Bringing together leaders from across the industry, this session will highlight best practices and emerging trends in capital raising. The discussion will focus on building investor relationships, adapting to market conditions, and positioning for long-term growth.

Moderator: J. Scott Adams, Senior Vice President Investor Relations, Harbor Group International 

Panelists: Carey Doyle, Managing Director, Capital Formation, Pennybacker; Ashby Hackney, Principal, Hackney Real Estate Partners; and Lee Purcell, Global Head of Capital Formation, Harbert Management Corporation

Explore how the housing market is adapting to pressing issues of affordability, demand, and community development. Industry leaders will discuss policy considerations, private-sector strategies, and opportunities for creative partnerships.

Moderator: Jessie Barter, Managing Member, Charger Ventures 

Panelists: Ben Lazarus, Managing Director, Vista Residential Partners and TBA

As demand for cloud services, AI, and digital connectivity grows, data centers have become one of the fastest-evolving asset classes. Industry leaders will discuss trends in development, financing, and sustainability shaping the future of this critical sector.

Moderator: TJ Hofheimer, Managing Director, Portfolio and Asset Management, National Real Estate Advisors

Panelists: Chris Pyke, Chief Innovation Officer, GRESB; Rob Rockwood, Private Consultant; and Rob Walters, Managing Director, Data Center & Infrastructure Group, Eastdil Secured

Gain insight into the evolving landscape for REITs in 2026 through a candid conversation with two industry leaders. The discussion will focus on strategic trends and their operating implications in the REIT sector, including prospects around M&A, IPO’s, and privatizations.

Speakers: Bill Ferguson, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ferguson Partners and Nick Joseph, Managing Director and Head of the Real Estate and Lodging team and the Global Real Estate Super Sector, Citi Research

Explore the future of hospitality as industry leaders share perspectives on investment, technology, and operations in a rapidly changing environment. The discussion will highlight evolving trends in guest experience and real estate strategy.

Speakers: Jacob Dinetz, Director of Real Estate & New Business Development, Union Square Hospitality Group; Sara Whiffen, VP, Strategy & Innovation Delivery, Hilton Worldwide; and TBA

As lending conditions continue to change, understanding the drivers behind credit, capital, and risk is essential for real estate decision-making. This session will feature an in-depth discussion on how lenders and borrowers are adapting to the current market and what to expect in the coming cycle.

Moderator: Nathan Stovall, Director, FIG Research, S&P Global

Speakers: Jeff Havsy, Commercial Real Estate Industry Practice Lead, Moody's Analytics and Charlie Schulz, Managing Director- CRE Homebuilder Banking, Wells Fargo

Central business and cultural areas have been through phases of booms and busts over the last 50 years. This session will explore ways that downtowns can be 24-7 destinations and anchor investments, housing, and culture.

Moderator: Suzanne Morse Moomaw, Chair and Associate Professor, Urban and Environmental Planning Interim Director, Real Estate + Design and Development Certificate Program, UVA School of Architecture

Panelists: Brendan Sorem, Vice President, Investments, JBG Smith and Sara Willard, Founding Director, Workable City Ltd.

This breakout session will examine the intersection of AI and real estate, showcasing innovations that are redefining how properties are developed, managed, and valued. Experts will share insights on the opportunities and challenges AI brings to the industry.

Moderator: Zander Geronimos, Global Head of Business Development, PRODA.ai

Speakers: Virginia Drennen, Principal, Head of Platform & GTM, Fifth Wall; Susan Gerock, SVP, IT & Chief Information Officer, Elme Communities; and Will Mitchell, CEO, Rabbet

UVA alumni who competed at the highest levels of collegiate and professional sports will discuss their transition into real estate. The session will highlight how the discipline, leadership, and teamwork developed in athletics have shaped their success in the industry.

Moderator: Jim Miller, President, Senior Wealth Advisor, Miller Financial Group

Speakers: John Crotty, Principal- Investment Sales, Avison Young; Patrick Jeffers, Partner - Chief Development Officer, New Waterloo; Chase Minnifield, Founder and CEO, EZOS; and Marc Yavinsky, Owner & Founder, Davin Holdings