Why Higher Ed Facilities Leaders Can’t Miss HEFF 2025

If you're a higher ed facilities leader, you're looking for something different from the typical large conference experience. You want conversations that challenge your perspective. Connections that actually matter. And ideas you can bring back to campus to spark real change.

That’s exactly what the Higher Ed Facilities Forum delivers.

This November, an invite-only group of higher ed facilities leaders will gather at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs to step back from the daily grind and tackle what’s next in campus planning, construction, operations, and sustainability.

Here’s why you’ll want to be there:

1. A Lineup That Will Challenge Your Thinking

To kick things off, Tyler Gillum, Head Coach of the Savannah Bananas, will share how to lead with boldness and creativity in times of change—bringing actionable insights on culture and leadership that you can take back to campus.

From there, you’ll engage in focused sessions with peers from the University of Florida, Cornell, Virginia Tech, and Purdue. These conversations center on the real challenges you're facing: budget pressures, deferred maintenance decisions, energy strategies, and capital planning in an uncertain environment.

The value comes from hearing how other leaders at your level are tackling the same issues—and what’s actually working.

The value comes from learning how other senior leaders are solving the problems you're wrestling with now. 

…and much more. [See the full lineup here.]

2. Sessions That Get to the Heart of the Issues

Every session is designed with input from higher ed leaders themselves—so the conversations hit where it matters most. This fall, you’ll dive into pressing questions that don’t have easy answers:

• Smart Capital Planning → How are universities making better decisions about what to build, renovate, or replace when budgets are tight and needs are competing? 
• AI in Facilities Operations → From predictive maintenance to space optimization, where is artificial intelligence delivering real ROI versus just generating hype? 
• Energy Strategy Under Pressure → With rising costs and sustainability mandates, what approaches are proving cost-effective for campus-wide energy transformation? 
• Building Tomorrow's Facilities Teams  → How are successful programs recruiting, developing, and retaining the next generation of facilities leaders? 
• Navigating Political and Budget Pressures → Real strategies from peers who are managing through enrollment challenges, funding cuts, and competing campus priorities.  

These talks go deep— sharing tested strategies, real case studies, and what's actually working on campus right now.  

​​3. Meetings That Matter

HEFF is not about endless booths or chance encounters. Instead, we use a curated match system to ensure your vendor conversations are worth your time.

Before the event, you’ll tell us what challenges you’re actively working on—from deferred maintenance to energy resilience to capital planning. Our platform then pairs you with solution providers who can actually help.

• 1:1 meetings are scheduled in advance—no chasing down reps, no wasted time.
• Vendors are vetted for relevance—so every conversation is grounded in solving your real problems.
• You stay in control—you choose which meetings to accept, ensuring your schedule reflects your priorities.

The result: Instead of wandering an expo floor, you’ll have focused, productive conversations that move your projects forward.

4. Networking That Actually Means Something

HEFF is built for authentic connection. With just 85 higher ed leaders in attendance, every conversation has depth. Whether it’s curated roundtables, casual conversations over cocktails, or out on the water, you’ll connect with other executives in ways that actually stick.

This year, you can choose your own networking adventure: a sailing trip or a golf outing on Sunday, followed by a lively dinner party on Monday night after a full day of discussions.

When you step away from daily pressures with peers who understand your challenges, the most valuable professional connections form naturally. 

5. A Retreat That Maximizes Your Time

We know your days are packed. That’s why HEFF is curated to make every moment count. Three days of high-value conversations, curated 1:1 meetings, and relationship-building that strengthens your leadership - and your campus. 

And because this is an invite-only event, qualified executives attend at no cost—including hotel, meals, and experiences.

Join Us in Florida

If you’re ready to step back, see the bigger picture, and explore fresh solutions with the best minds in higher ed facilities, HEFF 2025 is where you want to be.

📅 November 9–11, 2025
📍 Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa | Bonita Springs, FL

👉 [Request your invite to HEFF 2025 today.]