What’s next in real estate, capital markets, the economy, and technology? That burning question was brought to the forefront because of the pandemic.  The highly anticipated ULI and PwC annual Emerging Trends report is an essential resource for Real Estate professionals, but this year’s seemed more critical than ever.

Although we could not have our typical breakfast event in Pittsburgh, there was an incredible opportunity to partner with other cities, virtually, to get insight from both inside and outside of the Pittsburgh market.

For the first time, four District Councils – ULI Indiana, ULI Kansas City, ULI Michigan, and ULI Pittsburgh – are teamed up for an insightful online program featuring national and regional expertise and insights. The Virtual, Regional Real Estate Trends event took place on December 1, 8, and 15th.

On December 1, the first session kicked off with an Emerging Trends in Real Estate keynote presented by Andy Warren, Director Real Estate Research, PwC, followed by a Regional Response Panel with speakers from each district council. Sonya Tilghman of Hazelwood Initiative joined the local response panel as the Pittsburgh Representative.  Local thought-leaders then convened in a separate forum to give a more Pittsburgh-specific response.  Local panelists included;  Kirsten Compitello, Planner, Michael Baker, Claudia Steeb, Managing Director-Pittsburgh, JLL,  Emeka Onwugbenu, E Properties & Development, Jessica Brackin, Project Manager, RIDC, John Watt, MAI, Managing Director, Valbridge Property Advisors.

The 2^nd session took place on December 8; the topic was directed towards Capital Markets + Recovery.  In light of COVID-19, many have described our U.S. economy as facing a K-shaped recovery, with winners and losers. The second program explored those dynamics with a keynote presentation by Gus Faucher, Chief Economist, PNC, followed by a second Regional Response Panel representing a cross-section of the issues. Panel Representatives from Pittsburgh included; Marita Garrett, MA Garrett-Pittsburgh- Mayor, Wilkinsburg Borough, and Michael Taylor (Mike T.) – Regional Senior Director, Business Development, Comcast – Keystone Region.

The finale on December 15 addressed the topic of Property Technology + Future of Real Estate. The final keynote and Regional Response Panel addressed how technology advancements are enhancing and disrupting real estate processes and practices.  Constance Freedman, Moderne Ventures (Chicago) delivered the keynote address, followed by another Regional Response Panel. The Pittsburgh Representative was Eve Picker -Founder & CEO, Small Change.

Recordings of the sessions are now available via ULI’s KnowledgeFinder.