Real Estate Center & Chaddick Institute Bridge the Gap Between Digital and Physical Space
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The aim of this conference was to explore the ways in which advancements in technology and social media are influencing the ways that physical spaces, as well as the people who occupy them, are evolving to meet the new demands of a technology-driven culture. The program opened with an overview of the social media industry presented by experts Barry Krause, CEO and founder of Suite Partners and Gian Fulgoni, Executive Chairman and co-founder of comScore, Inc. who provided a framework for understanding the impact of social media on the way businesses operate as well as offering insights into how to stay ahead of the curve.  | | Barry Krause |
Krause then turned the podium over to architect, Christine Carlyle, principal and director of planning at Solomon, Cordwell Buenz. Carlyle shared her experiences of how the retail world is changing as a result of internet shopping. In a nutshell, bricks and mortar retail are here to stay, but success requires place making by creating stimulating social environments, unique and entertaining experiences, strong links to the virtual realm and customer service that can't be placed in a virtual experience.
The topic then moved from retail to multifamily housing with David Santee, executive vice president at Equity Residential. Santee discussed the ways in which social media and technology are helping Equity stay in touch with residents' needs as well as connect residents to residents using Facebook as well as an internal portal where tenants can post positive and negative feedback and receive an immediate response from property managers. Equity has even created a "Why I love my home" contest which involves residents creating and posting a two-minute video about their renting experience and receiving up to $1000 for sharing their story.  | | Susanne Cannon with David Santee |
Following the multifamily housing segment, the discussion moved to explore work and the workplace. Tracy Wymer, vice president of workplace strategy at Knoll Inc. provided a framework by reviewing five specific trends in the workplace. Jeanette Lenear, director of interiors at VOA and Tracy Browers, director of performance environments at Herman Miller, then responded to Wymer's trends by providing specific examples of workplace design as well as research findings that support the trends.  | | Tracy Wymer |
To conclude the conference, Kirk Bishop, vice president at Duncan Associates, talked about issues that city planners must consider when planning for the future as retail, office and living space change as a result of technology. The goal is to promote universal and affordable access to information technology at a competitive level to ensure an improved quality of life and economic opportunity in a networked world.  | | Joe Schwieterman, front and center |
The Chaddick Institute and The Real Estate Center partner every year to host a conference related to land use and real estate. This year's unique topic, attended by more than 100 professionals, was a tremendous success. Participants had the options to join the speakers for lunch following the conference to continue the conversation. |
New Contributing Sponsor: Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc.
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In Febru  ary, the Inland Real Estate Group of Companies committed to support the Real Estate Center at the Contributing Sponsor level with an annual contribution of $5000. The Real Estate Center relies on outside sources of funding in order to provide valuable student programs and support services, and we are grateful to Inland for recognizing the Center's important work.
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Commercial Real Estate Forecast Conference
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On January 24, 2012 the Illinois Real Estate Journal, together with the Real Estate Center and SIOR, hosted the 10th annual Commercial Real Estate Forecast. This is the longest and largest running event of its kind in the Chicago area with more than 1000 real estate professionals attending this year's event. The Real Estate Center's own Susanne Cannon, the Douglas & Cynthia Crocker Endowed Director, moderated two panels: Financing and Investing Strategies (pictured below) with panelists Laura Auwerda, PNC Real Estate; Aaron Lanski, BMO Harris Bank; John Gavin, Sterling Bay Companies; Collete English-Dixon, Prudential; and Cydney White, Equity Residential  She also hosted a Breakout Session on Investments with Steven Weinstock, Marcus & Millichap; Paul Lundstedt, CBRE; Peter Block, Colliers; Brent Burden, Zifkin Real Estate Group; Marc Boorstein, MJ Partners; Don Shapiro, Foresite Realty. |
Alumni Host Networking Event
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DREAA is hosting an NCAA Tournament networking event. Join Chicago area real estate professionals for an evening of informal networking and NCAA tournament viewing with donated Giordano's pizza, Goose Island beer, soda and raffle items. Tishman Speyer has graciously agreed to co-sponsor this event by providing a facility with several plasma TV screens.
Venue: 30 N LaSalle St
Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012
Time: 5:00PM - 9:30PM
Cost: $20
Register here. |
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Join the Conversations on the Real Estate Center Social Networking Websites
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You no longer have to wait for our monthly newsletter to be up to date with the Real Estate Center. The Real Estate Center has recently joined the social networking movement on both Facebook and LinkedIn. Consider joining these groups to receive up to the minute information about the Real Estate Center.
 
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Sustaining Sponsors
| Aries Capital, Inc.
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| Endowment Donors | | Douglas & Cynthia Crocker
Michael J. Horne Education & Healthcare Assistance Foundation
Kenneth McHugh Endowment Fund
George L. Ruff
Studley Inc. Jacque Ducharme Faculty Fellow Fund
Robert & Howard Weitzman Endowed Scholarship
Charles H. Wurtzebach & Susan M. Marshall
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