14  |  SCHOOL PLANT MANAGER MAGAZINE  |  SUMMER 2026
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T
he 2026 NSPMA Annual 
Conference and EXPO delivered 
energy, inspiration, and 
momentum for school facilities 
professionals nationwide. Kansas 
City became the center of the school 
facilities profession April 27–29, 2026, as 
the National School Plant Management 
Association (NSPMA) hosted its Annual 
Conference and EXPO at the Kansas 
City Marriott Downtown. By the 
conference’s close, one thing was clear: 
this was more than another successful 
gathering — it was a defining moment 
for the organization and the profession it 
represents.
More than 150 attendees from over 
25 states came together for three days of 
professional development, collaboration, 
and networking, creating an atmosphere 
filled with enthusiasm and shared 
purpose. From packed breakout sessions 
to conversations in the expo hall and 
networking events throughout the city, 
the conference reflected the growing 
strength and visibility of school facilities 
leadership across the country.
A Powerful Opening Message
The conference began with a 
keynote that immediately set the tone 
for the week.
Anne Birky, President of the 
Oregon School Facilities Management 
Association (OSFMA) and facilities 
leader for Bend-La Pine Schools, 
delivered a deeply personal and inspiring 
presentation titled Resilience After 
Stroke: Overcoming Adversity, Reclaiming 
Purpose, and Leading Through Recovery. 
Rather than easing attendees into the 
event, Birky challenged and motivated 
the audience from the outset, sharing her 
journey through recovery and leadership 
with honesty and authenticity.
Her message resonated far beyond 
facilities management. It was a reminder 
of the resilience, determination, and sense 
of purpose that define professionals in the 
field — and it established an emotional 
and motivational foundation that carried 
throughout the conference.
Education and Professional Growth 
Take Center Stage
Tuesday’s agenda showcased the 
depth and diversity of educational 
opportunities available throughout the 
event. One of the morning highlights 
was the Missouri Core Certification 
Module 7 session, a program now 
adopted by Kansas, Tennessee, 
Wisconsin, and Oklahoma (with others 
SHOW ME MO QUARTERLY
Kansas City Raises the Bar for NSPMA’s Annual Conference
By Joshua Peach, Public K12 Facilities Expert & Columnist

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