Midwest Commercial Summit 2024 Recap
The Midwest Conference, held at the AC Hotel Columbus Downtown on September 10-11, 2024, was an incredible gathering of commercial real estate professionals and industry experts. Hosted by Coldwell Banker Commercial Aspire Realty, the event featured a lineup of influential speakers, covering topics ranging from market updates to environmental concerns, all with a focus on the future of commercial real estate (CRE). Below is a breakdown of each session and the key takeaways from this insightful conference.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
The conference kicked off with welcoming remarks from Anthony Maronitis, CCIM, and Chris Howard, Principals at Coldwell Banker Commercial Aspire Realty Services. They set the tone for a day filled with education, innovation, and collaboration. The speakers highlighted the importance of staying current with market trends and the tools available to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of CRE.
Midyear Update, Market Trends, and Tools
Daniel L. Spiegel, SIOR, Senior VP & Managing Director of Coldwell Banker Commercial, and Ashley D. Wilson, National Account Manager, provided attendees with a midyear update on commercial real estate trends and forecasts. The session covered how Coldwell Banker Commercial is utilizing cutting-edge tools and technology to assist brokers in their day-to-day operations. From new software solutions to marketing platforms, attendees gained insight into the resources that can streamline their work and enhance client service. Key topics included ongoing market shifts, the effects of economic headwinds, and actionable takeaways from the latest CBC projects.
The Columbus Regional Growth Strategy: Leveraging Central Ohio’s Key Resources
Donna L. Goss, PhD, Director of Real Estate at The Ohio State University, and Rich Fletcher, Senior VP of Business Development at One Columbus, dove into the immense growth happening within the Columbus region. Their discussion focused on collaboration between Ohio State and local businesses, turning big ideas into reality. They highlighted projects that are driving economic development, enhancing the region’s infrastructure, and fostering opportunities for businesses. The session illustrated how collaboration among public and private entities can lead to substantial economic benefits for the region, making it a hub for innovation and development.
EV101: The Future of Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure
Heather Welsh, Director of Business Development, and Chelle Barth, EV Charging Consultant at Heartland Charging Services, delivered a deep dive into the world of electric vehicles (EVs). This session provided a thorough introduction to EV basics, the types of charging stations available, and key requirements for installing EV charging infrastructure. They also touched on relevant tax credits, rebates, and the revenue potential of charging stations. This topic resonated with many attendees as EV adoption continues to rise, and commercial properties begin integrating EV solutions. The presenters provided a roadmap for future EV infrastructure growth and shared strategic insights on how CRE professionals can capitalize on these trends.
Federal Legislation Affecting CRE
Rick Craven, Managing Director & Member at Sikora Law, led an insightful session on current federal legislation impacting commercial real estate. His discussion focused on the recently introduced Adaptive Reuse Bill, which encourages the repurposing of older buildings, as well as important tax policies that will come under scrutiny in 2025. Additionally, Craven shed light on the Federal Opportunity Zone Program and its impact on investment strategies in CRE. This session provided a thorough understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape that CRE professionals need to navigate.
Commercial Real Estate Lending Insights
Leslie A. Biskner, CCIM, Executive Vice President of Commercial Lending at Cooperative Business Services, gave a detailed presentation on the current trends in commercial real estate lending. She provided valuable insights on navigating the complexities of commercial financing, highlighting innovative solutions for guiding clients through market challenges. Leslie emphasized key strategies for securing financing in today’s evolving economic environment, making it a must-attend session for brokers looking to optimize transactions and close deals efficiently.
NUMERAL: Asking the Right Questions in CRE
Alec Pacella, CCIM, President at NAI Pleasant Valley, hosted an interactive session on the power of NUMERAL, a strategic questioning method used by CCIM professionals. NUMERAL is a structured approach that helps brokers uncover vital information by asking targeted questions. Pacella’s energetic presentation not only described the process but also included real-world examples and a hands-on exercise. Attendees left equipped with practical skills to enhance their negotiations and client interactions, improving their overall deal-making capabilities.
PFAS and Emerging Contaminants: What CRE Brokers Should Know
Thomas L. Maher Jr., P.G., Vice President, and Andy McCorkle, Principal at Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc., tackled the critical issue of emerging environmental contaminants, particularly PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). As these compounds are now classified as hazardous by the EPA, the presentation explained how they impact due diligence processes in commercial and industrial real estate. Brokers were educated on how to identify and assess environmental risks associated with PFAS, ensuring they can better inform clients and avoid potential liabilities in property transactions.
Networking and Social Event
Beyond the insightful sessions, the conference also provided plenty of opportunities to network and relax. Attendees enjoyed an evening networking event at the Columbus Clippers vs. St. Paul Saints baseball game at Huntington Park. This informal setting allowed attendees to build connections, share ideas, and unwind after a day of learning.
Columbus Market Bus Tour and Ohio Stadium VIP Tour
The second day of the conference kicked off with a bus tour of key commercial real estate developments in Columbus, led by Chris Howard of Coldwell Banker Commercial Aspire Realty. Stops included Gravity, Short North, and The Ohio State University. Attendees were also treated to a VIP tour of Ohio Stadium, complete with behind-the-scenes access to the Band Center and Home Locker Room. The tour concluded with a visit to emerging development hotspots such as Bridge Park and the New Albany Business Park, with insights from Jamie McNally, Director of Real Estate Sales at The New Albany Company.
Conclusion and Takeaways
The Midwest Conference 2024 was a resounding success, offering commercial real estate professionals a comprehensive overview of industry trends, new tools, and regulatory changes. From exploring the future of EV charging to understanding the impacts of PFAS, attendees left the event equipped with actionable knowledge to drive their businesses forward. The conference also provided ample opportunities for networking, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in the CRE space.