Rapid developments in machine learning, artificial intelligence, conversational interfaces, chatbots and other technologies are transforming the way we interact with buildings, equipment, furniture and spaces. These familiar, inanimate 'things' are becoming active players capable of picking up information directly from the environment, taking actions and reporting the results back to us. The degree to which real estate becomes capable of 'learning' about the needs, preferences and patterns of its users may be an important indicator of its value in the future. Real estate that is more responsive to its occupants may command a premium in the market in years to come. Technological personae like Siri and Alexa are coming into the workplace with the power to transform how we conduct the business of facility management. More ambitious advancements, like the nano-technology known as 'smart dust' promise to literally put electronic eyes and ears into the atmosphere. The new developments have cost, efficiency, safety and privacy implications that organizations will need to address.

The fourth industrial revolution, often called 'Industry 4.0', is a new era in which corporate activity is increasingly digital. Technological advances allow for more and faster data collection and analysis, wireless connectivity and mobility, automation, virtualization, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and new human-machine interactions. As technology continues to evolve and the adoption rate of innovations increases, disruption to current workforces and future labor markets is expected to be one of the greatest challenges to predict, manage, and mitigate. This session will examine impacts on corporate functions as they are expected to occur in different locations and within specific real estate asset types. The requirement for corporate and governmental responses to labor market dislocation and needs (e.g. upskilling, reskilling, relocation) will also be explored.

In a world confronted by increasing environmental, economic, and social change, resilient design is a top concern. It's no longer an exploratory exercise; it's an essential conversation for designers, landlords, brokers, and tenants alike. This case study will explore how global media brand, Viacom, worked together with Perkins+Will to navigate the design of three floors within their 20-floor stack in the center of Times Square. Through current examples you'll see how tenants can ensure business continuity in increasingly precarious circumstances. You'll walk away with a strong understanding of the current landscape of resilience, and will be armed with the right questions depending on their role in a given project.

Work, workers and workplace are changing and now is the time to think deeply about the impact it will have on your business. How will shifts in technology, mobility, and workplace culture affect your organization's ability to succeed? We need an empowered, innovative workforce focused on doing impactful work, and systems that enable it. Join your colleagues in this dynamic roundtable discussion that will shake you out of complacency and into thinking about the business challenges you may soon face.

Uncertainty is the name of the game when it comes to sustainable building. What's the next green technology? Is wellness a fad? How much should resilience matter to how we manage real estate? For the last three years, Structure Tone has surveyed clients and partners to take the pulse of the industry and see what the crystal ball may have in store. This panel discussion will not only review what the survey reveals about industry attitudes, but also highlight the challenges we face in adopting new sustainability, wellness and resilience practices in an uncertain future. Building upon audience participation and discussion based on industry data, this session will illuminate the challenges and identify the opportunities for a sustainable, resilient future.

In 2015 Steve Easterbrook took the helm at the world's leading global food service retailer. Charged with transforming the iconic company the decision to move the McDonald's HQ was a highly visible part of the overall strategy. The business changes, combined with leaving a decades-old campus, meant everything was going to be different. Key considerations included: how should the work environment be different to best support the company's new direction? How could the work environment positively influence and reinforce the ongoing culture shift all while the company was undergoing a major transformation? McDonald's leverages technology for its restaurants and wanted to create a smarter experience for the headquarters. When you pair a forward-thinking workplace strategy with a range of smart building resources, the result is a foundation enabling significant culture shift!