State higher education institutions host midwest facilities conference

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- More than 350 people are expected at the annual joint conference of the Midwest Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers and Michigan Association of Physical Plant Administrators, held October 7-10 at the Amway Grand Plaza.

The event is hosted by Grand Valley State University, Ferris State University, Western Michigan University and North Central Michigan College.

Mary Jane Pories, founder of Fishladder, Inc., will give the keynote address, “Improvising in the Midst of Change,” on Monday. Fishladder utilizes improvisation to improve team-building, communication and creativity in the workplace. More than 70 vendors are expected. Breakout sessions throughout the day include Cool Trends on Campus, Sustainability, and Doing More with What We Have.

Tuesday’s schedule includes a choice of three tours: three LEED buildings in Grand Rapids (David D. Hunting YMCA, The Rapid, and GVSU), Grand Valley’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus, or the Classroom of the Future at Steelcase, Inc.

For conference details, call Grand Valley’s Facilities Services at (616) 331-3000 or visit www.pp.wmich.edu/mappa.