Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Facilities Management Forum is a premier event for facilities management professionals, taking place on 25-26 January 2027 at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre, London Heathrow. This forum offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, explore innovative products and services, and attend educational seminars led by industry experts.
Facilities Management Forum takes place in Manchester, UK. Venue: Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Late January 2027 at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow in Sipson - the captured travel window points to 25-26 January, so confirm the final dates with the organiser before booking.
- 2Format: A meeting-led forum rather than an open exhibition hall - FM and estates buyers take pre-arranged appointments with shortlisted suppliers alongside seminar content and evening networking. Confirm the current agenda format with Forum Events.
- 3Buyer side: Facilities, estates and workplace services leads from UK corporates, public sector bodies, healthcare, education, retail and property owners who hold budget for cleaning, maintenance, energy, compliance and workplace technology.
- 4Supplier scope: Soft FM (cleaning, hygiene, security, catering, waste) and hard FM (M&E maintenance, HVAC, electrical, fire and compliance, energy, CAFM/IWMS software, smart building controls).
- 5Cost to attend: Registration is free for qualifying in-house FM professionals; suppliers join through a package arranged directly with Forum Events, and no ticket price is published on the listing.
Why visit
Attendees will benefit from networking opportunities with industry leaders and suppliers, access to educational seminars, and insights into the latest trends in facilities management. Dates and Venue: Facilities Management Forum takes place on 25-26 January 2027 at Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre, London Heathrow. Buyer Authority: Attendees include facilities managers, operations directors, and procurement specialists.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting or taking a supplier package at the Facilities Management Forum puts you in front of FM and estates buyers who already hold budget for the coming financial year, in a format built around conversations rather than footfall. Format: A meeting-led forum rather than an open exhibition hall - FM and estates buyers take pre-arranged appointments with shortlisted suppliers alongside seminar content and evening networking. Confirm the current agenda format with Forum.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Facilities managers from various sectors
Operations directors seeking innovative solutions
Procurement specialists looking for suppliers
Sustainability officers focused on efficiency
Corporate real estate managers
Health and safety professionals
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Suppliers of facilities management software
Providers of cleaning and maintenance services
Companies offering energy management solutions
Vendors of workplace safety equipment
Consultants in facilities optimization
Technology firms specializing in smart building solutions
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
CAFM, CMMS and IWMS software, mobile job management, asset registers and compliance dashboards
Cleaning and hygiene: contract cleaning, washroom and sanitary services, specialist deep cleaning, machines and consumables
Hard FM and M&E: HVAC and chillers, boilers, electrical testing, lifts, plumbing, building fabric and joinery
Energy management, metering, utilities procurement, LED and heat decarbonisation retrofit
Fire safety and compliance: fire risk assessment, alarms, extinguishers, sprinklers, asbestos and water hygiene
Security services and technology: guarding, access control, CCTV, intruder alarms and lone-worker systems
Workplace and space management: furniture, signage, space booking, occupancy analytics and relocation services
Catering, vending, waste management and recycling services for multi-site estates
Water treatment, drainage, grounds maintenance, pest control and specialist facade cleaning
Smart building technology: BMS, IoT sensors, analytics platforms and energy dashboards
Location & Facilities
Venue
Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow
Manchester, UK
Facilities
Parking
Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow in Manchester typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow in Manchester typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Who runs the show
Organisers
Forum Events
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Manchester, UK
Why it matters
Attending Facilities Management Forum on 2027-01-25 to 2027-01-26 in Manchester lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · GBP
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
London Heathrow
The closest gateway and effectively on the venue's doorstep - the hotel sits in the Bath Road/Sipson airport belt. Use a terminal taxi, the Hotel Hoppa shuttle or a local bus. Allow longer at peak commuting hours
Approx. 3 km
to venue
10-20 min
by car
London Gatwick
Second option for transatlantic and leisure routes. Rail via Clapham Junction or a direct coach to Heathrow works, but a pre-booked car is simpler with luggage
Approx. 70 km
to venue
60-85 min
by car
London Stansted
Mainly low-cost European traffic; reachable by Stansted Express to London then onward rail or by National Express coach to Heathrow
Approx. 100 km
to venue
75-100 min
by car
London Luton
Useful for low-cost European flights; the Luton Airport Express to St Pancras plus the Elizabeth line or Piccadilly line gets you to Heathrow without a car
Approx. 55 km
to venue
50-75 min
by car
London City
Convenient for short-haul business routes; take the DLR to Canning Town and the Elizabeth line through to Heathrow, or a taxi across west London
Approx. 35 km
to venue
50-75 min
by car
London Southend
Smallest of the London airports and least convenient for this venue; rail into Liverpool Street then the Elizabeth line is the usual route
Approx. 100 km
to venue
80-100 min
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow
4-star
Sipson / Heathrow4.2
The venue hotel - staying here removes the daily transfer entirely. Eco-certified per captured hotel data.
Radisson RED Hotel London Heathrow
4-star
Heathrow4.4
About 60 m from the conference centre per captured hotel data - the closest alternative to staying on site.
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Heathrow
4-star
Heathrow4.1
About 700 m from the venue per captured hotel data; a five to ten minute walk or a very short taxi.
Park Plaza London Park Royal
4-star
Park Royal4.5
Captured in the same search window; about 12 km east of the venue, so budget for a taxi or an Elizabeth line hop to Hayes & Harlington.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costApprox. GBP 12-25 for the short hop
Best forHeathrow terminals to the Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow
Black cabs and app-based cars pick up from terminal forecourts; airport minimum-fare rules apply. Usually quicker than waiting for a shuttle with luggage.
Hotel Hoppa bus
Estimated costApprox. GBP 6-7 per adult single
Best forHeathrow terminals to the Bath Road and Sipson hotel belt
Scheduled hotel shuttle linking the terminals with the airport hotels around the venue. Check the route letter for your hotel and the last service of the day.
London Underground (Piccadilly line)
Estimated costApprox. GBP 5.60-6.70 contactless single into Zone 1
Best forHeathrow Terminal 2-3 to central London and Hounslow
Cheapest rail option but slower than the express; Hatton Cross and Hounslow West are the stops nearest the Bath Road hotel belt.
Heathrow Express
Estimated costApprox. GBP 25-32 one way standard, lower if booked ahead
Best forHeathrow Central to London Paddington
Non-stop in about 15-20 minutes. Mainly useful if you are staying in central London rather than at an airport hotel.
Elizabeth line
Estimated costApprox. GBP 3-12 depending on destination
Best forHeathrow terminals to Hayes & Harlington, Ealing Broadway and central London
Newer, faster rail option than the Piccadilly line and useful for west London hotels; Hayes & Harlington is a short taxi ride from the venue.
local bus
Estimated costApprox. GBP 1.75 single with contactless
Best forBath Road and Sipson local routes
TfL buses run along Bath Road past the airport hotels - practical for a one or two stop hop between hotels and the conference centre.
taxi
Estimated costGBP 30-70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forLondon Heathrow (LHR) to Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow
10-20 min; The closest gateway and effectively on the venue's doorstep - the hotel sits in the Bath Road/Sipson airport belt. Use a terminal taxi, the Hotel Hoppa shuttle or a local bus. Allow longer at peak commuting hours.
taxi
Estimated costGBP 30-70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forLondon Gatwick (LGW) to Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow
60-85 min; Second option for transatlantic and leisure routes. Rail via Clapham Junction or a direct coach to Heathrow works, but a pre-booked car is simpler with luggage.
Weather
Late January in the Heathrow area is deep winter: expect cold, unsettled days with daytime highs around 7-9 C, overnight lows around 2-5 C and frequent showers or drizzle. Daylight is short, with sunset before 17:00, and fog or frost can occasionally slow airport operations. Pack a warm waterproof layer, allow extra transfer time on wet mornings, and check your airline's status page if fog is forecast.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK networks EE, Vodafone, Three and O2 all sell prepaid SIM and eSIM plans, and Heathrow arrivals halls have SIM and electronics shops. UK networks sit outside EU roaming rules, so check your home plan's UK allowance before relying on it. Venue Wi-Fi is normally provided to delegates - confirm the network name and password at registration.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Smart casual or business casual works for the sessions and supplier meetings; a jacket for the evening networking and any formal client dinner is enough. January weather means a warm coat over the top.
Meeting etiquette
UK facilities and property professionals open with brief introductions and exchange cards early, then get to scope, contract dates and compliance quickly. Follow up by email within a few days with the actions you agreed.
Money and tipping
The currency is pounds sterling. Card and contactless payment are accepted almost everywhere, including taxi and transit. Restaurant service charges are often included; a 10 percent tip is normal when they are not.
Arrival timing
Collect your badge and orient yourself in the conference wing on the first morning, and allow extra time if you are crossing the airport during a peak period - the Bath Road tunnels and perimeter roads can back up.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: LHR
Book late-January economy round trips into Heathrow six to ten weeks ahead for the best fares; the captured search window used departures around 25 January and returns around 29 January, which matches a two-day forum plus travel days. Heathrow has the widest direct network and the venue is inside the airport hotel belt, so no onward rail connection is needed. Fares shown anywhere on this page are planning ranges, not live prices - recheck with the airline or an agent before paying.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: London Heathrow (LHR): 10-20 min; London Gatwick (LGW): 60-85 min; London Stansted (STN): 75-100 min; London Luton (LTN): 50-75 min. Allow road or rail time to Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow: Sipson / Heathrow: Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow; Heathrow: Radisson RED Hotel London Heathrow; Heathrow: Radisson Blu Hotel, London Heathrow.
Ride-hail: Uber, Bolt and Free Now all operate across London and Heathrow, with signed app pick-up zones in each terminal. Airport surcharges and minimum fares apply, and a licensed black cab from the rank may be quicker at peak times. Hotel reception can book a local minicab if app coverage is patchy.
Public transit: The Piccadilly line serves Heathrow Terminals 2-3, 4 and 5, with the Elizabeth line and the non-stop Heathrow Express running to central London. For the venue, use Hatton Cross or Hounslow West on the Piccadilly line and finish with a short bus or taxi, or take the Hotel Hoppa shuttle directly to the Bath Road hotel belt. Contactless bank cards and phones work on all TfL services, so no separate ticket is needed.
Parking: The Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow has on-site parking for delegates. Confirm the current delegate day rate, whether it is validated at reception and whether overnight residents pay separately. Nearby airport hotels typically charge around GBP 12-20 per night for resident parking - check when booking, and note that airport short-stay car parks are considerably more expensive for multi-day stays.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January 2027 (late-January edition)
Temperature: Daytime highs around 7-9 C, overnight lows around 2-5 C around Heathrow and west London
Seasonality: Late January is one of the coldest, greyest stretches of the London year, with frequent showers, drizzle and occasional frost or fog. Days are short, with sunset before 17:00, and fog can affect Heathrow flight schedules - keep a buffer on departure day and carry a compact umbrella for the walk between hotel and conference wing.
Packing: Pack a warm waterproof coat, a couple of layers, an umbrella and comfortable shoes for walking between the hotel and the conference wing. Bring business casual clothing for sessions with a jacket for evening networking, plus UK Type G plug adapters (230V) and a charged power bank for long meeting days.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Facilities Management Forum usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
14 days out: confirm your registration is qualified with Forum Events and ask for the current agenda plus your provisional meeting schedule.
T-2
13 days out: book your room at the venue hotel or a Bath Road hotel; late January is business-travel season and airport rates move quickly.
T-3
12 days out: check whether your nationality needs a UK ETA or Standard Visitor visa and apply immediately if so - approvals are not instant.
T-4
11 days out: book flights into Heathrow (LHR) where possible so the transfer to the venue is a short taxi or Hotel Hoppa ride.
T-5
10 days out: pull together your estates list, contract renewal dates and top three sourcing priorities so supplier meetings stay focused.
T-6
9 days out: prepare a short brief on each of your current FM contracts - scope, expiry, incumbent and pain points - for the meetings.
T-7
7 days out: review the supplier list and flag which appointments you want to prioritise or swap.
T-8
5 days out: confirm arrival time, terminal and onward transfer, and save the hotel address and organiser contact to your phone.
T-9
3 days out: check the weather forecast for the Heathrow area and pack layers, a waterproof coat and an umbrella.
T-10
2 days out: print or download your registration confirmation, meeting schedule and the venue map of the conference wing.
T-11
1 day out: travel to London or the airport hotel, check in, and re-confirm any evening networking arrangements.
T-12
On the day: arrive 20-30 minutes early to collect your badge, orient yourself in the conference wing and settle into your first appointment.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Facilities Management Forum registration concourse
Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights£190.00
- Per diem × 2£150.00
Estimated total£340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Facilities Management Forum fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is the Facilities Management Forum?
It is a UK facilities management event organised by Forum Events at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow in Sipson. Rather than a large open exhibition, it runs as a meeting-led forum where in-house FM and estates buyers meet suppliers with relevant solutions, alongside conference sessions and networking.
When and where is the next edition?
The edition covered here takes place in late January 2027 at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow, Sipson, with travel captures pointing to 25-26 January. Confirm the final dates, start time and agenda on facilitiesmanagementforum.co.uk before booking flights or hotels.
Who can attend for free?
Registration is aimed at in-house facilities, estates, property and workplace services professionals who buy or specify FM services. Places are usually confirmed after a short qualification call so the organiser can match buyers with relevant suppliers. Suppliers and vendors should ask about exhibiting or partnership packages instead of visitor registration.
Is the Facilities Management Forum trade-only?
Yes. It is a business event for facilities management professionals and suppliers rather than a public or consumer show, so you should expect to discuss procurement plans, contracts and estates portfolios rather than browse consumer products.
How is this different from a large FM exhibition?
A traditional exhibition is walk-up and hall-based, with hundreds of stands and a busy seminar floor. The Forum format is smaller and appointment-driven: buyers typically receive a schedule of meetings with suppliers matched to their estate and priorities, which compresses supplier research into one or two days.
Which FM topics are covered?
Expect the agenda to span hard and soft FM: cleaning and hygiene, M&E and HVAC maintenance, energy and decarbonisation, fire safety and compliance, security, waste, catering, plus CAFM, IWMS and smart building technology. Session themes change by edition, so check the published programme.
How do suppliers take part?
Suppliers attend through an exhibiting or partner package arranged with Forum Events rather than a free visitor place. Packages usually include meeting schedules, accommodation and networking access, but the exact inclusions and pricing are quoted by the organiser, not published on the listing.
Where should I stay for the event?
The venue hotel, the Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow, is the simplest option because the conference wing is on site. The neighbouring Radisson RED is roughly 60 m away and the Radisson Blu about 700 m, with Park Plaza London Park Royal a short drive east. Book early for late-January rates.
How do I get to the venue from Heathrow Airport?
The venue sits inside the Heathrow hotel belt on the Bath Road side of the airport. Use the Hotel Hoppa shuttle, a short taxi or rideshare from the terminals, or a local bus along Bath Road. Allow 10-25 minutes depending on terminal and traffic.
Is parking available at the venue?
The Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow has on-site parking for delegates. Confirm the current delegate rate and any validation with the hotel or organiser when you register, since day-delegate and overnight-resident rates can differ.
What should I bring to the forum?
Bring business cards, a one-page summary of your estate or portfolio if you are buying, and any current contract or renewal dates you want to discuss. Laptop or tablet is useful for taking notes on supplier proposals; UK power sockets are Type G.
Do I need a visa to attend from outside the UK?
Many nationalities can attend a business meeting without a visa, but the UK now requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for many visa-exempt visitors. Check your own nationality's rules on gov.uk well before travel, and request an invitation letter from the organiser if you need one for a Standard Visitor visa application.
Glossary
- Hard FM
- The building fabric and engineering side of facilities management - mechanical and electrical maintenance, HVAC, lifts, electrical testing, plumbing and building fabric repairs. Usually measured against statutory compliance and asset uptime rather than appearance.
- Soft FM
- The people-facing services - contract cleaning, hygiene and washroom services, security guarding, reception, catering, waste and grounds maintenance. Tendered on service levels, labour models and site supervision.
- Total FM (TFM)
- A single contract bundling hard and soft FM, often with a management layer on top. TFM tenders are the largest deals discussed at forum-style events because they consolidate dozens of site-level contracts.
- CAFM
- Computer Aided Facilities Management - the software that logs assets, raises and tracks jobs, schedules planned maintenance and holds compliance records. The current generation links to mobile apps and IoT sensor data.
- IWMS
- Integrated Workplace Management System, a broader platform than CAFM that adds space management, lease administration, capital planning and workplace booking on top of maintenance workflows.
- PPM
- Planned Preventive Maintenance - scheduled maintenance tasks carried out on a calendar or usage basis to prevent failure. PPM regimes are usually written against manufacturer guidance and standards such as SFG20.
- Reactive maintenance
- Work raised in response to a fault or breakdown rather than a schedule. Buyers track the ratio of reactive to planned work as a headline indicator of whether an FM contract is under control.
- SFG20
- The UK standard maintenance specification that defines the tasks and frequencies for building services. Contracts often reference SFG20 line items to make PPM scope comparable between bidders.
- SLA and KPI
- Service Level Agreement sets what is delivered; Key Performance Indicators measure whether it was. FM contracts typically tie payment deductions or gainshare to KPI performance such as response times and cleanliness audit scores.
- Mobilisation
- The transition period when a new FM supplier takes over a site - TUPE transfer of staff, asset verification, system migration and mobilisation plans. Buyers judge suppliers heavily on mobilisation track record.
- Condition survey
- A structured assessment of building fabric and asset condition used to build maintenance backlogs and capital plans. Often the first paid study a new FM supplier proposes to an estates team.
- Workplace experience
- The employee-facing side of FM - comfort, cleanliness, temperature, meeting room readiness and amenities. Increasingly measured with occupancy sensors and satisfaction surveys rather than gut feel.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Facilities Management Forum
- Facilities Management Forum 2027
- Facilities Management Forum Manchester
- Facilities Management Forum Manchester 2027
- Manchester UK
- Facilities management software and tools
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.