Top 5 Takeaways from the Latest AI and Real Estate Keynote
The Coldwell Banker Commercial® (CBC) team was pleased to attend the 2024 C5 + CCIM Global Summit as a gold sponsor. Hosted at the Seminole Hard Rock, the CBC brand was well represented. CBC was honored to kickoff day one by hosting an exclusive happy hour where network professionals and prospects connected and discussed shop before heading to respective dinners.
The CBC brand values the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and get immersed in the latest trends and strategies shaping the commercial real estate (CRE) landscape. Here are top takeaways from this year’s event in South Florida:
AI Is Shaping the Future – And We are Just Getting Started
The conference started out strong with a session focused on the future of artificial intelligence in CRE. Panelists included Helen Thompson, distinguished product engineer at ESRI Inc., Emily Line, SVP of strategic engagement at Realtors Property Resource®, and Helen Calvin, CEO of BuildOut, a self-service marketing platform that is provided to CBC professionals as part of their brand affiliation. The panelists discussed how currently AI is being leveraged primarily for efficiency and how can we use this innovative technology to make our lives easier, saving time and money. The discussion highlighted a shift towards using AI for quality and optionality, enabling CRE professionals to streamline processes and simulate scenarios, revolutionizing decision-making. However, panel members cautioned about data sources, emphasizing the need to stay vigilant and informed, and to ask the right questions rather than blindly relying on automation.
It is Not Who You Know, It’s Who Knows You
Founder and Owner of Azor Advisory Services Beth Azor, also known as the “Canvassing Queen,” shared invaluable insights. Her emphasis on social media resonated deeply—these days, we are all our own media channels, and it is not too late to start yours. It was a reminder to embrace creativity, push boundaries, and start now, even as beginners.
Sustainability Is Not Just Good for the Planet—It’s Good for Business
Environmental sustainability and how it is impacting CRE was a growing theme throughout the conference. More than just a buzzword, sustainability is becoming a financial necessity as regulations tighten and stakeholders—from tenants to investors—demand greener, more efficient properties. The conversation made it clear: climate is a financial risk. The old return on investment (ROI) approach focuses on cost, lack of capital and payback period, while the new ROI approach involves stakeholder impact, broad definition of value, and a consideration of all expenses. The challenge will be to balance upfront costs with the long game, but as an industry, we are already seeing how sustainable practices are transforming transactional risks and creating winners and losers.
Consistency and Resilience Win the Day
Success in CRE is about persistence. This was underscored by numerous speakers who shared their stories of long-term prospecting and relationship building. Beth Azor spoke about staying consistent in her efforts, in one example cultivating a relationship for 14 years before becoming fruitful. This aligns with another key message from Dan Marino, who touched on the importance of learning from losses. His leadership lessons—particularly the idea of “going back to basics"—serve as a reminder that success is built over time, through consistency, resilience, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
Put Yourself and Your Family First
At the Women’s Breakfast, one of the most impactful discussions centered around the importance of balancing work and life. The conversation was candid—there is no perfect balance. Sometimes, your work may take priority, and other times, your family will come first. The key is to have systems in place that allow you to navigate these ups and downs while still putting your family and yourself first.
This year’s C5 + CCIM conference was a deeply enriching experience. The focus on AI, personal branding, sustainability, resilience, and balance will continue to shape how we approach commercial real estate in the coming years. We look forward to continuing to be part of the conversation.