Auckland, New Zealand- January 30, 2024: Auckland downtown skyline at waterfront in Auckland, New Zealand

The World Federation of Building Services Contractors (WFBSC) is proud to share the success of its 2025 Global Executive Congress, held March 12-13 at the Grand Millennium Hotel and Conference Center in Auckland. The event brought together more than 100 global industry leaders, innovators, and professionals to explore the future of the building services industry through cutting-edge insights and collaborative dialogue.

With attendees from across the globe, the Congress delivered two days of compelling content and meaningful networking, set against the incredible backdrop of Auckland’s state-of-the-art conference venue and rich local culture.

"This year’s Congress exceeded all expectations," said Stan Doobin, CBSE, CEO of Harvard Maintenance, and President of the WFBSC. "From our keynote sessions to the powerful panel discussions, we saw firsthand the passion and innovation driving the future of our industry. Auckland proved to be an exceptional host city, and the energy among attendees was truly inspiring."

Highlights of the event included keynote presentations from Dr. Minas Liarokapis, Associate Professor at the University of Auckland, on the evolution of robotics in building services, and Justin Flitter, a renowned speaker on artificial intelligence, who explored AI's transformative impact on global industries. Attendees also enjoyed sessions from executive leadership experts Harold Hillman and Bruce Cotterill.

Participants engaged in dynamic panel discussions featuring global executives from the vendor and contract cleaning communities offering insights and experiences on topics including sustainability, talent management, and organizational leadership—core priorities for the future of building service contractors.

The Congress also offered numerous networking opportunities, beginning with a welcome reception showcasing local New Zealand wines and cheeses, and culminating in a memorable gala dinner at the Auckland Museum, featuring panoramic views and a gourmet experience.

"We were honored to host this prestigious gathering in Auckland," said Sarah McBride, CEO of the Building Service Contractors of New Zealand (BSCNZ) and the local planning committee. "The Congress brought the global community together in a spirit of collaboration and innovation. It was a proud moment for our region and a testament to the strength and importance of our industry."

The WFBSC Global Executive Congress continues to serve as a vital platform for knowledge sharing and leadership development. With this year’s success, the Federation looks forward to building on this momentum and advancing its mission to elevate the contract cleaning profession globally.