Driven by the need for more supportive and dynamic networking opportunities for women in facilities and operations management, Ecofy founder Nora Potter joined forces with Cleancorp chief executive officer Lisa Macqueen and general manager Sally Hunt to establish The Facilities Forum.

With a shared vision of fostering inclusive, people-focused leadership, they are building a space where women can connect, collaborate and champion one another in an industry that is evolving towards greater diversity. As this movement gains momentum, The Facilities Forum continues to host events designed to empower and inspire, with the most recent and upcoming gatherings offering valuable opportunities for engagement and growth.

Building a space for connection and growth

Emerging from a shared recognition that women were struggling to find authentic networking opportunities in the sector overtly dominated by men, the trio decided to take action. “We wanted to create a space where women could network authentically, hear from speakers who were relatable and not feel like they were being sold to,” Potter says. She credits the “vibe in the room” to the marketing team at Cleancorp. “We all specialise in different areas, and Lisa leads an incredible team at Cleancorp, they are multitalented and their skills in putting the event together are second to none! You would think the events were curated by professional event organisers.”

Reflecting on past events, including the Launch Lunch in May 2024 and the Change Makers Lunch in August 2024, Potter notes that the overwhelming response from attendees has highlighted a strong demand for events focused on personal development and meaningful connections. “Women in the industry want to hear from inspiring leaders, not just to network, but to be empowered,” she explains.

The forum stands out by creating events that move away from traditional male-targeted formats, instead fostering an environment where attendees can engage in meaningful conversations over great food in a welcoming and relaxed setting. “The need for a supportive, inspirational space has been overwhelming,” Potter says. “We have been fortunate to have speakers who genuinely contribute to the success of these lunches.”

Shaping the future of professional development

The Facilities Forum has already hosted inspiring speakers, including JLL national EOS optimisation manager Rebecca Cleary, Cushman & Wakefield CEO Noral Wild, Deloitte principal Robyn De Szokoe and Trisha Roy from CBRE. The fact that so many highly regarded women in the industry are eager and willing to participate as speakers and in panel discussions on key industry topics such as diversity, innovation and sustainability, speaks to the importance of the initiative. As interest continues to grow, the team remains committed to curating events that address the evolving needs of women in facilities management.

“Each event has been put together with a specific theme that’s current and relevant,” Potter says. “As for future events, we haven’t decided what the next one will look like just yet, but we are always looking for new ways to stay current, creative, and innovative.”

With a focus on fostering professional growth, the forum ensures that its events remain responsive to the challenges faced by women in the industry. “The speaker’s questions are based on the challenges and topics raised by the women in the room, often making them anonymous to ensure honest, open discussions,” Potter explains. “This helps us tailor future events to address these real-time challenges while also staying ahead of industry trends.”

The Lead from Within Lunch: Inspiring from the inside out

The Facilities Forum’s most recent event, the Lead from Within Lunch, was held in March to celebrate International Women’s Day. This gathering focused on personal growth and leadership from within, shifting the conversation from business strategies to individual empowerment. A dynamic panel explored love languages in business, the CEO mindset and self-compassion – key elements in fostering a strong, motivated leadership approach. Attendees engaged in discussions on valuing their contributions, uplifting their teams and navigating challenges with resilience. ‘Success doesn’t start in the boardroom – it starts from within,’ was the central theme, reinforcing the importance of internal strength in professional success.

With its commitment to zero sales pitches, the event maintained a space for genuine connections, real conversations, and career-changing insights. “The Facilities Forum isn’t just another event – it’s a movement,” Potter says. “This is where leaders are made, bold ideas take shape, and lifelong connections begin.”

Expanding reach and envisioning the future

Although The Facilities Forum is currently based in Sydney, there is growing interest in expanding its reach to other cities across Australia. “We have received plenty of interest in expanding the Facilities Forum, and while for now we are focused on Sydney, the idea of taking it interstate is something we would love to do,” Potter says.

Looking ahead, the founders have an ambitious vision for the coming years. “Our vision for the next five years is that The Facilities Forum will be the go-to place for women in the Facilities Management industry – whether they’re looking for inspiration, networking or professional growth,” Potter shares. “We are building a thriving community where women are excited to come together, share knowledge, feel supported, and learn from one another.”

As the forum continues to evolve, its commitment to providing valuable opportunities for women in facilities management remains unwavering. By addressing industry challenges, embracing innovation and maintaining a strong sense of community, The Facilities Forum is shaping a more inclusive and empowering future for women in the field.