Real Estate News Exchange (RENX)
c/o Squall Inc.
P.O. Box 1484, Stn. B
Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5P6

thankyou@renx.ca
Canada: 1-855-569-6300

Sponsored by NAIOP

Why NAIOP events are industry game-changers

NAIOP designs its conferences to deliver a powerful mix of learning, networking and inspiration.

Alex Thomson, 2025 NAIOP Chair (Photo credit: NAIOP)

From my perspective – and for that of many of you – progress is key.

We want to grow as professionals while also driving our industry forward. Staying ahead of trends, expanding our networks, and gaining fresh insights doesn’t happen by accident. It takes deliberate effort. 

That’s where NAIOP conferences come in. 

NAIOP’s conferences, held across North America, offer a unique experience that goes beyond the typical industry event. Conferences offered by other groups frequently focus solely on continuing education, while others zero in on a specific market. Ours are different. NAIOP designs its conferences to deliver a powerful mix of learning, networking and inspiration. Attendees leave not just informed, but energized – with new connections, actionable insights, and a broader perspective on the industry. 

Earlier this year, I joined nearly 1,200 others at I.CON West, one of our premier industrial events. It was a perfect example of what makes our events so valuable. We heard from an economist who broke down key market forces, not just locally but across North America and beyond. Breakout sessions covered critical topics shaping our industry – some well-known, like tariffs, and others emerging, where NAIOP is actively working to be a voice for our members. 

Beyond the sessions, the networking was just as meaningful. We hear from our members that the opportunities for networking are powerful, and NAIOP research shows that more than 94% of our Principal members have done at least one deal with another NAIOP member. A lot of those connections are made at our conferences, through both structured sessions and the informal conversations that happen between them. 

If you haven’t yet attended a NAIOP conference, I encourage you to explore our upcoming events. These gatherings complement, rather than compete with, the events hosted by your local chapter.

One event I’m particularly excited about is the CRE.Converge conference coming to Toronto this September. As NAIOP’s signature event, it brings together top speakers and industry leaders across asset classes – industrial, retail, office, multifamily and beyond. Whether you work in a single sector or in multiple, you’ll gain valuable insights. And while you don’t need to be active in the Toronto market to benefit, our market tours will give you a firsthand look at best practices in one of North America’s most dynamic cities.

I’ll be attending many of our conferences this year, and I hope to see you there. If you spot me, please take a moment to introduce yourself. I’d love to hear what’s happening in your market and your chapter. Let’s connect and keep moving our industry forward together. 


NAIOP

Website: NAIOP

Industry Events