What is the NAIOP Forum Anyway?
WHAT IS THE NAIOP FORUM ANYWAY?
You may have heard about the NAIOP forum in passing, or at your last dinner conversation, and wondered what exactly is the NAIOP National Forum (the “Forum”)? I would love to tell you!
The Forum is another way that NAIOP adds value to your membership. I have been a member for over two years now and I have discovered valuable information from our industry by attending biannual Forum meetings. I am a member in the Real Estate Trends 1 Forum and have developed close relationships with my Forum members over the past several years. I know that I can call on any one of the members with questions related to my business and have a confidential resource to discuss my ideas.I have learned so much about our industry and trends in these meetings and know that I will continue to learn in the coming years. The network of peers that I have been able to meet within my Forum, as well as other Forums on a national platform, has made the Forum one of my favorite events to attend during the year (and I have many!). I make every meeting a priority, which says a great deal about the value I am getting from each meeting. The Forums operate as an open, trustworthy, and confidential atmosphere.
The Forums meet every six months at a different city location across the nation. Since I have been a member, we have met in Atlanta, Seattle, Denver, San Francisco, and Toronto. It’s exciting to visit a different city for every Forum meeting!
WHAT DO WE DO?
Every Forum is different. Typically, you will spend a day with your Forum listening to very interesting speakers from that city that will discuss current and relevant topics, case studies, and touring projects within that city. As an example, every six months my Forum gets an update from Ray Wong (CBRE Toronto, Real Estate Trends 1) on the national real estate market using the most up-to-date and current information.
Every other Forum meeting is scheduled to align with the National Conference, which is included in your National Forum fee.
HOW DO YOU JOIN?
It’s simple – just fill out this application, choose your interests, and submit the application (really, this will be the easiest thing you do all day!). You must have at least 10 years of experience in the industry to apply, or four years for the Developing Leaders Forum.
Forum Applications can be found at: http://www.naiop.org/en/Connect/National-Forums/Join-a-National-Forum.aspx
WHAT IS THE COST?
The current annual Forum fee is $1,545 for the full calendar year ($775 if you are appointed after June 1st). The fee covers the cost of admission to the National Forums Symposium, which includes your Forum meeting, private dinner, receptions, and other meals. Your annual Forum fee will also cover Forum functions, which include your meeting, dinner and reception, and all educational content at the annual Commercial Real Estate Conference in the fall. All educational and keynote sessions, as well as tours and networking receptions, are also included in the Forum fee. I can tell you from personal experience, this is worth every penny!
WHEN IS THE NEXT MEETING?
September 25-28, 2016
Scottsdale, Arizona
Don’t just take my word for it–our very own Rick Myers, on the NAIOP National Forums:
“The NAIOP National Forums are an outstanding platform to exchange ideas and best practices with experienced professionals from around the country. The Forums are separated into specific disciplines within our industry, to allow focused discussion with the individuals having the most direct experience with my particular business activities. Whether it’s one of NAIOP’s Industrial, Office, Developing Leaders or Capital Markets groups, there is a Forum that will best suit your particular interests. By participating in the NAIOP Forums, I learn about macro trends that will impact our industry, and I learn about best practices that I can use every day in my business. I strongly encourage NAIOP Members to learn about the NAIOP Forums.” – Rick Myers, President of Thomas & Mack Development Company
Also, one of the members of my Forum who has been a member since 1999:
“Being a member of a Forum is the best way to develop lasting relationships with professionals from different disciplines and geographies. We learn and are inspired by one another. Our takeaways are priceless additions to our daily professional life.” – Barbara Schaefer McDuffie, Managing Director of
Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP
If a new platform to network with like-minded real estate individuals across the nation interests you, I strongly encourage you to consider NAIOP National Forums. You will not regret your decision.
Jody Walker Belsick, President
Walker Engineering
@walkercivil | jbelsick@walker-eng.com
NAIOP National Forums – Real Estate Trends 1 Forum
