The CCIM Institute Abroad: Expanding & Navigating International Relations

The first half of my term as Global President flew by faster than I imagined. I anticipated a full travel schedule—and I welcomed it. Traveling and connecting with commercial real estate professionals across the globe has been both energizing and inspiring, and I am happy to share what we’ve accomplished in our first quarter:  

Canada: Kicking Off with ICSC at Whistler 
I began my travels in British Columbia, for ICSC at Whistler, where The CCIM Institute made a strong impression. For the first time, we secured a premier space on the convention floor, hosting a dual booth alongside Site To Do Business. This strategic visibility enabled us to engage with a broad network of Canadian professionals—many of whom expressed genuine interest in our educational offerings and technology tools. 

France: One Year of Business in One Week  
My next stop was in Cannes, France, for the mid-March MIPIM. We continued building global momentum by hosting a booth in the NAR Pavilion and met with international partners to showcase how The CCIM Institute’s education can be delivered globally. We also boasted our thriving programming in Turkey, where we anticipate Pinning our first CCIM candidates early next year. MIPIM also gave me the opportunity to speak on corporate partnership opportunities—an increasingly important focus as we expand our global footprint. 

Canada: Central Canada’s 2025 Gala 
After a brief return home, I headed back to Canada to celebrate and support our Central Canada Chapter at their 2025 Gala. It was a lively and entertaining celebration, giving me the chance to meet many of our Canadian CCIMs and partners. It was an incredible feeling celebrating the chapter’s accomplishments and recognizing our scholarship recipients. 

China: Welcoming New Designees and Assessing Relationships
Next, I had the honor of traveling to China to welcome fifteen new CCIM Designees. It was inspiring to see so many dedicated professionals committed to excellence. China’s rapidly evolving real estate market means decisions impact not just projects, but entire communities. These new CCIMs are equipped to navigate complexity with clarity and create lasting value. Whether advising investors, negotiating deals, or shaping the future of the industry locally, their work reflects the CCIM values of integrity, expertise, and global perspective. I encouraged them to share their journeys, knowing their stories can inspire the next generation to raise their standards and join our global community. 

Mexico: Strengthening North America Relations  
My journey continued, joining both Adrian Arriaga, CCIM, and our CEO, Paul Rumler, in Mexico. We had a productive meeting with KW Commercial Mexico and confirmed that KW Commercial Mexico will receive the same class arrangements as their KW colleagues in the United States. This alignment ensures consistency in education and professional development, strengthening our commitment to supporting commercial real estate professionals across North America. 

Navigating International Relations 
With so much attention on the trade tensions and tariffs, particularly between the U.S. and China, it’s easy to get caught up in the noise. But at The CCIM Institute, we remain focused on what we do best: strengthening the commercial real estate profession through education, powerful technology tools, and a global network that shares knowledge and best practices. These international visits are not political because we root ourselves in the long-term value of partnership and professional development. Real estate is a global business, but it thrives on local insight, and we see incredible opportunities for mutual growth. 

What I see firsthand is that professionals are looking for practical, globally respected resources to navigate their dynamic markets. That’s exactly where The CCIM Institute comes in. Our designation is recognized around the world for helping professionals make smarter investment decisions, no matter the political climate. And that’s what people want—actionable insights and a trusted framework that works across the world. 

Moving Forward and Growing Together 
We travel across to globe to elevate the profession and that means being a long-term partner, investing in people and their success, regardless of what’s happening in the headlines. When people ask whether tariffs or trade barriers make it harder for us to do business, my answer is simple: tariffs mainly impact goods and supply chains, not knowledge, expertise, or relationships.  

We’re not in the business of importing or exporting products. We build expertise. We share tools. We connect professionals so they can thrive locally and collaborate globally. That’s a space where The CCIM Institute adds unique value, especially in a world that’s navigating uncertainty. In the end, this is about building bridges, not barriers. And I believe that by investing in people and creating meaningful connections, we all move forward together. 

While shifting landscapes and trends can raise some concern, we see it as a moment of opportunity, growth, and to stick to what we do best. The CCIM Institute continues to expand its reach through our chapters, Designees, and innovative technology. Both the Institute and our Designees are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate uncertainty and focus on the opportunities ahead. We are excited about what the future holds.