Day Two Recap: Fall Forum 2025

Day Two of Fall Forum was the biggest of the week. Our Forum Host, Timmy Barron, kicked off the morning with plenty of energy, leading into our first event filled with economic with economic and institutional updates, setting the stage for a full day of governance meetings, educational courses, panels, and more. 

This was also the first day attendees could explore areas designed for connection and discovery. The Dealmaking & Networking Lounge provided a space to reconnect with colleagues old and new, the Exhibitor Hall offered insights into our sponsors and partners, and TechTalks showcased the latest innovations shaping the commercial real estate industry. Stay tuned as we highlight more of these exciting features throughout Forum week. Here are the highlights for Day Two of our Fall Forum: 

Morning Update: State of the Institute & Economic Outlook 
The Fall Forum opened with the State of The Institute & Economic Update, featuring remarks from Global President Steve Rich, CCIM, and economist Steig Seward of Colliers. Rich celebrated The CCIM Institute’s achievements in education, global expansion, and member engagement, including the launch of the Commercial Real Estate Development Certificate and new international partnerships. Treasurer Brad Waken, CCIM reported a strong financial position supported by disciplined expense management and strategic investments. Seward shared an in-depth economic outlook, examining the impacts of tariffs, interest rates, and labor market shifts on commercial real estate while emphasizing the industry’s resilience and opportunities for informed professionals.  

Read the full State of The Institute & Economic Update Recap. 

Panel I: The Big Beautiful Bill – The Impact on Commercial Real Estate 
Adam Palmer, CCIM, CBRE - President-Elect, The CCIM Institute 
Erin Stackley - Director of Commercial & Policy Oversight, NAR 
Raymond Wong - Vice President, Data Solutions, Atlus Group 

Panelists explored the wide-ranging implications of the Big Beautiful Bill for commercial real estate, emphasizing both the opportunities and complexities it introduces. Stackley outlined several major provisions, including the reauthorization and expansion of qualified opportunity zones—with new incentives for rural investment—the continuation of bonus depreciation, and increased support for affordable and workforce housing through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. She also noted the bill’s focus on streamlining environmental reviews to accelerate development timelines, which could help address critical housing and infrastructure needs across markets. 

Wong provided a data-driven perspective on how these measures are influencing investment behavior, pointing to early signs of increased capital activity in the United States compared to slower movement in Canada. He cautioned that shifting policies and market uncertainty may temper near-term momentum but underscored the bill’s potential to stimulate manufacturing and logistics growth. Together, the panel highlighted the importance for commercial real estate professionals to stay informed, adaptable, and proactive in leveraging new incentives while navigating a rapidly changing policy and economic landscape. 

Panel II: Retail Reimagined: Strategy, Experience & Growth in a Changing Market 
David Wilson, CCIM, SIOR - Senior Vice President of Commercial Real Estate, Ryan Companies 
Steve Rich, CCIM – 2025 Global President, The CCIM Institute 
Michelle Fleharty - Vice President of Real Estate, Northwest Atlantic Partners 
Chris Morris, CCIM – VP Capital Markets, Edge Capital Markets 
 
Panelists examined how shifting consumer behavior, capital markets, and development trends are reshaping the retail landscape. Wilson noted the continued strength of discount and value-oriented retailers, along with steady demand for grocery-anchored and neighborhood centers that bring essential goods closer to consumers. He emphasized that disciplined underwriting and strategic site selection have returned as key priorities for developers navigating higher costs and evolving shopper preferences. Fleharty discussed Costco’s growth strategy, highlighting the brand’s focus on infill development, flexibility with smaller urban footprints, and creative reuse of existing retail boxes to meet demand in land-constrained markets. 

Morris and Rich expanded on the operational and investment dynamics driving change across the sector, from the integration of logistics and retail to the growing role of mixed-use projects and adaptive reuse of vacant big-box properties. The panel underscored the importance of early alignment among developers, tenants, and municipalities to manage timelines and costs, while leveraging public-private partnerships and targeted incentives to make projects feasible. Together, the discussion painted a picture of a resilient retail sector—one that is adapting with precision, creativity, and collaboration to meet today’s market realities. 

Deals & Meals: Deal Pitch Lunch 
David Gambaccini, CCIM - Commercial Real Estate Development, Fulcrum 
David Wilson, CCIM, SIOR - Senior Vice President of Commercial Real Estate, Ryan Companies 
Scott Overby, CCIM - Principal, Overby Commercial 

The inaugural Deal Pitch Lunch brought energy and opportunity to the 2025 Fall Forum, giving CCIMs 90 seconds each to present active deals ranging from mixed-use developments and healthcare projects to industrial, retail, and investment opportunities across North America. Attendees were encouraged to connect directly with presenters to learn more, emphasizing the value of real-time networking and collaboration within The CCIM Institute community. 

Between pitch sessions, participants heard from Superpowers HQ, the event sponsor, on how their executive assistant platform is helping commercial real estate professionals maximize efficiency and focus on high-value activities. The program also spotlighted CCIMs who have leveraged their relationships within the network to close multimillion-dollar and even billion-dollar deals, reinforcing the Institute’s mission to empower professionals through education, connection, and opportunity. 

On-Site Education: Fall Forum Courses 
The Fall Forum isn’t just about networking and deals—it’s also where CCIMs and Designees sharpen their skills and gain strategies to stay ahead in a changing market. 

• In Build-to-Suit, Will Curtis, CCIM walked attendees through delivering customized development projects that align with tenant needs and investor goals. The session explored AI-driven site selection, adaptive reuse, and streamlined construction, helping professionals reduce risk and increase profitability in today’s market. 
   
• In Profitable Leases, Soozi Jones Walker, CCIM shared strategies for designing lease agreements that boost Net Operating Income, safeguard cash flow, and strengthen long-term asset value. Participants gained tools for effective rent analysis and lease structuring, reinforcing The CCIM Institute’s commitment to education that delivers real-world results. 

CCIMs Decide: Town Hall 
The Town Hall gave attendees an opportunity to hear directly from candidates for the 2026 First Vice President and Executive Committee, as they shared their vision for The CCIM Institute’s future and responded to questions from leadership and members. Voting will take place during the Board of Directors session on Wednesday. 

• First Vice President Candidates Lydia Bennett, CCIM, CPM, James Robertson, MBA, CCIM, and Brad Waken, CCIM each outlined their priorities for advancing the Institute’s mission. Bennett emphasized expanding member engagement, leveraging technology and AI, and enhancing global reach through international partnerships and curriculum innovation. Robertson focused on strengthening member value through leadership development, deeper chapter integration, and maintaining ethical and transparent governance. Waken highlighted the importance of financial stewardship, continued support for education and curriculum excellence, and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration across the organization. 
   
• Executive Committee Candidates Michael Armanious, CCIM, Craig Finfrock, CCIM, Dave Gambaccini, CCIM, Bill Milliken, CCIM, Evelyn Ward, CCIM, and Michael Williamson, CCIM shared their diverse backgrounds and visions for contributing to the Institute’s leadership. Themes included expanding member opportunities, strengthening chapter support, and fostering innovation in education and technology. Several candidates highlighted their commitment to mentorship, international growth, and enhancing the Institute’s profile within the broader commercial real estate industry. Collectively, the panel underscored a shared dedication to advancing The CCIM Institute’s strategic plan and empowering CCIMs and Designees worldwide. 

Building Legacies: CCIM Foundation Donor Reception 
The CCIM Foundation hosted an exclusive Donor Reception to recognize and thank supporters whose generosity fuels the Foundation’s mission to expand access to commercial real estate education and empower the next generation of CCIMs. Guests celebrated the impact of scholarships that have helped countless professionals advance their careers, while Foundation Chair David Wilson, CCIM encouraged attendees to “level up” their giving to continue breaking down barriers and fostering opportunities for future leaders. 

During the event, Tim Blair announced the launch of an ambitious $3 million capital campaign dedicated entirely to scholarships. The campaign, co-chaired by Susan McClure, CCIM, and Jeff Bland, CCIM, will help more students access world-class education, gain credentials, and build meaningful careers in commercial real estate. The evening underscored the Foundation’s vision to move from building knowledge and careers to building legacies—creating lasting impact for generations of CCIMs to come. 

Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Dealmakers Award Presentation & Dinner 
The Fall Forum’s Dealmakers Award Presentation & Dinner honored the top performers in commercial real estate, recognizing CCIMs whose achievements exemplify the skill, strategy, and tenacity that define the profession. Often called the “Oscars of commercial real estate,” the evening celebrated those who transform challenges into opportunities and deals into community-building successes. 

The event also featured a keynote presentation from Brian Cross of Esri, who explored the power of mapping, GIS technology, and data visualization to shape decision-making and drive innovation in commercial real estate. Cross highlighted how tools like Site To Do Business—now undergoing a major rebrand—help CCIMs see patterns, uncover opportunities, and make informed, future-focused investments. 

In addition to the awards, the evening included the presentation of the Charles “Mac” McClure Volunteer of the Year Award to Craig Cross, CCIM, recognizing his outstanding service and leadership within The CCIM Institute community. 

The night concluded with the announcement of the 2025 Dealmakers Award winners across five categories, each selected from nominees who were recognized by their chapters for outstanding achievement and commitment to excellence. Congratulations to our award winners and thank you for closing our second day with celebration and excellence. 

Dealmaker Nominees & Winners: 

INDUSTRIAL 
Adam Palmer, CCIM [Winner] 
Jack Haynes, CCIM 
Andrew Nguyen, CCIM 
Erik Chapman, CCIM 

MULTI-FAMILY 
Ashley Kitchen, CCIM [Winner] 
Michael Hinton, CCIM 

OFFICE 
Alan Joel, CCIM [Award Recipient]  
Marina Hammersmith, CCIM 
Adam Palmer, CCIM 
Jamie Henson, CCIM 
Faraz Cheema, CCIM 
Tom Jenkins, CCIM 
Isaac Figueroa, CCIM 

RETAIL 
Jingru Cynthia Dong, CCIM [Winner] 
Veronica Malolos, CCIM 
Chris Woodruff, CCIM 
Sarah Thobae, CCIM 
Carmela Patrick, CCIM 
Christopher Morris, CCIM  
Monika Polakevic, CCIM 
Craig Frinfrock, CCIM 
Steve Haddadin, CCIM  

SPECIALTY  
William Eshenbaugh, CCIM [Winner] 
Charles Patawaran, CCIM 
George Larsen, CCIM 
Kenisha Robnett, CCIM 
Jane Sauls, CCIM 
Jeremiah Christian JC Hearn, CCIM