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World Workplace
Keynote Speakers

Discover the inspiring keynote speakers at World Workplace, the premier conference for facility management professionals. Gain insights, spark innovation and kick off your experience with thought leaders from around the globe.

B J Novak

B.J. Novak
Actor, Writer & Comedian | The Office

B.J. Novak is a writer, actor, comedian, and bestselling author best known as an Executive Producer, Writer and Star of NBC’s Emmy Award-winning comedy The Office — including writing some of the show’s most beloved episodes. His career spans stand-up comedy, film appearances in Inglourious Basterds and Saving Mr. Banks, and several acclaimed books, including: the NYT bestselling One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories and The Book With No Pictures, which spent two years on the New York Times bestseller list.

A sought-after voice on the lecture circuit, Novak inspires audiences to embrace the unknown, break out of established thinking and approach every endeavor with humor and authenticity. Whether drawing on the collaborative spirit of The Office's writers’ room or speaking to leaders across industries, he delivers concrete, memorable takeaways with warmth and wit.

SPONSORED BY:   davies-logo-hd-WHT_KO

 

Waggoner

What can a writer’s room teach us about the future of work? In this exclusive moderated conversation, comedian, author and The Office star B.J. Novak sits down with IFMA host, Eddy Wagoner, to share the stories, surprises and creative breakthroughs that have defined his career. From the chaos of live television to the spaces where great ideas are born, Novak’s insights on collaboration, adaptability and finding humor in the everyday will resonate with facility management professionals who know better than anyone that the workplace is never just a building — it's where culture lives.

B J Novak

B.J. Novak
Actor, Writer & Comedian | The Office

B.J. Novak is a writer, actor, comedian, and bestselling author best known as an Executive Producer, Writer and Star of NBC’s Emmy Award-winning comedy The Office — including writing some of the show’s most beloved episodes. His career spans stand-up comedy, film appearances in Inglourious Basterds and Saving Mr. Banks, and several acclaimed books, including: the NYT bestselling One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories and The Book With No Pictures, which spent two years on the New York Times bestseller list.

A sought-after voice on the lecture circuit, Novak inspires audiences to embrace the unknown, break out of established thinking and approach every endeavor with humor and authenticity. Whether drawing on the collaborative spirit of The Office's writers’ room or speaking to leaders across industries, he delivers concrete, memorable takeaways with warmth and wit.

SPONSORED BY:   davies-logo-hd-WHT_KO

 

Waggoner

What can a writer’s room teach us about the future of work? In this exclusive moderated conversation, comedian, author and The Office star B.J. Novak sits down with IFMA host, Eddy Wagoner, to share the stories, surprises and creative breakthroughs that have defined his career. From the chaos of live television to the spaces where great ideas are born, Novak’s insights on collaboration, adaptability and finding humor in the everyday will resonate with facility management professionals who know better than anyone that the workplace is never just a building — it's where culture lives.

Wardle 1

Duncan Wardle
Head of Innovation & Creativity at Disney

As Head of Innovation & Creativity at Disney, Duncan helped teams at Disney Parks, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Pixar, Imagineering and Animation to innovate, creating magical new storylines and amazing experiences for consumers around the globe. He now brings his Disney experience to audiences around the world, delivering a series of keynotes, masterclasses and ideation forums, that help people capture unlikely connections, leading to both disruptive thinking and revolutionary ideas. He is a multiple TEDx speaker and frequent contributor to Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and Forbes, and he teaches Innovation and Creativity Masterclasses at Yale and Harvard Universities. Duncan holds the American Citizen Award presented at the White House, an Honorary Doctorate from Edinburgh University, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, presented by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth.

How will facility management professionals compete in the next decade of disruption and AI?

The answer isn’t more technology — it’s unlocking the human advantage. In this engaging session, Disney’s former head of innovation and creativity shares why the future belongs to organizations that cultivate creativity, intuition, curiosity and imagination — the traits AI can’t replicate. Attendees will gain a practical design thinking innovation toolkit that makes creativity tangible, embeds innovation into daily operations and empowers teams across the built environment to drive lasting cultural change.

 

Wardle 1

Duncan Wardle
Head of Innovation & Creativity at Disney

As Head of Innovation & Creativity at Disney, Duncan helped teams at Disney Parks, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Pixar, Imagineering and Animation to innovate, creating magical new storylines and amazing experiences for consumers around the globe. He now brings his Disney experience to audiences around the world, delivering a series of keynotes, masterclasses and ideation forums, that help people capture unlikely connections, leading to both disruptive thinking and revolutionary ideas. He is a multiple TEDx speaker and frequent contributor to Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and Forbes, and he teaches Innovation and Creativity Masterclasses at Yale and Harvard Universities. Duncan holds the American Citizen Award presented at the White House, an Honorary Doctorate from Edinburgh University, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, presented by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth.

How will facility management professionals compete in the next decade of disruption and AI?

The answer isn’t more technology — it’s unlocking the human advantage. In this engaging session, Disney’s former head of innovation and creativity shares why the future belongs to organizations that cultivate creativity, intuition, curiosity and imagination — the traits AI can’t replicate. Attendees will gain a practical design thinking innovation toolkit that makes creativity tangible, embeds innovation into daily operations and empowers teams across the built environment to drive lasting cultural change.

 

 

Novak_mobile

B.J. Novak is a writer, actor, comedian, and bestselling author best known as an Executive Producer, Writer, and Star of NBC's Emmy Award-winning comedy The Office — including writing some of the show's most beloved episodes. His career spans stand-up comedy, film appearances in Inglourious Basterds and Saving Mr. Banks, and two acclaimed books: the NYT bestselling One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories and The Book With No Pictures, which spent two years on the New York Times bestseller list.

A sought-after voice on the lecture circuit, Novak inspires audiences to embrace the unknown, break out of established thinking, and approach every endeavor with humor and authenticity. Whether drawing on the collaborative spirit of The Office's writers' room or speaking to leaders across industries, he delivers concrete, memorable takeaways with warmth and wit.

Waggoner

What can a writer's room teach us about the future of work? In this exclusive moderated conversation, comedian, author, and The Office star B.J. Novak sits down with IFMA host, Eddy Wagoner, to share the stories, surprises, and creative breakthroughs that have defined his career. From the chaos of live television to the spaces where great ideas are born, Novak's insights on collaboration, adaptability, and finding humor in the everyday will resonate with facility management professionals who know better than anyone that the workplace is never just a building — it's where culture lives.

 

Embark on Your Journey at
WORLD WORKPLACE

Facility management professionals gathered at IFMA’s World Workplace, celebrating 45 years of industry leadership, learning, and networking.

Benefit from the most constructive, research- and experience-based information and insights that IFMA, our partners and speakers are providing the industry. Expand your knowledge and network, elevate your impact and enrich your journey as an FM professional. Join us in celebrating 45 years of groundbreaking achievements in the advancement of facility management. Step into a world of possibilities for your workplace.

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