IFMA Shuffle

On January 14th, the inaugural IFMA Shuffle was held at the Merchandise Mart, one of Chicago’s most recognizable landmarks as well as the world’s largest LEED Certified Building.  Organized by the members of the Chicago Chapter’s Associate Committee, the Shuffle’s goal was to encourage the conversation between our Associate and Professional members as well as giving everyone a fun night to remember.  The Shuffle featured a wide variety of activities from a Professional Member Panel Discussion, to an in-depth tour of the Mart’s “Green Spot”, as well as a chance for the attendees be introduced to some of companies that make up our Associate Members.  Last, and certainly not least, all attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception at the KI showroom that featured some of the highest-stakes Texas Hold-Em’ poker this side of Hammond, Indiana.

The first event of the evening featured a Professional Member Panel Discussion held in the Merchandise Mart Conference Center where both Associate Members and Professional Members came to learn from their peers.  Sharing their expertise on the panel were: Cindy Dvorak of Sidley Austin LLP, Jim Schmelzer from the GSA, Chuck Ungaro of Ace Hardware, and Cristina Parrilla of BlackRock with Lauren Taylor of Bentley Prince Street performing the moderator duties.  Panelists were asked a wide range of questions that related to day-to-day operations as well as broader topics in the facility management world.

After the panel discussion, attendees were invited to tour through the 10th and 11th Floor of the Mart to meet Shuffle Sponsor Vendors including some that were kind enough to open their showrooms to other participants.  There were 18 Sponsor Vendors: Applied Ergonomics, Garvey’s Office Products, GRM Information Management, Tayco, AVI Systems, Bentley Prince Street, Nania Energy, CORT, FM: Systems, Mannington Commercial, Service Master of Chicago, Thomas Interior Systems, Inspec Inc., IST Management, Krauss Karras Group Inc, Patcraft/Designweave, TAB Products, KI, and Victor Construction.

The night ended with a combination Cocktail Party / Poker Game where attendees were given the chance to sharpen their poker skills and win generously donated raffle prizes.  Donating his experience to the event was Jim Hauskins, a (semi-) professional poker player from Bentley Prince Street who was more than happy to offer advice as well as settle complicated but good-natured arguments between the players.  The games of Texas Hold’em featured some thoughtful contemplation, some excited yelling, and lots of entertainment for everyone at the event. On top of the donated prizes, a 50/50 Raffle raised over $300 to benefit the American Red Cross’ earthquake relief efforts in Haiti. In the spirit of the evening, Kevin O’Reilly of Howard Ecker & Company donated $100 of his half of the raffle prize to the cause as well.

Below, please see additional pictures from the event.  For all those who attended and those that wish they could have, at the end of the year start looking for information about how to be a part of the 2nd Annual IFMA Shuffle!

Click the images for enlargements.