Facilities Management Expo 2026 - Integrating safety, technology, and smarter buildings

South Africa’s facilities management community gathers each year at Securex South Africa, A-OSH EXPO, Facilities Management Expo, Firexpo, and, for the first time, RE+ South Africa, to explore how facilities management, safety, and technology are converging to improve workplace performance and wellbeing. In 2026, the five co-located shows take place from 2 to 4 June at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, offering a clear view of how integrated FM strategies are being applied in real workplaces.

“Facilities Management Expo, alongside Securex South Africa, A-OSH EXPO, Firexpo, and RE+ South Africa, gives facilities and SHEQ teams a focused environment to explore practical technologies and coordinated strategies that support safer, more efficient buildings,” says Mark Anderson, Portfolio Director at Montgomery Group Africa.

The co-located format reflects how buildings are now managed in practice. Safety, fire protection, energy management, and facilities management increasingly operate as one connected system rather than separate functions. Facilities teams must respond to rising heat exposure, tighter regulatory expectations, indoor air quality concerns, more complex energy infrastructure, and heightened fire-resilience requirements. As a result, FM responsibilities now extend well beyond maintenance into safety planning, operational continuity, carbon reduction, and employee comfort.

A key driver of this shift is the demand for real-time visibility. IoT-linked sensors, digital dashboards, and automated alerts provide clearer insight into indoor conditions, equipment performance, and emerging risks. This early-warning capability reduces incident potential and allows faster, more informed intervention.

Heat stress illustrates this approach in practice. Research shows that a significant portion of the global workforce faces dangerous heat exposure, with Africa recording the highest levels. FM teams are responding by improving ventilation, monitoring indoor temperatures, and adapting building design to limit heat buildup. These interventions support wellbeing and productivity, particularly in manufacturing, mining, agro-processing, and warehousing environments.

Indoor environmental quality also plays a central role in safety and wellbeing. Noise, poor air circulation, inadequate lighting, and thermal discomfort contribute to fatigue and reduced performance. Facilities teams are increasingly tasked with creating human-centred environments that reduce these stressors and support healthier daily operations.

Fire safety adds another layer of complexity, especially with the growth of lithium-ion batteries used in solar installations, backup power systems, and e-mobility. FM teams now work closely with fire specialists to ensure battery rooms, ventilation, monitoring, and suppression systems align with current SANS and NFPA guidance. Regular inspections, updated procedures, and staff awareness remain critical.

Integrated FM brings these elements together. A ventilation fault can affect fire behaviour. Poor access control can delay emergency response. Inefficient systems can undermine energy resilience. Holistic planning helps FM teams manage risk across the entire building ecosystem.

“The co-located shows offer FM and SHEQ professionals a practical platform to explore sensors, monitoring tools, fire protection systems, energy solutions, workplace safety technology, and smart building platforms. The free seminar theatres provide accessible guidance on compliance, climate readiness, digital tools, ESG reporting, and integrated operations, all within a South African context,” says Anderson.

Sustainability continues to shape FM priorities. Boards expect measurable progress on energy use, waste management, water efficiency, and asset life extension. Predictive maintenance and energy analytics support these goals while reducing downtime and long-term risk.

“South Africa’s facilities teams sit at the intersection of safety, wellbeing, and operational resilience. By adopting integrated systems, digital monitoring, and people-focused building strategies, FM professionals can create safer, healthier, and more efficient workplaces. Visit the Facilities Management Expo website at www.fmexpo.co.za for more information,” says Anderson.

Organisations wishing to exhibit at Facilities Management Expo 2026 can contact the Facilities Management Expo team on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book a space or capitalise on a sponsorship opportunity.