RFMA - Restaurant Facility Management Association 2027
Event Date
March 7–9, 2027
Location
Tampa, FL
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe RFMA Annual Conference is the flagship yearly event of the Restaurant Facility Management Association (RFMA), the trade group dedicated to the restaurant facilities profession. Billed as the biggest three days of the year for restaurant facilities professionals, it draws coast-to-coast attendees who gather to expand their network, enhance their facilities knowledge, and find the solutions and vendors they need.
The event is built for a specific professional audience. Hosted by the Restaurant Facility Management Association, it brings together restaurant facility professionals, maintenance leaders, operations managers, and service vendors for a multi-day program of education, networking, and problem-solving, with technical sessions, leadership workshops, and an expansive exhibit hall focused on challenges such as HVAC, energy efficiency, maintenance strategy, and compliance. Key industries represented include restaurant operations, facility management, real estate, engineering, and vendor services.
Whether you are just starting your facilities career or are a seasoned professional, the conference offers education sessions and networking opportunities for every level. The 2027 edition is scheduled for Tampa, Florida, giving attendees a chance to source the latest products and connect with peers from across the country.
Show Highlights
- Education for every level — education sessions designed for all levels of restaurant facilities professionals.
- Exhibit hall — vendors from coast-to-coast on hand to help keep restaurants running.
- General Sessions and Education Breakouts covering hot-topic restaurant facilities issues.
- Restaurant Roundtables for peer-to-peer discussion among facility professionals.
- Latest trends and solutions — the newest trends and efficient new solutions to help run facilities better.
- Networking events — conference events built to expand your network.
- Interest-group activities, including Females in Facilities and Emerging Professionals, which hold in-person events at RFMA's Annual Conference.
- RFMA Gives community service project tied to the conference each year.
Registration
Registration is handled through RFMA's official conference channels. For the 2027 conference, registration opens in October. Prospective attendees and exhibitors should monitor the official RFMA event page for pass types, pricing, and deadlines as they are announced.
History
RFMA traces its origins to January 2004, when Joe Robertson, President of Rightway Facility Services, met with facility directors from major restaurant groups including Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, Darden Restaurants, Brinker International, Applebee's, and P.F. Chang's to address the challenge of managing facilities across fast-growing chains. The group partnered with Professional Retail Store Maintenance (PRSM), signing an agreement in July 2004, to help establish RFMA and plan its first National Conference, held jointly with PRSM's in Las Vegas. In April 2005, 140 attendees representing more than 75,000 restaurants participated in RFMA '05, the first official gathering of the Restaurant Facility Management Association.
The association has since grown its programs and events. In fall 2010 RFMA launched its official publication, Facilitator, and also announced its certification program, through which professionals can earn the CRFP (Certified Restaurant Facility Professional) designation; an online CRFP prep course followed in 2013. The Annual Conference has grown into the organization's signature event, rotating among major U.S. cities each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the RFMA 2027 Annual Conference?
The RFMA 2027 Annual Conference is scheduled for March 7-9, 2027, in Tampa, Florida. The specific host venue is expected to be confirmed by RFMA closer to the event.
Who should attend the RFMA Annual Conference?
The conference is designed for restaurant facility professionals, maintenance leaders, operations managers, and service vendors. It also draws professionals from restaurant operations, real estate, engineering, and vendor services.
What happens at the conference?
Attendees take part in education sessions, general sessions, restaurant roundtables, and networking events, plus an exhibit hall featuring vendors from across the country. Sessions cover facilities topics such as HVAC, energy efficiency, maintenance strategy, and compliance.
How do I register for RFMA 2027?
Registration is handled through RFMA's official conference website. For the 2027 event, registration opens in October, so prospective attendees should watch the official page for pass types and pricing.
Who organizes the RFMA Annual Conference?
The event is organized by the Restaurant Facility Management Association (RFMA). The association was founded in 2004-2005 and held its first conference in April 2005 in Las Vegas with 140 attendees representing more than 75,000 restaurants.
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