6:00PM-9:00PM

Carolinas Chapter Hosts: Oyster Roast/Lowcountry Boil+

The Rooftop at the Guild Apartments
128 Columbus Street
Charleston, SC  29403

Kick off the 2018 national CRE Annual Convention in Charleston with an authentic lowcountry boil and oyster roast on the rooftop of one of Charleston’s newest luxury apartment communities, The Guild, located in the epicenter of Charleston. 

Join fellow CREs and spouses/guests for a relaxed, casual evening of food and libations. Come early as we start off the evening with local oysters roasted on site and knives available for shuckin’. (Maybe you’ll get lucky and find a pearl!). The evening continues with a lowcountry boil (also known as Frogmore Stew or shrimp boil), a southern tradition which included local shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage, and red potatoes, all boiled with a savory and slightly spicy seasoning. (Grilled chicken is available upon request.)  Homemade coleslaw and Key Lime Pie accompany the meal. Full bar sponsored by the Carolinas Chapter who hope to see you there!

1:00P-4:00P

Development Tour: Behind the Scenes at Boeing South Carolina+

Boeing South Carolina is home to the company’s second 787 Dreamliner final assembly and delivery facility. It was the company’s first 100 percent renewable energy site. Up to 20 percent of that energy is supplied by more than 18,000 thin-film solar panels (approximately 10 acres) installed on the roof of the 787 Final Assembly building. No waste generated at the site goes to landfill. The Final Assembly building is nearly a fifth of a mile long (1,041 ft or 317 m), and an eighth of a mile wide (618 ft or 188 m).

Enjoy this one of a kind, “Behind the Scenes” tour!

12:30P-4:30P

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens Tour+

Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation has survived centuries and witnessed the history of our nation unfold – from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. Home of the oldest public gardens in America, Magnolia will open its doors to The Counselors to tour the Plantation mansion, as well as participate in the “From Slavery to Freedom Tour” – exploring its street of slave cabins that document the full arc of African American life at Magnolia. Magnolia has been selected as one of “America’s Most Beautiful Gardens” (Travel + Leisure Magazine) and there will be hundreds of beautiful flowers in bloom this Fall.

To experience rich and, at times, troubling history, join us at the Magnolia Plantation Development Tour!

5:30P-7:45P

Welcome Reception+

Charleston Harbor Cruise

Tour Guide: John Cameron, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired); Executive Director, Charleston Branch Pilots Association

Kick off the convention with a delightful cruise around Charleston on “The Spirit of Lowcountry.” Experience its elegant southern style and charm while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the company of fellow convention attendees. Your docent, Captain John Cameron, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired), will lead a tour of the Harbor, regaling you with unique insider stories about the city and its surrounding waters. There is certainly no better way to enjoy this beautiful city, surrounded by water.

Afterward, there will still be time to enjoy a night “on the town.” The boat docks a short walk from a host of Charleston’s premiere restaurants and night spots.

7:15A-8:00A

Breakfast Buffet with Keynote Speaker

Opening Keynote: Mayor John Tecklenburg, Mayor of Charleston

Introductions: W. Andrew Gowder, Jr., Esq., CRE, Founder and Partner, Austen & Gowder, LLC

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg spent much of his career as a businessman and entrepreneur. Since becoming mayor in 2016, he has been committed to improving citizens’ quality of life and making Charleston a city of opportunity for all. Among his efforts to improve city-wide livability, Mayor Tecklenburg has paid particular attention to flooding and drainage relief. He has also led initiatives to address housing affordability and homelessness in Charleston.

8:15A-8:30A

Welcome Address

Presentation of the Chair’s Award

Joseph Nahas, Jr., CRE, 2018 Chair of the CRE Board

8:30A-10:00A

General Session #1

What Moves the Carolinas? How Logistics Shape Real Estate – Lessons Learned from the Region

Speakers: Patrick McCrory, Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, Palmetto Railways; and James Newsome III, President & CEO, South Carolina Ports Authority

Moderator: KC Conway, CRE, Director of Research & Corporate Engagement, Culverhouse College of Commerce – Alabama Center for Real Estate

Forget football – the real competition is trade, logistics, and ports. And in today’s world, logistics and real estate are intrinsically intertwined. To be successful in navigating the “New Age” of Real Estate, it’s all about logistics – ask Boeing, BMW, Volvo, Samsung, Dollar Tree, Michelin Tires, and Harbor Freight…all located in South Carolina. 

Panelists have insider views on the importance of being a successful “Mover” – of goods, finished products, and people. From ports to rails and everything in between, logistics play a critical role from manufacturers to end users.

10:00A-10:30A

Networking Break

10:30A-Noon

General Session #2

What Makes South Carolina?: What Makes the Region Successful?

Speaker: Robert ‘Bobby’ Hitt III, Secretary of Commerce, South Carolina Department of Commerce

Moderator: Stephen Navarro, CRE, President, the Furman Co., Inc.

How have the Carolinas sustained their upward trajectory track, especially in business to business development, and employment growth? What can others gain from their experiences? Employing a team-first approach to economic development, Secretary Hitt mobilized the state’s many partners and allies, empowering them to assist in a variety of efforts, including building and site certification, infrastructure improvement, international trade growth, supplier development, workforce educational development, and statewide brand establishment and promotion through the ‘Just Right’ campaign. As a result, he has overseen an unprecedented industry recruitment success.

How do you grow economic development in the era of trade wars and high stakes competitiveness? What lessons learned can you take back home?

Noon -1:30P

Welcome Luncheon

Introduction of New Members

Julie Melander, CRE, 2018 First Vice Chair of the CRE Board

Noon -1:30P

Past Chairs’ Luncheon*

1:30P-1:45P

Networking Break

1:45P-3:15P

General Session #3*

The Counselor Organization: An “Interactive” Forum answering your questions on the CRE Invitation process, culture, branding, and more

Speakers: Jonathan Avery, CRE, Principal, Avery Associates; Steven Leader, CRE, Emeritus, Leader Realty Advisors, Ltd.; James Lee, CRE, Senior Principal, Kensington Realty Advisors, Inc.; Albert Pappalardo, CRE, President, Pappalardo Consultants, Inc.; and Arthur Pasquarella, CRE, Executive Vice President, COO, Equus Capital Partners, Ltd.

Moderator: Joseph Nahas, Jr., CRE, Senior Vice President, Equus Capital Partners, Ltd

It’s been a long time since The Counselors has scheduled a candid “Members Only” Open Forum. Yet, with so many changes and new initiatives underway within the organization, the time is right to talk about the CRE legacy and our vision for an increasingly robust and innovative future.  Equally important, we want to hear from all of you: your questions, observations, and suggestions.

Have you wondered about the inner workings of the CRE Invitation process – how the Committee responsible for extending invitations to prospective members is composed and operates? What about the CRE Foundation and the major redesign underway to place CREs front and center in not only identifying the property related issues of our time – but actually contributing to their solution. You will hear about the original vision behind formation of The Counselor organization and how that vision translates to a crowded, highly competitive new arena. Finally, we will talk about the inviolate CRE credential and the CRE Brand. What do YOU think? What is important to YOU as a 21^st Century Counselor of Real Estate? Bring your questions, comments, and aspirations. Let’s talk.

3:15P-3:45P

Networking Break

3:45P-5:00P

General Session #4

Blockchain and Its Practical Applications to Real Estate

Introductions: Hugh Kelly, Ph.D., CRE,

Speakers: Todd Jones, CRE, Principal, RealAdvice; and Rik Willard, CEO, Agentic Group

Moderator: Geoffrey Kasselman, Industrial Specialist, Executive Managing Director, Newmark Knight Frank and Founder/CEO, Op2mize Energy

It seems like blockchain is all the rage these days – today’s trendy buzzword. This emerging technology, which started out as the backbone of bitcoin, is now being used across dozens of different industries – from technology to healthcare to real estate – transforming these industries, to make them more modern and efficient. As with any new technology, it’s difficult to truly envision exactly how blockchain actually works…let alone how it is disrupting the real estate industry; but be assured it has and it will. The early signs are here and we can see the initial trends, but can you predict where things go from here? 

Join the discussion – how can you harness transformative disruptions and technologies to increase the ROI to your business and clients?

5:00P – 6:00P

Chapter Activities/Membership Development Joint Committee Meeting

Ethics Committee Meeting*

6:30P-10:00P

Social Event+

CRE’s Celebratory Event: A Night at the Aquarium

Featuring the CRE Band: Sound Counsel

Honoring 2018 Chair Joe Nahas, Jr., CRE, and his wife Suzanne.

Panoramic waterfront views, remarkable marine life, and an exclusive downtown Charleston location create an unrivaled atmosphere. You can explore the Aquarium’s exhibits while celebrating The Counselor organization and thanking 2018 Chair Joe Nahas and his wife, Suzanne, for their contributions this past year. We will also welcome 2019 Chair, Julie Melander. After dinner, enjoy the music of the CRE Band, Sound Counsel! 

This Aquarium is guaranteed to “Make Waves.”

Please note: the Aquarium event is casual attire and atmosphere.

9:30P-11:30P

Chair’s Hospitality Suite

7:15A-8:00A

Breakfast Buffet

8:00A-9:30A

General Session #5

Tourism and Hospitality: Unique Experiences Translate into Success

Speakers: Dan Battista, Senior Vice President, Lowe; Tommy Hall, General Manager, Owner, Halls Management Group; and Helen Hill, CEO, Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Moderator: Anne Lloyd-Jones, CRE, Managing Director, HVS Global Hospitality Services

Charleston is the number one rated tourist city in the U.S. (Conde Nast), overtaking San Francisco a few years ago. Yet it is a city with highly restrictive height and room limitations as well as constraints on historical restoration and cohesiveness. The unique success of the peninsulas with tourism, hospitality, food, and entertainment is a departure from other markets that have also experienced success…yet with different business models.  The panel will discuss how this uniqueness translates to other markets.

It is important to identify the differentiating factors of your city or community and then use this to promote the distinctiveness of your market. What’s your brand?

8:00A-9:30A

The Counselors of Real Estate Foundation Meeting*

9:30A-9:45A

Networking Break

9:30A-12:15P

Choice of Two Tours+

Ticketed event for spouses/guests; included in business attendees’ registration.

A Tour of What’s Hip in Charleston (walking tour)

What’s Hip and Happening in Charleston

This walking tour explores Charleston’s newest developments – as heard straight from the developers themselves. What are the lessons learned in creating Charleston’s newest developments?  What are the challenges of building and developing new properties in an iconic historic city? 

This “foots on” tour will give attendees an insider’s view of numerous downtown projects.

Tour Guides: TBD

A Tour of the Transformation of Charleston (bus tour)

Explore Historic Charleston: The Old and The New

What were the early drivers of change in creating the Charleston you see today?  This tour offers attendees a drive around Charleston – from Market and King Streets, the site of the city’s first big project – to Battery and White Point Gardens, the waterfront, and the Port Authority – to name just a few. Participants will also see some of today’s latest projects – a mix of the old and the new!

Tour Guides: Jessica Barron Barton, Vice President, Relationship Manager, Commercial Real Estate, Wells Fargo Commercial Real Estate; and Richard Gowe, Principal, Studio Leader, LSP3 Associates

Downtown Market Specialists: Charles Carmody, Senior Vice President, CBRE; Michael Carmody, Senior Associate, CBRE; and Markus Kastenholz, First Vice President, CBRE

12:15P-1:45P

Member Luncheon

Presentation of the 2018 James D. Landauer/John R. White and Committee Service Awards

1:45P-2:00P

Networking Break

1:45P-3:45P

Budget & Finance Committee Meeting*

2:00P-2:45P

General Session #6

CRE Consulting Corps and Non-Profits: Unique Challenges for Portfolio Management

Introductions: Kathleen Rose, CRE, President & CEO, Rose & Associates Southeast, Inc., Chair, Consulting Corps Steering Committee

Speakers: Lydia Doyle, Director of Planning and Operations, Diocese of Charleston; Casey Kemper, CRE, President, Collegiate Asset Management, Team Leader for the Diocese of Charleston study; William McCarthy, CRE, President, W.P.J. McCarthy and Company Ltd., Team Leader for the Diocese of Charlotte study; and Anthony Morlando, Director, Diocesan Properties, Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

What would you recommend when presented with real estate portfolio management challenges in your community? This panel – composed of CRE Consulting Corps team leaders and their clients – will discuss how the Counselors addressed real estate issues two Catholic Dioceses currently face. Leadership from both diocese recognized the need to seek expert assistance in establishing a framework for asset and property management in keeping with the unique requirements of the Catholic Church. How did the Corps develop long term asset and property management plans for both the Diocese of Charlotte and Charleston? How did the CRE Team formulate a blueprint for maximizing existing assets while strategically planning for future acquisition and/or disposition? 

The commitment The Counselors of Real Estate and its members have for assisting organizations in need of creative yet informed approaches to their real estate dilemmas is truly extraordinary. Don’t miss the discussion and learn how you might participate in a future Consulting Corps assignment with CRE colleagues. The experience can truly change your life.

One Consulting Corps volunteer summed it up best when he said: “In a life of more than my share of professional experiences, and working with more than my share of talented people this was one of the very best things I’ve done.”

2:45P-3:00P

Networking Break

3:00P-4:30P

General Session #7

“America’s Mayor,” Joe Riley: A Discussion on Visionary Leadership, Transformation, and Resilience

A conversation with a Mayor (1975-2016) who has seen and heard it all.

Speaker: Joseph Riley, Jr., Professor of American Government & Public Policy, The Citadel; Former Mayor of Charleston

Moderator: Elaine Worzala, Ph.D., CRE, Carter Real Estate Center – College of Charleston

Joe Riley is well known as one of the most visionary and highly effective governmental leaders in America. He served ten terms as Mayor of the City of Charleston from 1975 to 2016. As one of the early leaders of Charleston, he led the renaissance of this city. 

In his time as Mayor, Charleston transformed from a decaying urban center to a top cultural destination. The crisis leadership that he demonstrated after Hurricane Hugo in 1989 gained national praise for getting the city quickly cleaned up and running.

He is known for his innovative redevelopment projects, carefully crafted to add to the overall quality of life in the city, while maintaining a healthy balance between change and historical past. He diffused racial tensions by working closely with the African American community.  

From the mayor’s perspective, what were the highlights, the challenges and mistakes made and what are the lessons learned for other communities?

4:45P-5:45P

Consulting Corps Committee Meeting

Invitation Advisory Committee Meeting*

Real Estate Issues Editorial Board Meeting

6:30P-8:30P

Farewell Reception

The Francis Marion Hotel

Take the opportunity to connect one more time with your fellow attendees. Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before you embark on your evening plans.

9:30P-11:30P

Chair’s Hospitality Suite

7:30A-9:30A

Breakfast Buffet

8:00A-9:00A

Strategic Planning Committee Meeting*

9:00A-10:45A

Executive Committee*

11:00A-12:30P

Board of Directors Meeting

Open to all CREs

12:30P-1:00P

Annual Membership Meeting

Open to all CRE members

1:00P-

Buffet Luncheon