At a time of significant real estate market disruptions and uncertainty, keeping up with industry trends has never been more essential. IMN conferences provide an invaluable venue for thought leadership, networking and knowledge-sharing among peers from around the country.

This year, we have expanded the scope of our conferences in order to address some of the most relevant challenges and opportunities in real estate today. Our events cover topics ranging from land entitlement and master planned communities through to panel discussions featuring experts in their respective fields.

With a new administration taking office and real estate recovery efforts progressing apace, it is clear that we have reached a tipping point. Being proactive and adaptable during such uncertain times is key.

As the premier provider of real estate investment conferences worldwide, IMN delivers cutting-edge intelligence and networking to investors, owners, developers, managers, operators and managers of office, retail, industrial and other commercial property types. Our conferences enable attendees to match investments to emerging trends and capital markets while optimizing portfolios to achieve success in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Real estate professionals gathered in Laguna Beach, California last week for the 19th Annual IMN Real Estate Opportunity & Private Fund Investing Forum. Attended by capital allocators, fund managers, brokers, lawyers and service providers to discuss current challenges faced by CRE and panelists discussed issues including macro-economic drivers, transaction volume trends, disposition strategies regulatory tax considerations technology updates.

While the themes of the conference varied significantly, one common thread emerged in nearly every session. Speakers highlighted the need to be proactive and to possess an in-depth knowledge of core market fundamentals; furthermore they noted the necessity to avoid making too aggressive assumptions regarding future performance. Furthermore, several speakers pointed out how drastically different today’s market environment compared to its previous flourishing period and many people weren’t prepared for its potential instability in near term future.

Multiple panels centered on the future of multifamily and industrial investing. Industry leaders generally agreed that rent prices would continue their upward trend at a more gradual pace compared to past cycles, though regional differences and demographics would have an enormous effect on market conditions; some areas could experience greater increases while others will experience lower growth.