National Forums

Be a part of NAIOP's flagship program for exclusive networking and experience exchange.

About the Forums

NAIOP’s National Forums program offers an unparalleled opportunity for commercial real estate professionals from across North America to share best industry practices and develop long-lasting relationships in a confidential small-group environment. Forum members address the challenges they face in their work and explore new business opportunities. In the process, members become a trusted group of advisors and friends.

National Forums meet twice a year as a group at the National Forums Symposium in the spring and at the annual conference in the fall. The Forums next meet at the NAIOP’s National Forums Symposium in New Orleans, Lousianna (May 13-15, 2025).

The annual fee for a Forum membership is $2,495 (the two-year Developing Leaders Forums program the fee is also $2,495). For those joining after June 1, the fee is prorated to $1,695. This includes the following:

Registration to the National Forums Symposium in the spring and the CRE.Converge conference in the fall.
All educational sessions at NAIOP’s CRE.Converge conference in the fall.
Networking receptions with all 1,000+ members of the Forums program.
Exclusive project tours.
Leadership development workshop in the spring.
Lunch and private dinners out with members of your group at top restaurants in each meeting city.

Eligibility

To apply to the National Forums program, you must:

Be a current NAIOP member in good standing.
Have 10 years of related industry experience to apply to the established topical groups (4 years of industry experience is required for the Developing Leaders Forum program).

Advance Your CRE Career with NAIOP National Forums

The Forums provide a unique opportunity for members to openly discuss project challenges, business opportunities and lessons-learned in a confidential and non-competitive setting. Over time, fellow members become a trusted circle of advisors. The National Forums are an excellent way to become involved, stay in touch and develop new connections with key industry leaders.

Learn more about the program and how to apply

How to Apply

Application Review and Criteria

Applications are initially received by NAIOP, but final review and acceptance is the responsibility of group volunteer leadership and members. Forums typically seek geographic diversity in their membership to limit potential market overlap. Applicants are evaluated based such criteria as skill set and their location. Not all groups are currently accepting applications as they may be at their size limit. We may not be able to accommodate an applicant’s first choice and encourage the selection of two, or more, Forums on the application.

Questions About Group Selections and the Application Process

Please contact Bennett Gray, vice president, National Forums, or Irene O’Hara, manager, National Forums development, if you have any questions about group availability, or the application process.

Download National Forums At-a-Glance

National Forums

Find a Forum for You

General Forums are for all NAIOP members with a minimum of 10 years related experience. Limited Forums are only Principal Members who meet the specific experience requirement. Developing Leaders Forum is open to members with at least four years of related commercial real estate experience who would like to learn and network with senior industry professionals and peers at the national level.

Find a Forum