Wrap-Up: Spring Forum 2026
As the Spring Forum wrapped up, the energy and activity throughout the week made one thing undeniable: this is the place to be. From high-impact conversations to hands-on learning and dealmaking opportunities, the experience was packed from start to finish. To help capture it all, we’ve summarized the highlights and key takeaways, giving you a look at what made this Forum stand out and what’s ahead.
The Place for Deals & Networking
Our Forums have evolved into a place to fully engage with the CCIM network while sharing and sourcing your next deal. The Dealmaking & Networking Lounge served as more than just a gathering spot for Happy Hour. It became a hub for connecting with fellow members, engaging with sponsors, and discussing active opportunities. The Deal Wall returned as a key feature, showcasing the types of deals our Designees are pursuing and seeking.
Our first-ever Deal Pitch Competition was a major success, with competitive dealmaking at the forefront. Twelve brave CCIMs took a chance to showcase their pitch in a Shark Tank-inspired event front and center throughout the Forum. Congrats to Robby Eaves, CCIM, on walking away with the Golden Pitch Award, as well as Veronica Malolos, CCIM, who won the Audience Choice Award.
From day one at the Welcome Reception, to downtime in the Dealmaking and Networking Lounge, opportunities were everywhere, reinforcing the CCIM Forum as the place to do business.
The Place for Business
Our Exhibitors and Sponsors play a vital role in the success of our Forums. Not only do they help make our events, panels, and mobile app possible, but they also bring valuable tools, insights, and opportunities that support our members in elevating how they do business. From innovative technologies to strategic services, their presence adds meaningful value to the overall Forum experience.
Throughout the week, our partners engaged directly with attendees, fostering connections, sharing expertise, and helping drive conversations that extend beyond the event itself. We thank our Exhibitors and Sponsors for their continued support and for helping make this Forum both impactful and memorable for the entire CCIM community.
"Every forum reminds me that CCIM is more than education and Designation. It is a global community built on excellence, service, and leadership."
- Michelle Leung, CCIM, Toronto
The Place to Learn
Education remains at the core of The CCIM Forum experience. Across seven panels, members explored the trends, tools, and strategies shaping commercial real estate today, leaving with knowledge they can immediately apply to their business.
Three standout sessions drew packed rooms and high engagement throughout the week. Bold Branding: Influence, Image, & Impact in CRE highlighted how today’s top producers are building personal brands through storytelling, content, and social platforms to drive deal flow and credibility. AI & The Future of Commercial Real Estate delivered practical, real-world applications of AI, showing how professionals are using technology to streamline workflows, enhance decision-making, and gain a competitive edge. Meanwhile, The Hot Seat brought a candid, unscripted conversation between 2026 Global President Adam Palmer, CCIM, SIOR, and CEO Paul Rumler, offering attendees a direct look at the challenges, opportunities, and future direction of The CCIM Institute.
The remaining panels rounded out the program with equally valuable insights across key areas of the industry. Capital Markets Unlocked explored the realities of today’s lending environment and capital stack strategies, while Mission Critical examined the growing importance of industrial assets and data-driven infrastructure. Specialized Strategies: Senior & Affordable Housing addressed the opportunities and complexities within two high-demand sectors, and Leadership & CRE Success Stories showcased the power of mentorship, resilience, and community in building successful careers.
With such a diverse range of topics and perspectives, attendees left with a deeper understanding of today’s market and new ideas to carry forward. We look forward to seeing how our CCIMs apply these insights to their business and continued professional growth.
The Place to Get Technical
A major focus of the Spring Forum was the launch of Intellisite, the reimagined evolution of Site To Do Business. More than just a new name, Intellisite introduces a new generation of tools designed to bring data, analytics, and workflows together in one place.
The excitement extended beyond the main stage and into our TechTalks, where attendees took a deeper dive into the tools and technologies shaping how business gets done. Across 15 sessions, topics ranged from AI workflows and data-driven prospecting to mapping, automation, and dashboard creation, all designed to help CCIMs work more efficiently and uncover new opportunities. Attendees were drawn to TechTalks like The New LLM, which showcased how AI can integrate multiple data sources, generate summaries, create reports, and streamline analysis in real time, helping professionals move faster and make more informed decisions.
From hands-on workshops to open Q&A sessions, the TechTalks gave attendees a chance to explore new capabilities and see how these tools apply to their day-to-day business. With the launch of Intellisite, the Spring Forum marked the beginning of a new era of intelligence for CCIM Technologies.
"We had the opportunity to learn from some of the top minds in commercial real estate, gain insight into cutting-edge technology shaping our industry, and connect with a wide range of high-quality professionals."
- Erik Johnson, CCIM, MBA, Palm Beach Gardens Florida
The Place to Get Involved
Behind the scenes, the work of the Institute continued through governance and committee meetings, where members collaborated to shape the future of the organization.
While less visible, these sessions are foundational to the success of The CCIM Institute. Volunteers and leaders came together to discuss strategy, improve operations, and strengthen the experience for members and chapters across the network. This ongoing engagement ensures that the Institute continues to evolve alongside the industry it serves.
Congratulations to Carleen Barth, CCIM, on being elected 2027 Treasurer-Elect during the 2026 Spring Forum! Her leadership, industry experience, and commitment to The CCIM Institute will help guide the organization forward.
The Place to Experience
Learning at the Spring Forum extended well beyond panels and sessions. Through curated off-site events, attendees experienced Philadelphia firsthand, where history, development, and market insight came together in real time.
From the Schuylkill Yards site tour to the Historic Walking Tour, participants gained a deeper understanding of how projects take shape and how market forces influence the built environment. Events like the Rocky Run, city tours, and evening receptions added another layer by creating opportunities to connect, explore, and even break a sweat alongside fellow members.
These experiences reinforced that some of the most valuable insights come not just from presentations, but from seeing, walking, and engaging with the market firsthand.
"…The energy was incredible. It truly feels like a "closed circle" of the most trusted and experienced players in the industry."
- Sunny Chen, CCIM, Philadelphia
The Place to Celebrate
The Forum also served as a moment to recognize achievement and celebrate the community. The Pinning Ceremony welcomed a new class of CCIM Designees, marking a major milestone in their careers and reinforcing the value of The Designation. Additional candidates achieved The Pin following the exam retake, demonstrating the perseverance and commitment that define the CCIM journey. In total, we welcomed 141 new Designees at our 2026 Spring Forum! We can’t wait to see them continue to excel as they represent the standard of commercial real estate and The CCIM Institute.
The Place to Support
The week concluded with The CCIM Institute Foundation's CCIM’s Got Talent, where members came together for an evening of entertainment and philanthropy. Through performances, auctions, and participation, attendees supported scholarship programs that will help future candidates take the next step in their careers. The night was filled with laughter, song, and plenty of support, raising a total of $39,339 during performances!
"This past week in Philadelphia at The CCIM Institute Spring Forum was nothing short of exceptional."
- Robert Sherwood, CCIM, Austin, Texas
The Place to Move Forward
The 2026 Spring Forum was more than a gathering. It was a reflection of where the industry is today and where it is headed. From education and innovation to connection and dealmaking, the Forum continues to evolve as the place where commercial real estate professionals come to learn, engage, and do business.
We look forward to building this momentum at the Fall Forum in Los Angeles, October 4 - 8, 2026.