According to the Public Relations Office of Pars University of Architecture and Art, this annual conference convened prominent professors, experts, and scholars to discuss effective strategies for managing the facilities. The event aimed to avert disasters like the tragic Plasco Building collapse, which underscored the critical need for proper management and specialized knowledge in building maintenance and optimal utilization.

During the opening ceremony, Professor Mahmoud Golabchi, founder of Pars University, expressed his satisfaction with the successful organization of the event for the sixth consecutive year. He highlighted that Facilities Management is an interdisciplinary field recognized worldwide as a crucial area of expertise. It is one of the newest and most vital disciplines in engineering and management, introduced in Iran for the first time by Pars University of Architecture and Art.

Professor Golabchi emphasized the importance of promoting this field to relevant organizations and institutions, stating:

“Raising awareness among managers and policymakers about this knowledge and its implementation in large-scale urban projects can significantly reduce maintenance costs, extend the lifespan of buildings, and minimize risks associated with structural deterioration.”

He further pointed out that the lack of proper planning and management in building maintenance could lead to irreversible damage, emphasizing the significance of academic conferences in enhancing both public and professional awareness in this area.

In conclusion, he expressed hope that the expansion of this discipline and the training of skilled specialists would elevate Iran to the forefront of global science and technology, establishing it as a world-leading model in this field.

On the first day of the conference, several specialized presentations were delivered:

• Dr. Ali Vakili – “The Role of Facilities Management in Energy Management”
• Dr. Mehdi Moein – “The Role of Agile Management in Facilities Management”
• Dr. Amin Alvanji – “Examining the Missing Link in Iran’s Technical and Executive System”
• Dr. Ali Nasiri – “Building Retrofitting Programs and the Resilience of Vital Infrastructure”

On the second day, a series of educational workshops were held:

• “The Interrelationship Between Built Structures and Risk in Tehran” – Dr. Esmail Salimi
• “Assessing Maturity Levels in the Operation and Maintenance of Built Structures”
• “Smart Management of Built Environments” – Dr. Alireza Asl Arabi
• “Application of Artificial Intelligence in Structural Monitoring” – Dr. Ali Golsurat Pahlaviani
• “Applying Quality Models in Facilities Management Services” – Dr. Mohammad-Javad Arshadi and Eng. Hassan Abdi Khoshchehreh
• “Change Management in Facilities Management”
• “A Temporal Perspective and Its Impact on Built Environment Management” – Dr. Farhang Shoaafi

It is worth noting that the event was attended by several urban officials, prominent professors, and a number of students from Pars University.