‘Relationships Are Your Currency’: Bisnow’s Elevate Conference Builds The Foundation For Enduring CRE Connections

Where can you do a cold plunge first thing in the morning, have meaningful small group conversations in the afternoon and survey debt and equity from dozens in the same room while hearing from insightful speakers?

This question, posed by Avison Young principal and Head of Tri-State Investment Sales James Nelson, has one answer: Bisnow executive retreats. 

Like Bisnow’s Escape and Ascent executive retreats, Elevate revolves around commercial real estate networking and doing more business with industry members from around the U.S. in a casual setting. Elevate, however, sets itself apart by focusing on educating and uplifting the next generation of CRE leaders. CRE professionals come away from the conference with insight and career advice from the industry’s power players, and having grown their network of contacts.

The second annual Elevate conference brought 250 rising CRE stars to Nashville’s W Hotel from April 29 to May 1. Among their ranks were analysts, associates, directors and other CRE professionals from investment and development firms, including AEW, Blackstone, Bozzuto, The Davis Companies, Hines, Nuveen, Peachtree Group, Presidium Group and more.

Many attendees were new faces, eager to experience what Bisnow refers to as its “anti-conference”. They used the Elevate app to streamline networking and book meetings that will turn into long-term partnerships. In the two days, there were almost 18K connections made within the Elevate app, which includes aspects such as attendees starting conversations and setting up meetings with one another.

Elevate attendees had unbridled access to the CRE trailblazers hosting the conference's workshops. Not only did they answer questions during and directly after their sessions, but many stayed to network after.

“The intimate conversations with seasoned business leaders provided me with invaluable insights and an opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the people I revere most in the business world,” said Time Equities Director of Equity Divisions and Elevate attendee Jack Goldberg.

After registration, attendees had the option to jump straight into setting up one-on-one meetings or join a Coffee and Connect women’s reception led by EDENS Head of Residential Kelly Nagel and Bisnow Director of Executive Retreats Jessica Brucker.

“It was great to see women sticking together and growing their dialogue as the conference went on,” Brucker said. “While the common consensus is that CRE is a man’s world, there are so many women leading and supporting their teams. The reception allowed them to get to know one another ahead of time and navigate the two-day conference with a support system in place.”

Attendees were then divided into tribes —  pre-assigned small groups hand-assembled by the Elevate staff based on region, asset class and investment criteria. During hour-long tribe sessions, participants exchanged stories about their shared ideas and best practices that can help them do better business.

“The Bisnow team did an incredible job setting up general networking opportunities. But the tribe sessions, in particular, were a great way to meet individuals with shared interests in CRE,” said PCD Development Manager and Elevate attendee Sydney Stein. “Throughout the conference, we were given the opportunity to create meaningful relationships that I hope to foster far into the future.”

Speed deal-making offers a different approach to networking and handing out business cards. It’s an opportunity for owners or developers to exchange three-minute introductions with capital providers and talk about all things CRE, whether it be an asset class, a deal in the pipeline or a region of focus. Once the whistle blows, the outside person moves to the next seat to have another introduction. These sessions, a staple among all Bisnow retreats, give people the opportunity to make fast connections with lasting results.  

The next day kicked off with a body nourishment activity — a choice between a cold plunge, yoga, boot camp or 5K run. While some participants continued networking, others joined Vornado/Charles E. Smith former President Mitchell Shear or Ackman-Ziff President Simon Ziff for an organized breakfast. The industry leaders provided advice on the best way for attendees to navigate their own paths in the industry.

After their second tribe session, attendees gathered together for Ziff’s Coffee and Capital event. Here, equity and debt providers offered valuable insight into capital markets, and attendees had the opportunity to message them through the Elevate app to connect after. 

“Coffee and Capital allows young up-and-comers to share their capital criteria with a large room of both capital providers and users,” Ziff said. “I think nearly every Elevate attendee develops confidence at this session and the conference in general, allowing them to make that next leap in their careers.” 

At day two’s workshop sessions, participants chose between three panels designed to resonate with their career goals, provide them with the CRE information they needed in their roles and take their career to the next level.

Nelson’s How You Can Gain The Insider’s Edge To Real Estate Investing workshop walked investors through how to scope out assets in each CRE sector and position their assets to maximize their returns. He also advised how to attain the inside scoop on upcoming deals and navigate the process of deal-making.

“It was a real treat to share my knowledge with the Elevate crowd,” Nelson said. “Knowing how to find and execute on the best opportunities is now more relevant than ever.”

John Drachman’s How To Have A Successful CRE Career detailed both the industry-specific skills, such as developing specific knowledge, and the soft skills, such as strong communication, that CRE professionals should bring forth as a value add. 

"Navigating your real estate career can be daunting, and I thought it was fantastic that Bisnow provided a forum for mid-level professionals to network and learn from industry leaders,” Drachman said. 

Drachman also touched upon the importance of building and maintaining a strong network of contacts. He emphasized that “relationships are your currency” and that becoming a helpful resource to others can pay off in the long run by way of gaining the right connections or being included in a lucrative deal. 

At How An Investor Can Become The Preferred Call For Brokers In Their Market, BK Real Estate Advisors Chairman and CEO and investment legend Bob Knakal educated investors on creating a strong rapport with brokers. He also spoke about his four decades as one of the most prominent New York City brokers. 

TownCentre Capital President and Founder Don Tepman, also known as StripMallGuy, discussed how he showcased his knowledge of strip malls on social media and why CRE professionals should maintain a strong online presence by presenting their authentic selves to their audience and posting frequently.

At the end of the second day, attendees listened to closing remarks delivered by Bisnow CEO Gregg Mayer before being taken to an off-site dinner where they enjoyed Nashville barbecue and continued to converse with their peers.

Mayer said that attendees should assess their experience of the conference and ensure to build upon the relationships formed at Elevate.

“Your boss approved this because they believed in you,” Mayer said. “They want you to win for them, but they [also] want to retain you. Think long and hard about who you met, what you picked up, whatever it is…if you can answer those questions easily, they'll believe in you to send you back here next year.”

In 2025, Bisnow will offer an opportunity for attendees to connect beyond the conference in the form of a membership program. It will provide access to local events and curated, invite-only cocktails in specific regions as well as connection to Bisnow’s executive retreats team to facilitate further introductions.

The third annual Elevate conference will be taking place on April 28 and 29, 2025 at the W Hotel in Nashville. Don’t miss out on the chance to make lifelong professional connections and learn from the biggest names in CRE. Apply to attend.