workplace Strategy, Tenant & Partner
17:15 – 17:45 • Closing Special Guest: "Gen Z in the workplace", Yaël Meier
Closing Special Guest – Interview
[Folium]
Gen Z in the workplace: expectations, values, and opportunities for facility management. What roles do new workplace concepts and sustainable interior design play in making an employer attractive to Gen Z? Opportunities for facility management: FM as a bridge between generations, innovation, and corporate culture.
Yaël Meier, Co-Founder ZEAM.
17:50 – 18:10 • Swiss FM Voice Award & Conclusion, Kati Barklund, Nicole Berchtold and Michael Bürki
Swiss FM Voice Award
[Folium]
Kati Barklund, Workplace Strategist & Change Manager and Michael Bürki, Co-President of IFMA Switzerland.
Conclusion
[Folium]
Nicole Berchtold, moderator, Michael Bürki, Co-President IFMA Switzerland and Thierry Huggler, Executive Board IFMA Switzerland.
18:10 – 20:00 • Apéro riche, closing event
[Papiersaal]
Opportunity for networking and strengthening contacts.
Short live interviews with speakers/partners for social media.
“Community Corners”: themed tables with community hosts.
Speakers & Moderation
Kati Barklund
Senior Manager, Workplace Strategy
Tenant & Partner – Performing Workplaces
Prof. Dr. Lukas Windlinger Inversini
Lecturer, Head of Competence Group – FM: Business Administration & HR
IFM ZHAW, Wädenswil
Sandra Gauer
Expert in New Work, Architectural Psychology & Workplace Strategy
Gauer Consulting, Bern
Kati Barklund
Senior Manager, Workplace Strategy
Tenant & Partner – Performing Workplaces
Prof. Dr. Lukas Windlinger Inversini
Lecturer, Head of Competence Group – FM: Business Administration & HR
IFM ZHAW, Wädenswil
Sandra Gauer
Expert in New Work, Architectural Psychology & Workplace Strategy
Gauer Consulting, Bern
Kati Barklund
Senior Manager, Workplace Strategy
Tenant & Partner – Performing Workplaces
Prof. Dr. Lukas Windlinger Inversini
Lecturer, Head of Competence Group – FM: Business Administration & HR
IFM ZHAW, Wädenswil
Sandra Gauer
Expert in New Work, Architectural Psychology & Workplace Strategy
Gauer Consulting, Bern
Information about the venue
📍 Prägebüro GmbH – Papiersaal & Folium
Kalanderplatz 6 | Sihlcity CH | 8045 Zurich
🗺️ How to get there
The Alte Sihlpapierfabrik in Sihlcity is easily accessible by car and public transportation. There are numerous parking spaces available in the Sihlcity parking garage.
🚘 By car
Direct motorway connection Zurich-Brunau, towards Chur. From Zug, Aargau, Lucerne, and Bern, you can reach us quickly and easily via the A3 Uetliberg Tunnel (Zurich western bypass).
GPS: Giesshübelstrasse 15, CH-8045 Zurich or POI Sihlcity, then follow the signs to the Sihlcity parking garage.
🚆 By public transport
S-Bahn 4:
Sihlcity Saalsporthalle stop
Tram 13, 17 und 5:
Sihlcity Nord stop
Bus 89, 72 (VBZ) und 444/445:
Sihlcity Nord stop
Our Event-Partners
Silver
Boostbar is Switzerland’s modern refreshment solution.
From barista-quality coffee and fresh meals to snacks and refreshing beverages – available 24/7 and designed to suit every taste. Whether in offices, production facilities or public spaces, Boostbar stands for sustainable enjoyment and service that elevates everyday experiences.
Botirai is a Swiss technology company specializing in service robotics to enhance efficiency and address staffing challenges. They provide customized robotic solutions for sectors like cleaning, hospitality, logistics, healthcare, and education. In addition to supplying robots, Botirai offers support through consultation, installation, training, and maintenance, positioning itself as a trusted partner for businesses adapting to the evolving market.
Dalux, founded in 2005 in Copenhagen by Bent and Torben Dalgaard, transforms the construction industry with intuitive digital solutions. The company offers user-friendly tools and a 3D-BIM visualization engine to improve project management and communication. Committed to sustainability, Dalux reduces paper use and enhances decision-making, serving clients in over 147 countries with quality solutions for the construction sector.
CWS is a leading provider of sustainable hygiene solutions for businesses. Founded in Switzerland in 1954, the company has shaped hygiene standards through continuous innovation. Its tailored solutions ensure safety, comfort, and efficiency. With extensive experience and a full-service approach, CWS supports sustainable hygiene practices.
CADMEC makes facility management data-driven – from strategy and foundations to FM support during planning and construction, all the way to digital process optimization. With Virtual Building (CDE/DMS/CAFM on Microsoft 365), we connect building, asset, and GIS data into a continuous, holistic lifecycle model.
sfb Bildungszentrum is a respected vocational school for technology and management, offering recognized Swiss qualifications. It emphasizes interactive, practical learning through a variety of courses for professionals in the machinery, electrical, and metal industries, enhancing skills and supporting the Swiss economy by preparing future specialists for the job market.
ANTLESS develops an intuitive soundstream app that adapts music to the workday. It enhances focus, creativity, and well-being by providing the right sounds for each work phase. The company combines musical expertise with a scientific approach and is supported by an experienced advisory board.