ASSIST FM Conference

15th — 16th of May

Sponsored By

muller milk & ingredients sponsor logo
— 2025

Great Minds Think Alike

This year's conference theme will highlight the importance of working together in our industry. Building strong partnerships is key to driving innovation, improving efficiency, and providing great service as our operations continuously become more complex.

Strengthening Collaboration and Partnerships in Facilities Management.

This theme will be about how teamwork and shared knowledge can solve current challenges, use resources better, and create sustainable, resilient environments.

You will learn how collaboration is transforming facilities management and helping us along the way for a more connected and efficient future for us all.

Stronger Together

Stronger Together

At ASSIST FM, we believe that collaboration is the foundation of meaningful progress in facility management. ‘Stronger Together’ embodies our commitment to bringing together Scotland’s public sector to overcome challenges, drive innovation, and share knowledge. By uniting our members, partners, and communities, we’re creating a powerful network that enhances facilities across education, healthcare, and local authorities. Together, we’re building a future where every individual’s expertise and dedication contribute to creating safe, sustainable, and supportive environments. Join us at this year’s conference as we come together to champion a brighter, stronger future for Scotland’s facilities.

Breakdown

Supplier Exhibition

Our annual supplier exhibition, one of the largest in Scotland, will be bigger and better than ever, and there will be a wide range of suppliers there to showcase their future-proof products.

Seminars

Our seminars have a mix of educational, motivational, and hard-hitting speakers who are handpicked for their relevance in the facilities management industry and to this year’s conference theme, led by National Chair Nicky Joiner.

Gala Dinner

The Gala Dinner and Annual Awards are a celebration of our industry and the people who work for, and with, our local authorities.

Finding The Balance

Finding The Balance

Facilities management is about more than just efficiency; it's about finding the balance between functionality, sustainability, and the needs of our communities. At this year’s ASSIST FM conference, we’ll explore how to achieve this balance—blending innovation with practicality and growth with environmental responsibility.

Speakers

Aaron Phipps

At 15, Meningitis C and sepsis led to a two-week induced coma and the amputation of both of Aaron's legs below the knee and most fingers. Demonstrating incredible resilience, he recovered and became the first disabled person to climb Kilimanjaro without assistance. His athletic journey reached its peak with Paralympics GB's historic Wheelchair Rugby Gold at Tokyo 2020, after his debut in London 2012. His inspiring motto: "Life throws curveballs. It's about how we deal with them."

Jack Nolan

At 19, psychosis derailed Jack's university and TV/film dreams, leading to a dark period and being sectioned. Refusing to give up, he channeled his struggle into writing, landing a publishing deal through persistence. His gangster fiction debut, On The Job (2017), was followed by Dead Ends (2019) and Dead Ends: Rise Up (2023). Despite being sectioned again, Jack became a successful author and motivational speaker in his late 20s, inspiring companies like Barclays and HP with his resilient mindset, proving adversity can fuel greatness.

Chris Ross

Chris stepped down from the National Chair position for ASSIST FM last year when he took up the role of Operations Director of Elior UK. He is A commercially minded senior manager with over 15 years of catering experience. Passionate about delivering the best possible service to clients and customers. A sound track record of delivering strong financial performance and complex contractual management. We welcome him back as MC to our Conference.

Don Bundy

A Professor of Epidemiology and Development at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. He is Director of the Research Consortium for School Health and Nutrition and Advisor to the UN World Food Programme, leading a global research effort to provide evidence-based guidance to the 100+ member states of the School Meals Coalition on strengthening national school meals programmes. Previously, Professor Bundy served as Senior Advisor to the Global Health Team of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Lead Education & Health Specialist to the World Bank’s Africa Region and Human Development policy unit; and Deputy Director of the Epidemiology Centre, University of Oxford.

Agenda

Conference Schedule
  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Coffee Break
  • Conference/Event
  • Workshop
  • 9:30 am
    Welcome
    15 mins

    • Nicky Joiner
    • Chris Ross, MC
  • 9:45 am
    Putting Mental Health and Well-being at Centre Stage
    40 mins

    • Jack Nolan
      Motivational Speaker
  • 10:35 am
    Mini Master Chefs – Early years programme
    30 mins

    A collaboration between East Renfrewshire Council catering service and HSCP, funded by Nourish Scotland and Thrive under five.

    • Ann Castro
      Head Teacher, Overlee Family Centre
    • Beth Hillon
      Mini Master Chef Programme Manager
  • 11:05 am
    Comfort Break
    15 mins

  • 11:20 am
    School Meals Coalition
    25 mins

    • Don Bundy
      Professor of Epidemiology and Development
  • 11:45 am
    Keynote Speaker: Aaron Phipps
    45 mins

    • Aaron Phipps
      Motivational Speaker
  • 12:30 pm
    Supplier Stalls Open
    mins

  • 3:00 pm
    Grab and Go Award (In Exhibition Area) Announced by Chris Ross
    mins

  • 4:00 pm
    Stalls Close
    mins

  • 7:00 pm
    Drinks Reception – Piped in Dinner 7:30pm
    mins

  • 9:30 am
    Tea/Coffee
    mins

  • 9:45 am
    Welcome to Day 2
    15 mins

    • Chris Ross
  • 9:55 am
    AGM
    20 mins

  • 10:15 am
    Mo Bains
    20 mins

    • Mo Bains
      APSE
  • 10:35 am
    Dinnae forget your caddie – East Ayrshire Schools
    20 mins

  • 10:55 am
    Comfort Break
    20 mins

  • 11:05 am
    Shetland Sharing Good Practice Across The Industry
    25 mins

    • Neil Beattie
      Shetland Council
    • Janice Gillan
      HCA
    • Jody Marshall
      NACC
    • Judith Gregory
      LACA
  • 11:30 am
    Developing the Workforce - Scholarship
    25 mins

    • John Feeney
      East Renfrewshire Council
    • Denise Hanson
      BICs
    • Jane Rennie
      We are Extraordinary
    • Gary Chmiel
      Tayside Contracts
    • Craig Davies
      Fife Council
  • 11:55 am
    The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation Update
    30 mins

    • Nadim Ednan-Laperouse OBE
    • Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE
  • 12:30 pm
    Close
    mins

Pricing

Supplier organisations cannot book a day delegate or full delegate ticket unless their business is exhibiting.
£25
Day Delegate
  • Access to Seminars
  • Access to Exhibition
  • Accommodation
  • Gala Dinner
£250
Full Delegate
  • Access to Seminars
  • Access to Exhibition
  • Accommodation
  • Gala Dinner
£1999
Supplier Stand
  • Exhibition Stand
  • Access to Exhibition
  • Gala Dinner
  • Accommodation
£2500
Exhibitor +
  • Exhibition Stand
  • Access to Exhibition
  • Accommodation x2
  • Gala Dinner x2

Need Support?

Frequently asked questions about ASSIST FM Conference, buying tickets, and other queries.
  • How many delegates attend the conference?

    Over the past couple of years, we have have up to 300 delegates which is full capacity from across the 32 Scottish Local Authorities. These include the main decision makers for Facilities Management (Catering, Cleaning and janitorial services) 

  • What are the benefits in attending as an Exhibitor?

    Over the past couple of years, we have have up to 300 delegates which is full capacity from across the 32 Scottish Local Authorities. These include the main decision makers for Facilities Management (Catering, Cleaning and janitorial services) across Scotland.

    The ASSIST FM Conference offers an invaluable opportunity to showcase your products and services directly to key decision-makers within the industry. 

    With professionals people from Local Authorities, responsible for managing and maintaining facilities, this event allows you to connect with potential clients, raise brand awareness, and demonstrate your expertise.

     

     By exhibiting, you’ll also gain insights into the latest industry trends, foster meaningful connections with peers, and receive real-time feedback on your offerings. It’s a unique chance to increase your visibility, network with industry leaders, and position your company as a trusted partner in facilities management.

  • What are the benefits of attending as a delegate?

    By connecting with suppliers, industry experts, and peers, delegates gain insights that can enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of their facilities and operations.

    The conference provides tailored sessions and workshops that address current challenges and explore solutions relevant to public sector needs, making it easier to implement improvements within Local Authority facilities.

    Moreover, delegates can network with other authorities to exchange ideas and share successful strategies, fostering a collaborative approach to facilities management across regions.

     

  • How many Exhibitors are there?

    There are 60+ Exhibitors at the ASSIST FM Conference.

  • Can people attend the conference from businesses who are not exhibiting?

    No, we do not invite anybody who is not exhibiting to attend the conference as guests. We will refuse or refund anybody who orders a ticket outwith exhibitor list.

  • Can we pay by Debit/Credit card?

    No, this year, you can only pay by Purchase Order number or BACS.

  • What's email do we contact for questions about the conference?

    enquiries@assistfmconference.co.uk

     

  • What email do we contact about bookings?

    bookings@assistfmconference.co.uk

Accommodation & Getting Here

Accommodation will be at the Crowne Plaza Glasgow for first come, first served bookings. If we cannot accommodate you at the Crowne Plaza, we will find alternative accommodation with the same rating in Glasgow. So make sure to book as soon as you can to ensure your place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Destination

Crowne Plaza Hotel
Congress Road,
Glasgow, G3 8QT

Onsite parking is available with discounted rates available

Transport

Train Station

Exhibition Centre Station from Central or Queen Street

Estimated distance to the hotel: 0.15 MI/ 0.24 KM

Get in Touch

If you have any queries regarding the event, fill out the form below or get in touch with us directly at enquiries@assistfmconference.co.uk

Get in Touch

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Reviews

  • The conference programme was excellent, and all the speakers were informative and thought-provoking, making it worth taking two days away from a busy work schedule. ASSIST FM is one of our favourite conferences to be part of; nothing beats the warm, friendly welcome you get from all the members, and there’s a huge sense of occasion when our industry comes together to celebrate.

  • ASSIST FM is one of our favourite conferences to be part of; nothing beats the warm, friendly welcome you get from all the members, and there’s a huge sense of occasion when our industry comes together to celebrate.

  • We had such an incredible time at the ASSIST FM conference. It was a key opportunity for us to promote our School Plates programme in Scotland and THE place to network and be informed on current issues facing local authorities in Scotland.

  • The conference programme was excellent, and all the speakers were informative and thought-provoking, making it worth taking two days away from a busy work schedule. ASSIST FM is one of our favourite conferences to be part of; nothing beats the warm, friendly welcome you get from all the members, and there’s a huge sense of occasion when our industry comes together to celebrate.

  • ASSIST FM is one of our favourite conferences to be part of; nothing beats the warm, friendly welcome you get from all the members, and there’s a huge sense of occasion when our industry comes together to celebrate.

  • We had such an incredible time at the ASSIST FM conference. It was a key opportunity for us to promote our School Plates programme in Scotland and THE place to network and be informed on current issues facing local authorities in Scotland.

Downloads

You can download the ASSIST FM 2025 Award pack and the LACOTY 2025 pack here, along with the submission forms required.
  • LACOTY 2025 Info Pack
  • LACOTY Menu Submission Form
  • National Award Pack
  • Award Submission Form
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Social Media

Company Information

ASSIST FM is the association for all the facilities management providers within Scotland’s 32 local authorities. This covers the provision of school meals and council catering, as well as cleaning and janitorial services in all the local authority buildings. ASSIST FM’s main role is to promote the skill sets of the public sector workforce and best practices across the local authority sector. ASSIST FM is the voice of the local authority FM service and represents its members on numerous national committees and steering groups.

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