CRE® Annual Convention 2025
September 27, 2025 -
September 30, 2025
Join us in Detroit and witness the real estate renaissance and cultural innovations driving the “Motor City’s” dramatic resurgence: A true modern day “Rise of the Phoenix”
The Westin Book Cadillac
1114 Washington Boulevard Detroit
Detroit , MI 48226
Schedule of Events
= CLOSED EVENTS
= TICKETED EVENTS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Noon – 1:30PM: Buffet Lunch (for Committee and Board Members)
1PM – 1:30PM: Budget & Finance Committee
1:45PM – 3:00PM: Executive Committee
3:15PM – 4:45PM: Board of Directors Meeting
Open to all CRE Members
4:45PM – 5:15PM: Annual Membership Meeting
Open to all CRE Members
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Afternoon Development Tours
- Detroit Riverfront Boat Tour
- Motown Museum Tour
New Member Reception
Welcome Reception
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Welcome to Detroit!
John Hentschel, CRE, 2025 Global Chair of The Counselors
General Session #1: Detroit’s Renaissance Story: Shaping a Path and Cementing the Future
Moderator: TBD
Panelist:
Panelist:
- Eric Larson, Chief Executive Officer, Downtown Detroit Partnership
General Session #2: Sports Facility Developments: Impacts on the Rejuvenation of Cities
Moderator: TBD
Panelists:
Panelists:
- Claude Molinari, President & CEO, Visit Detroit & President, Detroit Sports Commission
- Matthew Rossetti, Chief Architect, ROSSETTI
General Session #3: Tariffs, Trade, & Technology: What the Auto Industry Tells Us About Global Connectivity
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES SESSIONS (smaller breakouts, encouraging interactive discussions)
- Securing Expert Witness Assignments
Moderator: Anthony DellaPelle, Esq., CRE, Shareholder/Partner, McKirdy, Riskin, Olson & DellaPelle, P.C.
Discussion Leaders:- Melissa Bach, CRE, Executive Managing Director, Cushman & Wakefield
- Ken Neuman, Founding Shareholder, Altior Law
- John Satter, Senior Managing Director, Hilco Real Estate Appraisal
- Maximizing Your Business CRE Collaboration
Discussion Leaders:- Robert Griswold, CRE, Moderator, President, Griswold Real Estate Management, Inc
- David Lynn, CRE, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Unity Medical Properties REIT, LLC
- Jonathan Schein, CRE, CEO & Founder, RELPI
- Winning a Consulting Assignment for State & Local & Nonprofit Governments
Discussion Leaders:- Dana Rowan, CRE, Moderator, Managing Partner, The Exeter Companies
- Stephen Bardoczi, CRE, Vice President Planning & Senior Services, Witham Hospital & Health Services
- Dennis Davis, CRE, Senior Deputy Director, Boston Planning & Development Agency
- Mark Nickita, Co-founder and President, Archive DS
- How to Win Assignments in Institutional Real Estate
Moderator: Doug Poutasse, CRE, Senior Director, Tristan Capital Partners
Discussion Leaders:- Sarah Abrams, Senior Vice President, Global Real Estate, Iron Mountain
- Louis Frillman, CRE, President, Marquette Advisors
- Lexi Moriarty, CRE, Managing Director, Axia Real Estate Advisors, LLC
- Anthony Opalka, CRE, Senior Vice President, Corebridge Financial
- How to Procure International Business in the Global Marketplace
Moderator: Michel Couillard, CRE, President & CEO, Busac Real Estate (Canada)
Discussion Leaders/Representatives from: North America, South America, Europe, and Asia
Welcome Lunch
John Baczewski, CRE, First Vice Chair
Strategic Planning Committee Roundtables
Afternoon Events
- Development Tours
- Mini Consulting Corps Project
- Solutions Initiative
CRE Celebratory Dinner: With The CRE Band Sound Counsel
Chair’s Hospitality Suite
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
General Session #4: A Futurist’s Outlook on Real Estate
General Session #5: Economic Advisory Council Debate (EAC)
Moderator:
James Costello III, CRE, Chief Economist, MSCI Real Assets
James Costello III, CRE, Chief Economist, MSCI Real Assets
General Session #6: The Power of Artificial Intelligence: Real Estate Opportunities, Risks, and Awareness
Moderator:
Lonnie Hendry, CRE, Chief Product Officer, Trepp
Lonnie Hendry, CRE, Chief Product Officer, Trepp
General Session #7: Fireside Chat: One on One Interview
Moderator:
Anthony Sanna, CRE, Senior Managing Director, Integra Realty Resources – Detroit
Anthony Sanna, CRE, Senior Managing Director, Integra Realty Resources – Detroit
Awards Luncheon
John Hentschel, CRE, 2025 Global Chair of The Counselor
Afternoon Events
- Development Tours
- Mini Consulting Corps Project