Connecting Campus Innovation: HEFF's 10th Anniversary

Desert Jeep tours, campus scavenger hunts, and performances by The Verve Pipe's Brian Vander Ark and Run DMC legend DMC. Not your typical higher ed facilities conference. But that's exactly what made the Higher Ed Facilities Forum's (HEFF) 10th anniversary at Arizona State University different, bringing together facilities and construction leaders from top universities across the country to tackle the future of campus innovation.

The evenings transformed typical networking into something extraordinary through the power of music and storytelling. On Sunday night, Brian Vander Ark, frontman of the 90s alternative rock band The Verve Pipe, shared personal stories and performed his hit, "The Freshmen." On Monday evening, DMC of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Run DMC took the stage. Both artists went beyond typical entertainment, creating moments where music became a catalyst for authentic connection and conversation about creativity, resilience, and community.

"DMC and Brian had awesome stories and the theme of connections and building community came through strong throughout the conference!" said Adam Lawver, AVP, of IPF Operations at Michigan State University.

A Different Kind of Forum

Unlike traditional tradeshows, HEFF brings together senior facilities leaders from top universities and carefully selected solution providers in an intimate setting focused on meaningful dialogue. No vendor booths, no rushed conversations - just focused discussions between decision-makers and partners.

"I did not feel like I was 'sold' by any of the individuals I met. I met some great individuals in the industry and realized some partnerships where beneficial relationships can grow" said AVP, Facilities at Suffolk University.  

The quality of the interaction stood out on both sides of the table.  "The attendees we met with were qualified, accessible, and the meetings we had were worthwhile and we felt like we established a relationship that we can foster into opportunities," said Dan Harris, VP of Sales and Marketing at Ludowici.

Where Experience Meets Innovation

Higher ed leaders didn't hold back during the opening panel, as leaders from ASU, Vanderbilt, and UW-Madison tackled the real challenges facing campus facilities today.  The insights continued as Mike Chihoski, Senior Associate Vice President of University Facilities & Services at Rochester, revealed how they looked to the past while preparing their future campus master plan. Bob Schultz, Associate Vice President of Real Estate, Planning & Development at San Diego State, shared their team's creative, collaborative efforts on making student housing both affordable and exceptional. Niraj Dangoria, Vice Chancellor for Operations Management & Capital Programs at UCSD, explored the intersection of design and campus equity. These sessions sparked exactly the kind of practical discussions HEFF is known for.

L to R: Lalit Agarwal (APPA), Cindy Torstveit (UW-Madison), Tim Smith (ASU) & Alex Kohnen (Vanderbilt University)

'One of the best things about HEFF is being able to see and learn what other major American universities are doing in the facilities and capital realm,' noted Angela Jacobs, Senior Director of Capital, Utilities, and Real Estate with the University of Illinois System.

Innovation in Action at ASU

Throughout HEFF, Arizona State University showcased its campus innovations. Morgan Olsen, CFO, discussed balancing innovation and fiscal responsibility in today's challenging environment. Lev Gonick, Chief Information Enterprise Officer, shared practical applications of AI and digital twins in campus operations. Attendees were treated to a tour to showcase ASU - from ISTB-7, a building designed to create rather than consume resources, to the backstage world of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Gammage Auditorium.

Masterminds: Where Peers Solve Common Challenges

The mastermind sessions put peers in the problem-solving hot seat together. In these intimate roundtables, facility leaders openly shared their challenges and successes around four key areas: electrifying campus fleets and infrastructure, creative approaches to staffing, effective project delivery and funding strategies, and leveraging AI for efficiency. The format created the kind of environment where candid conversations flow naturally between leaders facing similar challenges.

"I had great interactions with folks that have the same problems that I do and walked away with a contact or two that I will keep in touch with." shared Adam Roth, Director of Facilities Management and Planning at ASU.  

Looking Ahead 

"After the meetings, I said I wished I was 20 years younger. This is such an exciting time in the Facilities Management business," shared Mark Helms, AVP of Facilities Services at the University of Florida.  

HEFF continues its mission of connecting innovation in campus facilities next November 9-11, 2025, in Bonita Springs, Florida. Let us know if you’d like to join us here and request your invitation to attend.