VCU to host ninth annual real estate conference

By Lissette Linares

To keep professionals abreast of trends in real estate and urban land development, Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate will host "Emerging Trends in Real Estate" on Oct. 18. The ninth annual conference will feature presentations by industry leaders, as well as the first public presentation and distribution of the industry’s annual "Emerging Trends in Real Estate" report, with new information, statistics and growth trends in national real estate.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity for professionals to learn about new trends in real estate and development, as well as strategies of maximum investment returns and minimum risks," said James H. Boykin, Ph.D., the Alfred L. Blake Chair Professor of Real Estate in the VCU School of Business.

This year’s program features:

• Douglas A. Tibbetts, vice chairman of Lend Lease Real Estate Investments, will discuss "Emerging Trends in Real Estate: The Big Picture," an analysis of the industry’s future.

• Kenneth P. Riggs Jr., chief executive officer of the Real Estate Research Corp., will speak about "Emerging Trends in Real Estate: Investment Opportunities."

• Blake L. Cordish, vice president of The Cordish Co., will explain the role of arts and entertainment in real estate and urban development during "Urban Lifestyle Retail Entertainment Centers: Savior of the Cities?"

• Sam A. Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, will discuss traffic congestion in his hometown and other growth concerns in "Coming to Grips with Atlanta’s Sprawl."

• F. Gary Garczynski, vice president of the National Association of Home Builders, will speak about the effects of rapid urban growth in "Smart Growth and Urban Revitalization."

• Charles J. Schreiber Jr., chief executive officer of Koll Bren Realty Advisors, will give the keynote address, "Are All the Buying Opportunities Behind Us?" during the conference luncheon.

"Emerging Trends in Real Estate" will be held at the Omni Richmond Hotel, 12th and Cary streets, from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The conference registration fee is $100. Students in attendance will be eligible for academic scholarships. For more information, call (804) 828-1721.