CRE Talks are short, focused discussions led by industry experts on niche topics. Gather in a small-group format to dive deep into a particular area of interest, then continue the conversation with new connections after the session. CRE Talks at CRE.Converge 2023 are held inside the exhibit hall throughout the day on Thursday, Oct. 19.

CRE Talks presented by Bridge Industrial.

CRE Talk: Powering the Real Estate Investment Process with GPT
10:30 a.m. - 10:55 a.m. PT

This discussion will cover the impact of ChatGPT and similar technologies on CRE investment and asset management processes. Learn how AI can help identify investment opportunities and optimize returns, drive portfolio growth, and cut costs by automating manual work and leveraging data at scale.

Speaker: Laura Krashakova, CEO, Smart Capital Center

CRE Talk: Eastern Washington Market Outlook
11 a.m. - 11:25 a.m. PT

The mountains that divide Eastern and Western Washington (the "Cascade Curtain") are more than just a geographical feature – they create a cultural, economic and political divide as well. Learn about the current state of the market and opportunities in the Eastern Washington region.

Speaker: Gary Ballew, CEcD, Vice President of Economic Development, Advantage Spokane

CRE Talk: Demolish or Redevelop? Converting Obsolete Office to Data Centers
11:30 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. PT

While office-to-apartment conversions have been popular, there is potential for some office buildings to be repurposed as data centers, especially as AI growth is expected to skyrocket. Learn how these buildings may provide opportunities for decentralized data storage, with the added benefit of improved physical building security.

Speaker: Ermengarde Jabir, Associate Director – Senior Economist, Moody's Analytics

CRE Talk: Leveraging Geoanalytics in CRE
12 p.m. - 12:25 p.m. PT

By utilizing location-based analytics and enriching them with external market data, more compelling insights are unveiled. Learn how geoanalytics can help companies in the site selection process, determine the highest and best use of properties, or help determine what amenities will attract the most customers.

Speaker: Dennis Norton, Senior Consultant, Wipfli LLP

CRE Talk: Why Cities Need More Place Positivity
2:30-2:55 p.m. PT

With pervasive narratives across our nation’s downtowns caught in a “doom loop” of record office vacancies, rising crime and homelessness, and population exodus, it’s clear that our cities have a brand problem. At its core, a brand’s identity is defined by what consumers feel and say about it — our experience with a person, product, place, or service. Right now, when people are leery about spending time in our downtowns, we need more place positivity. Like any good brand, that must start from within. Join this conversation about how brand can play a pivotal role in helping to revitalize our cities in a holistic way through storytelling and connection.

Speaker: Janice Cavaliere, Principal, Design Director; Global Leader of Gensler’s Brand Design Practice, Gensler

CRE Talk: Portland Market Outlook
3 p.m. - 3:25 p.m. PT

Join two dynamic market leaders for an interactive talk about commercial real estate in Portland, Oregon, now and into the near future. The good, the bad, and the ugly will be covered, and this session is truly a “can’t miss.”

Speakers:
Evan Bernstein, Partner, Pacific NW Properties
Paige Morgan, Executive Vice President, CBRE

CRE Talk: Las Vegas Market Outlook
3:30 p.m. - 3:55 p.m. PT

Las Vegas is home to some of the most exciting new developments in real estate today. Learn more about the Southern Nevada real estate market and preview our host city for CRE.Converge 2024.

Speakers:
Cassie Catania-Hsu, Managing Director, CBRE
John Restrepo, Principa, RCG Economics LLC

CRE Talk: Seattle Market Outlook
4 p.m. - 4:25 p.m. PT

Join two influential leaders in Seattle’s commercial real estate market for a lively discussion about key regional economic drivers; an overview of office, industrial and multifamily value metrics; and landmark projects underway. Get a glimpse into the dynamic future of CRE in the Puget Sound in the coming years.

Speakers:
Jim Bowles, SIOR, President & Principal, Lee & Associates | Seattle
Candice Chevaillier, CCIM, Principal, Multifamily Team, Lee & Associates | Seattle

CRE Talks presented by Bridge Industrial.