Sunday, April 28

Development Tours†

There are several Development Tour choices, as well as many options to enjoy Chicago on your own! 

Tour I: Conservation Land Development: A North Shore Chicago Tour

Tour Guides: Bruce Reid, CRE, President/COO, AHC Funds/Arthur Hill & Co; John Sentell, President & CEO, Lake Forest Open Lands

This Development Tour will wind up Lake Shore Drive and Sheridan Road through Chicagoland’s North Shore.  You will then stroll Elawa Farm – a restored gentleman’s farm and garden. The farm includes vegetables & cut flowers grown without chemicals, a seasonal Garden Market, and education centered around growing food, healthy cooking and small-scale agriculture.  It is a public-private partnership dedicated to the preservation and stewardship of a unique combination of natural setting, designed landscapes and buildings of architectural and historic significance.

John Sentell of Lake Forest Open Lands Association (LFOLA) will lead a discussion of land trusts and conservation land developments.  LFOLA is an independently funded conservation and educational organization devoted to the acquisition and stewardship of natural landscapes, ensuring all generations have a meaningful, lasting connection to nature and land.

Tour II: Chicago’s South Side Development Tour: A Tale of Two Cities

Tour Guides: Collete English Dixon, Executive Director, Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate, Roosevelt University; David Doig, President, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives

The South Side boasts a broad array of cultural and social offerings, such as professional sports teams, landmark buildings, museums, educational institutions, medical institutions, beaches, and major parts of Chicago’s parks system.

This Tour will showcase the Pullman neighborhood (the nation’s first industrial planned community), a hydroponic farm, Hyde Park (which is earmarked to be home to the Barack Obama Presidential Center), the historic University of Chicago, the DuSable Museum of African American history, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House (a U.S. National Historic Landmark on the campus of the University of Chicago).

At the end of the Tour, you will be dropped off at the University Club where you can join your colleagues and guests for Sunday’s Welcome Reception.

Tour III: University Club of Chicago Tour

Tour Guide: Amber Read, Assistant General Manager, University Club of Chicago

Built in 1908, the Club was the nation’s first gothic skyscraper, designed for function and unique beauty by notable architect Martin Roche.  An historic landmark overlooking Lake Michigan in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Club directly faces Millennium Park, Lake Michigan, the Art Institute of Chicago, and other famous Magnificent Mile attractions.

After the Tour, join your CRE colleagues and guests at the Welcome Reception in the Cathedral Room!

Welcome Reception †

University Club of Chicago

Kick off the 2019 Midyear Meetings with the Welcome Reception at the University Club of Chicago – an enduring tradition of excellence!

The University Club lies in the very center of Chicago’s most beloved cultural attractions. Built in 1908, the Club was the nation’s first gothic skyscraper, designed for function and unique beauty. Overlooking Lake Michigan in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Club directly faces Chicago’s urban landmark, Millennium Park, Lake Michigan, the Art Institute of Chicago, and other famous Magnificent Mile attractions.

After you catch up with fellow CREs and enjoy the delicious food, you can explore Chicago’s eclectic dining scene with your colleagues.

Monday, April 29

Opening Breakfast

Welcome to Chicago

Andrea Zopp, President and CEO, World Business Chicago

Andrea is the former Deputy Mayor, Chief Neighborhood Development Officer for the City of Chicago under Mayor Rahm Emanuel. She has dedicated her career to being a force of change. She has championed job creation, access to education, corporate responsibility and promoting economic development initiatives in underserved communities.

Andrea has held multiple civic and business appointments. She was appointed to the Chicago Board of Education by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and to the Cook County Health and Hospital System Board by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Andrea also served on the board of the Urban Partnership Bank and was appointed by Mayor Emanuel to serve on the Chicago Police Board in November 2017.

General Session #1

TOPIC: The New City

Keynote Speaker: Spencer Levy, Americas Head of Research and Senior Economic Advisor, CBRE

One of the most entertaining and enlightening observers of the American urban scene, Mr. Levy believes the urban meccas that will go the furthest in the years ahead possess a combination of three attributes that matter most: talent generation through universities, a work-live-play environment, and capital from foreign sources.  Mr. Levy’s approach to spotting emerging trends takes in such disparate drivers as package deliveries, infrastructure, universities, the importance of local retailers, and the overhyping of today’s young adults.

Local retailers and businesses will propel future growth in cities across the U.S.  This is a direct reaction to the forces of globalization and automation.

He is optimistic about the future of commercial real estate.  While the last 5 years were great, the next 5 will be good, but will be harder.  To stay viable, he recommends you be more discerning about your markets, submarkets, and asset types. Go to the markets where people want to go!

General Session #2

TOPIC: The Global Economy & Real Estate Trends: One on One Interview

Speakers: Mary Ludgin, Managing Director and Director of Global Investment Research, Heitman

Moderator: Mario Lefebvre, CRE, Vice President, Research-Global Real Estate Markets, Ivanhoé Cambridge Inc.

This session promises a lively discussion about the current global economic outlook – where we are in the cycle and what are the underlying demographic trends.  The world’s population now has more people aged 65 and above than 5 and under for the first time ever.  However, while there is the aging of the population, there are also the millennials!  Mary and Mario will debate economic dynamics as well as population trends and what these trends mean for real estate demand.

And logistics is the flavor of the month.  Will this last in the face of rising populism/protectionism? Is retail really dead or is it morphing? Where are interest rates (and thus cap rates) going?

This will be a fast-paced discussion covering a lot of “where are we going?” topics!

Welcome Luncheon

Introduction of New Members and the James Felt Creative Counseling Award

Michel Couillard, CRE, 2020 Chair of the Board

General Session #3

TOPIC: Technology: How Data is Being Leveraged

Speakers: Liz Holland, Chief Executive Officer, Consortial Technology, LLC, owner of LayerCake; Curvin Leatham, Co-Founder, CEO, AreaProbe; Helen Thompson, Global Marketing Strategy Manager, Esri; Thomas Wootten, CRE, Managing Partner, Saybrook Real Estate Advisors LLC

Moderator: Noah Shlaes, CRE, President, Shlaes & Co.

Data is an integral part of making real estate decisions. In 2017, venture capitalists invested over $5 billion in real estate technology, more than 150 times the $33 million invested in 2010.  Today there are multiple service providers and methods to get data.  But how do you communicate the data to your client?  Visually!  When your clients can visualize the data, you can communicate your advice more easily.  Adding visuals to your recommendations adds a layer to your consultation.

This panel of users and providers will demonstrate the latest demographic and economic analysis tools and examples of the practical application.   Learn how you can leverage real estate technology tools to close the deal.

General Session #4

TOPIC: Opportunity Zones: Challenges and Opportunities

Speakers: Lauro Ferroni, Senior Vice President, JLL; Brad Molotsky, Partner, Duane Morris; Kieyasien Teya Moore, Esq., CRE, Managing Partner, BBRE

Moderator: Graham Grady, Esq., CRE, Equity Partner, Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP

The All-Powerful OZ! Opportunity Zones were designed to spur long-term private sector investments in low-income urban and rural communities nationwide.  But what are they exactly?  Why is it the “new, hot thing” in real estate development? And do they work in neighborhoods and for investors?

The OZ program is the largest community investment tool in decades.  How will this affect capital markets, investor perspectives, and the regulatory landscape?

This session give you an introduction to OZ 101 and will also include a case study with an example of a real deal.

General Session #5

TOPIC: 2019-2020 Top Ten Issues Affecting Real Estate

Speakers: Hugh Kelly, Ph.D., CRE, Special Advisor, Fordham University Real Estate Institute at Lincoln Center; William Kinn, CRE, Partner, Kinn Real Estate Counselors, LLC

Moderator: Deborah Cloutier, CRE, Principal & Founder, RE Tech Advisors, Inc.

Disruptions in the world…lead to disruptions in real estate…lead to a new CRE Top Ten Issues List for 2019/2020.  With your input, CRE’s External Affairs Committee will identify the key issues predicted to have the greatest impact on real property over the next year – and beyond.  This interactive session, with live voting, promises to elicit spirited discussion.

What do you see as the driving forces affecting real estate, society, and the world at large – and why?  In the past, the Top Ten discussion has led to a lively debate and spirited disagreement; this year promises not to disappoint.  Weigh in with your opinions, and see if you agree with your colleagues.

Evening Reception †

Chicago Architecture Center

Chicago is renowned as a center of architectural innovation. And on Monday night, you can enjoy the reception at the Chicago Architecture Center – the city’s newest must-see cultural destination.  Journey through its exhibits of buildings from around the world and experience Chicago architects’ global influence through their innovation and vision. The Architecture Center’s mission is to inspire – and you will not be disappointed!  The Center is a dramatic space with 40-foot tall windows overlooking the Chicago River and the Michigan Avenue Bridge.

The exhibit, Building Tall, is filled with supersized scale models of famous skyscrapers from around the world, including a nearly 40-foot tall model of Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower, which will be the world’s tallest building when construction is complete in 2020.  Afterwards, enjoy a “night on the town” – as you will be in the heart of Chicago. Have fun discovering Chicago’s groundbreaking architecture and appreciate its profound impact on the world!

Tuesday, April 30

Business Issues Breakfast Forums

Choose from five Business Issues Topics

• Aging in Place: Innovation in Design and Programming Communities (limited to 30 CREs)
  Discussion Leaders: Wendy Timm, CRE, Executive Vice President, Enhanced Value Strategies, Inc.; William Wiebe, CRE, First Vice President, CBRE
  One thing we can be certain of is that aging issues won’t disappear.  The impact that the boomer generation will have on housing opportunity and community development is far reaching.   For the first time ever, the world’s population now has more people aged 65 than under the age of five.  This rising number of aging Americans will drive transformation as to how seniors age in place, from technology advances to real estate design.Models of Aging in Place come in many innovative forms and are disrupting traditional notions of what it means to remain at home by choice.NOTE: Following this Business Issues Forum, participants will have an opportunity to tour The Clare, a high-rise senior independent living community situated in Chicago’s Gold Coast.  (More details on the Development Tour are below.)
• Asset Disposition and Reposition
  Discussion Leaders: Deacon Thomas Croke, Director of Real Estate Services, Archdiocese of Philadelphia; Brian Dolehide, CRE, Director, Non-for-Profit Advisory Services, Anno Domini Advisors – Division of Marcus & Millichap; P. Barton DeLacy, CRE, Principal, DeLacy Consulting, LLC; Eric Wollen, Chief Capital Assets Officer for the Archdiocese of Chicago
  Every owner of commercial real estate assets needs to have a comprehensive strategy governing why and how real property is acquired, leveraged, used, and sold. Creating an effective strategy – and executing upon it – is the best way to maximize the value of your portfolio and your returns on investment.What are the best practices (and maybe worst nightmares) in disposition and repositioning real estate assets?
• Building for Future Profits & Survival: The Impacts of Sustainability
  Discussion Leaders: Theddi Wright Chappell, CRE, CEO, Sustainable Values, Inc.; Deborah Cloutier, CRE, President & Founder, RE Tech Advisors, Inc.; Scott Muldavin, CRE, President, The Muldavin Company, Inc.
  There is a link between sustainability, financial performance, and environmental performance.  Participants in this Business Issues Forum will discuss a number of issues: insurance impacts; climate change risk assessments; appraisal/valuation; technology disruption; alternative financing; and ESG lending policies.  How are these factors influencing real estate?  Attendees will be provided tools and resources to delve deeper into the topics discussed.
• CREs First – The Art of Collaboration (limited to 20 CREs)
  Discussion Leaders: Robert Griswold, CRE, President, Griswold Real Estate Management, Inc.; Joseph Neverauskas, CRE, Senior Vice President, Equus Capital Partners, Ltd.
  CREs First: who better to collaborate with but a fellow Counselor?  As you well know, Counselors are busier than they’ve been in years.  As opportunities (and challenges) arise, your CRE associates are the first to be able to share experiences, data, and knowledge.  And share confidentially.  There are significant benefits to members seeking information from their fellow Counselors on various markets, challenges, counseling assignments, and business opportunities.  Join the discussion!
• Small Business Opportunities: Improve Your Bottom Line
  Discussion Leaders: Hugh Kelly, Ph.D., CRE, Special Advisor, Fordham University Real Estate Institute at Lincoln Center; Aki Dellaportes, CRE, Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers; Michael MaRous, CRE, President, MaRous & Company; Steven Norris, CRE, Principal, Norris Realty Advisors
  Please join this open discussion and sharing of tips to control operating costs for your CRE business.  Typically, when business owners strategize ways to increase profits, their energy is usually focused on how they can attract more customers to generate additional sales. However, working smarter, not harder, can be the key to boosting the bottom line. Improving net earnings is directly linked to controlling costs, increasing productivity, marketing resourcefully, outsourcing, staffing correctly, and tightening credit terms.  In addition, the Forum will discuss the implications of the new tax law on small businesses. Bottom line: Improve your Bottom Line.

Development Tours

There will be a choice of four Development Tours. A Development Tour is included in the Meetings registration fee and is ticketed for spouses/guests.

Tour I: Chicago’s Mega Projects:  Lincoln Yards and the 78

Tour Guide(s): Steve Friedman, CRE, President, SB Friedman Development Advisors; Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Urban Design Leaders

Chicago has been transformed over the last 50 years and is now in the approval process for two “mega-projects” on the edges of the Central Area. Each is in excess of 50 acres with estimated buildouts of more than $5 billion each.  Planned for a former rail yard and former specialty steel manufacturing site, these are the first projects in Chicago in more than 50 years that require major new infrastructure to proceed.

Come hear how major site challenges were handled and hear about the urban structure, mix, phasing, infrastructure required, and the public-private partnership structure that is being used to support the projects.  The session will be led by Steve Friedman, CRE who will address the public-private structure and will include the master planners from Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill (SOM) (invited) with representatives of the developers and city to be added as available.

The presentation will take place in the offices of the master planner – Skidmore Owings & Merrill.

Tour II: Architecture River Cruise: Chicago’s First Lady Cruises

Tour Guide provided by the Chicago Architecture Center (not a private CRE tour).

Experience the “top tour in Chicago and one of the top ten tours in the U. S.” according to TripAdvisor users.  The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) River Cruise offers a memorable and unique perspective of a city known for the birth of the modern skyscraper.  CAC-certified docents provide knowledgeable interpretations of more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River.  You’ll discover how Chicago grew from a small settlement in 1833 into the world-class city it is today.

Join out-of-towners, Chicagoans, and fellow CREs on this 90-minute tour and get the real story on Chicago’s beautiful architecture and its renowned history.

Tour III: The Clare: Reinventing Retirement (limited to 30 persons)

Tour Guide: Lori Griffin, Director of Resident Experience, The Clare; Lynne Lukas, Director of Sales and Marketing, The Clare

A tour of The Clare is intended for those who attended the Business Issues Forum, Aging in Place: Innovation in Design and Programming Communities.  The Clare is a high-rise senior independent living community situated on the Loyola University Chicago Water Tower Campus in Chicago’s Gold Coast. It is a continuing care retirement community and the only senior living community in the Gold Coast that offers a LifeCare contract.  Residents of The Clare are reinventing the way retirement communities should be enjoyed.

Tour IV: A Neighborhood’s Redevelopment: The University of Chicago’s Influence on Chicago’s South Side

Tour Guide(s): Graham Grady, CRE, Equity Partner, Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP; Kelly O’Brien, Executive Director, Chicago Central Area Committee

The University of Chicago has long influenced the neighborhoods surrounding its Hyde Park campus. The university’s founding in the 1890s transformed Hyde Park into an enclave for white, liberal-minded people within a majority African American South Side. When the boundaries of Chicago’s overcrowded Black Belt bulged outward toward Hyde Park in the 1950s and 1960s, the university, which had long been a substantial property owner in the area, began to take a more active role in the region’s urban planning. The university sought to create a “compatible environment” for its operations and “revitalize” the neighborhood.

In addition to a tour of the campus, the tour will venture through the revitalized 53rd Street retail corridor, the new hospital and trauma care center, the proposed site of the Obama Presidential Center on Stony Island, and the Midway Plaisance – a historic boulevard.