Top Young Real Estate Leaders Convene in Miami

The country's top under-40 real estate owners, developers and financiers came to Miami November 2-4 to meet, talk, and make friendships for life at our first Bisnow retreat for young industry all-stars.

Almost 300 attended Ascent at the Ritz Carlton. You’re talking disciplined executives when most time on South Beach is spent in professional programs and networking. But because these folks live and breathe real estate, we provided some topics they don’t find at their usual conferences.

MicroStrategy founder Mike Saylor talked about tech trends and how they’ll affect real estate. Best-selling author Esther Perel talked about how to build and develop human relationships.

Fundrise co-founder Ben Miller talked about how to crowdsource your deals. Floored founder Dave Eisenberg spoke about using virtual reality to show tenant space (and let us try it via stunning Oculus goggles). Hightower founder Brandon Weber demonstrated a radical new platform to access owner and broker data.

Breakout sessions featured the likes of NY financier Simon Ziff and Gary Block of Meridian Group team-teaching a class on joint-venture negotiations.

And “speed dealmaking,” as well as continual meals and receptions together, helped participants bond and broaden their networks. If you meet up with any of the participants this week, cut them some slack. They’ll be stronger than ever, as soon as they catch up on their sleep.

(Interested in attending next year's Ascent? Write us at Escape@Bisnow.com and we'll keep you informed.)