Main stage keynotes & industry panels

Anthony Kazazis Director of the Southeast Real Estate Expo & NYC Real Estate Expo

The Counselors of Real Estate's Economic Advisory Council presents another provocative presentation of high-level thought leadership and street-level intelligence from select members of its esteemed group of American and European advisers. The Counselor organization's Global Chair, John Baczewski, CRE®, will moderate. The panel will offer a 360-degree analysis and compelling interpretation of monetary policy, fiscal policy and deregulation, the differentiation across real estate asset classes, and the evolving real-time impact of AI. How is convergence of it all influencing investor sentiment, capital flows, and commercial property performance?

Why this matters: Developers who understand cross-state synergies can better allocate capital. Sample subtopics: • Interstate economic development initiatives • Coordinated infrastructure planning • Investment climates and incentive comparisons • Hear from Department of Commerce and Economic Development representatives from each state

Commercial Real Estate Brokers, Investors, and Real Estate Developers with mixed-use projects in the Southeast

Why this matters: CRE demand, cap rates, and valuations in 2026 are shaped by broader economic conditions. Sample subtopics: • Performance of industrial, office, retail, and multifamily sectors • Regional vs national investment trends • Interest rate impacts and capital availability • How South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia compare

Lending deep-dives for mortgage pros & investors

What's Working, What's Changing, and How Deals Actually Get Approved This panel provides a practical, lender-driven look at SBA lending, with a focus on how SBA 7(a) and 504 loans are underwritten, structured, and approved in today's market. Panelists will address cash flow and credit expectations, eligibility and industry nuances, franchise considerations, and the common issues that delay or derail approvals. Designed for mortgage brokers, bankers, advisors, and realtors working with owner-occupied businesses, this session offers clear guidance on how to position borrowers, set realistic timelines, and structure transactions that align with lender credit standards.

DSCR, Fix and Flip, Construction, BTR, and SFR Portfolio Lending This panel explores the financing strategies behind today's residential investment activity, from single-asset DSCR loans to scaled SFR and BTR portfolios. Panelists will discuss how lenders evaluate cash flow, sponsor experience, leverage, construction and stabilization risk, and exit strategy across multiple investor loan products. Tailored for mortgage professionals, investment-focused realtors, investors, and capital providers, this session helps attendees better match the right capital to the right deal while improving execution, pricing expectations, and borrower outcomes.

Bridging the Gap Between Residential and Institutional Capital This panel focuses on the underwriting and execution of small balance commercial loans, including retail, mixed-use, office, and light industrial properties. Panelists will cover property-level cash flow analysis, sponsor strength, risk tolerance, and how credit decisions differ from both residential and large-balance commercial lending. Intended for mortgage brokers expanding into commercial, commercial realtors, and lenders active in the space, this session provides a clear framework for sourcing, structuring, and closing small balance commercial transactions.

Underwriting Workforce Housing in a Shifting Market This panel examines financing and underwriting considerations for small balance multifamily properties, with a focus on workforce housing and value-add opportunities. Topics include rent growth assumptions, expense scrutiny, debt service coverage, insurance and tax pressures, and market-level risk. Panelists will also discuss agency versus non-agency execution and what it takes to close multifamily deals in today's environment. Designed for commercial mortgage professionals, multifamily and investment realtors, investors, and lenders, this session delivers practical insight into navigating credit standards and execution risk at the small balance level.

How Lenders Evaluate Risk, Structure Loans, and Approve Transactions This panel provides a direct look into how commercial lenders evaluate real estate transactions in today's market. Panelists will discuss how underwriting decisions are shaped by property cash flow, sponsor experience, leverage, market conditions, and exit strategy. The conversation will also explore how deals move from origination through underwriting and into credit committee review, including the questions lenders typically ask and the factors that most often determine whether a transaction moves forward or stalls. Designed for mortgage brokers, realtors, investors, developers, and advisors, this session offers practical insight into how lenders think about risk and how transactions can be structured to align with current credit standards and improve the likelihood of closing.

In 2025, nearly half of American homebuyers were over the age of 55. Learn financing strategies designed for this community, and marketing tips to make sure you aren't missing out on this growing demographic.

A retirement financing strategy that increases purchasing power. Instructors: Genie McGee & Derek Helms.

Discover how agents can help clients complete powerful 1031 exchanges while earning commissions on both the sale and the replacement property. Learn how CapFree Xchange's single-tenant net-leased SFR investments create a simple, passive solution for investors while giving agents the ability to earn 6-9% total commissions and close more deals.

Clear the path to your agents' success with The CE Shop's Partner Program. Appeal to top agents by providing them with training and education. Partnering with The CE Shop gives your agents a trusted, vetted online education provider.

Discover a smarter way to show up online and take back control of your brand, leads, and client journey in the age of AI.

Learn how to use 1031 exchanges to grow your business, help investors solve problems, create opportunities, and build wealth.