CHICAGO, IL – April 30, 2026 — The CCIM Institute, the global standard in commercial real estate education, and the Real Estate Training Institute, has announced a landmark strategic partnership to deliver CCIM Designation courses and professional development programs in Jamaica.
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.
DAY 5 – Getting Down to Business!
Governance & Leadership
As members returned home and new Designees began the next chapter of their careers with The Pin, The CCIM Institute’s leadership and volunteers remained hard at work. The Spring Forum also serves as a critical time for governance, where committees meet, initiatives are discussed, and decisions are made to strengthen the organization and support members and chapters moving forward.
DAY 3 – A Busy Day for Everyone!
Comprehensive Exam
This is where the rubber meets the road for our candidates. The hours of coursework, portfolio curation and submission brought 158 candidates to Philadelphia to sit for The Comprehensive Exam. These bright professionals arrived as candidates – will they leave as Designees?
Panel IV - AI & the Future of Commercial Real Estate
Moderator:
During The CCIM Institute 2026 Spring Forum, Carleen Barth, CCIM, was elected Treasurer-Elect for 2027, bringing with her a powerful combination of financial expertise, industry leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing The CCIM Institute.
“Life moves pretty fast.” The famous Ferris Bueller quote used early in this presentation isn’t just nostalgic—it’s a warning. In today’s economic environment, if you don’t stop and look around, you may miss the structural shifts redefining markets, policy, and real estate.
That was the thesis of the hotly anticipated presentation by Michael Litt, Chairman of the Board for Bareburger, and inspiration behind the best-selling book “The Big Short,” as he presented to sold-out crowds on April 20, 2026, during The CCIM Institute Spring Forum in Philadelphia.
The 2026 Spring Forum is almost here, and Philadelphia is about to be filled with the energy of hundreds of commercial real estate professionals (talk about a High-Demand Site)!
If you are ready to enter commercial real estate but are unsure where to begin, you are not alone. The industry can feel complex, with financial modeling, market research, and client expectations all demanding a high level of competence from day one. Many professionals want a clear starting point without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The CCIM Institute provides that structure, starting with two core courses, combined for a one-time purchase.
