SC Tri-Association Conference 2026 – Recap
Conference Recap

SC Tri-Association
Conference 2026

Empowering Facilities Managers

March 8–11, 2026
Myrtle Beach, SC
Multiple Institutions
Hosted by ASCEM· ASPACO· SCAPPA
200+
Attendees
3
Associations
4
Days
20+
Breakout Sessions
20+
Institutions

A Record-Breaking Year

The 2026 SC Tri-Association Conference brought together facilities management professionals from across South Carolina and beyond for four incredible days in Myrtle Beach. With more attendees than any previous year, the energy was electric from the moment the first session kicked off.

Representatives from colleges, universities, K–12 institutions, and state facilities teams gathered under one roof — sharing challenges, celebrating wins, and building the relationships that make this industry stronger.

This Year's Theme

"Empowering Facilities Managers"

Every session, speaker, and conversation was designed with one goal — giving SC facilities professionals the tools, knowledge, and community to lead with confidence.

World-Class Voices on the Main Stage

This year's speaker lineup was widely praised as the best in the conference's history. Two dynamic keynote speakers brought energy, expertise, and inspiration that attendees are still talking about.

Andrew Davis, keynote speaker
Andrew Davis
Keynote Speaker & Author

A bestselling author and internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, Andrew Davis brought his signature high-energy style to the main stage — challenging attendees to think bigger, move faster, and lead with purpose.

Patrick Leddin PhD, keynote speaker
Patrick Leddin, PhD
Leadership Expert & Keynote Speaker

Dr. Patrick Leddin delivered a compelling keynote on building high-performance teams and developing the next generation of leaders — drawing on decades of experience in leadership development and organizational excellence.

Facilities Innovation

Emerging technologies transforming how campuses are managed and modernized.

Workforce & Leadership

Strategies for recruiting and developing the next generation of facilities talent.

Sustainability & Safety

Frameworks for building greener, safer campuses without breaking the budget.

Budget & Procurement

Smart approaches to stretching resources while meeting rising demands.

Deep Dives That Delivered

More than a dozen breakout sessions ran throughout the conference, drawing packed rooms and sparking conversations that continued well past the final slide. Topics ranged from energy management and deferred maintenance to emergency preparedness.

Many attendees noted they left with immediately actionable takeaways and practical tools ready to implement on Monday morning.

"I've been to a lot of conferences. This one actually made me feel like I could go back and change things. The breakout sessions were exactly what I needed."

— Conference Attendee, SC Higher Education

"The energy at the conference was great. It was nice to meet so many other facility professional."

— Attendee, SC K–12 Facilities

Campus Cowboy Night

The conference concluded in memorable fashion with an evening that blended innovation, insight, and plenty of laughter. Keynote speaker Andrew Davis captivated attendees with his presentation, Digital Doppelgänger(s): How Savvy Facility Teams Are Augmenting Their Unique Talents Using the Magic of AI — making artificial intelligence feel accessible, relevant, and full of possibility for facilities professionals.

But the evening wasn't all business. Davis shared his original song using AI just for this conference, Campus Cowboy — a lighthearted tribute to the everyday challenges, victories, and realities of the people who keep campuses running. The song struck a chord because it celebrated facilities professionals who work behind the scenes and too often without recognition.

Before long, attendees were laughing, singing along, and embracing the camaraderie that makes this profession so unique. As many would later agree, it was an evening to remember.

🎥 Watch: Campus Cowboy by Andrew Davis

Campus Cowboy video thumbnail

Watch the Campus Cowboy video here

by Andrew Davis

See You Next Year

The 2026 SC Tri-Association Conference raised the bar for what a facilities management gathering can be. A heartfelt thank you to every speaker, sponsor, volunteer, and attendee who made it exceptional.

Stay connected with ASCEM, ASPACO, and SCAPPA and watch for announcements about the 2027 conference. We can't wait to do it all again.