SIOR marks 75th Anniversary with Fall World Conference Oct. 20-22

Main stage panel discussion: Technology. Shown (from left) are: Newmark Grubb Knight Frank executive managing director Geoff Kasselman; CoStar CEO Andrew Florance; Hightower CEO (and former broker) Brandon Weber; and Real Capital Markets chairman Geoff Woodward

Manhattan, NY The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) hosted its annual Fall World Conference October 20-22, the organization’s first time hosting the event in New York in 30 years. The international conference drew 1,170 SIOR attendees to the Sheraton New York Times Square – the most well-attended conference in SIOR’s history.

In celebration of SIOR’s 75^th Anniversary, the industry’s top commercial real estate brokers and experts, SIOR leadership and members, and many special guests gathered to discuss the most pressing and relevant topics facing the real estate industry today. The nearly 1,200 members and guests represented over 17 countries, including Argentina, Germany, Japan, Korea, Mexico and Switzerland, making this not only the largest but most global conference in SIOR’s 75-year history.

“It was an honor and privilege to host our Fall World Conference in New York City, especially as we celebrate our 75^th Anniversary,” said SIOR’s immediate past president Allen Gump. “The ability to bring together more than 1,000 members in one setting and exchange ideas in person in such an exciting venue helps advance our organization, highlight our accomplishments, and build towards the future while honoring the past.”

View of the main stage ballroom

Led by the NYPD marching band, the Fall World Conference kicked off with SIOR’s immediate past president Allen Gump instating Geoffrey Kasselman as the new SIOR global president.

While showing much appreciation for his predecessor, in his opening address Kasselman acknowledged a brief but pivotal list of SIORs without whom he may not have become SIOR president, addressed imminent transformative tech-driven industry-wide change, and took time to reflect on one of SIOR’s founding principles to “serve the greater good” followed by a renewed call to service by all SIORs everywhere.

“Over 1,000 SIOR members gathered in New York City for what could be considered our most successful conference yet,” said Kasselman. “From the insightful panel discussions to the groundbreaking breakout sessions, the conference further demonstrated that SIORs represent the very best of what the industry has to offer. It is with great pride and a true honor to now serve as the new president of SIOR, an organization with a rich 75-year history that I am confident will continue to humbly lead the industry in years to come.”

Shown (from left) are: NAI Global President Jay Olshonsky; CBRE vice chairman and head of investment properties group Darcy Stacom; Savills Studley CEO Mitchell Steir; CBRE global brokerage chairman Stephen Siegel; and Cushman & Wakefield global brokerage chairman Bruce Mosler

Moreover, the conference represented the final leg of the SIOR Diamond Tour, an event where SIOR chapters moved a Diamond Scepter (Torch) across the US, Canada, Europe and Mexico to celebrate the organization’s milestone anniversary. Bringing awareness to SIOR, the tour began in April at the close of the SIOR Spring World Conference in San Diego. Travelling by all modes of transportation and reaching every SIOR Chapter, the Torch finally arrived at its final destination on October 20 during the Fall Conference’s opening general session.

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Prior to the event, prominent SIOR members had the distinct privilege of ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, October 19, reaching its widest audience ever. 

The Fall World Conference’s special guest-led General Sessions were the most widely-attended events over the three conference days. The  lineup of speakers included former mayor Rudy Giuliani, journalist Tom Brokaw, and author Erik Qualman.

Hundreds of SIORs packed into the main stage room to hear them speak on a variety of topics, from the development and evolution of New York City, to past and present U.S. political landscapes, to the implications of social media in business.

On Thursday, October 20 and Friday, October 21, a series of hard-hitting panel discussions also took place on the main stage featuring C-suite executives from the industry’s top organizations. Topics included technology, development, super brokers, REITs, and others, and their impact on the real estate industry. Some highlights included the discussion of technology and its growing prevalence in the industry, with the overall sentiment being that brokers will have to adapt to and harness these tools to stay ahead of the curve; discussion of long-term investment strategies and that diversification plays a key role for a successful REIT; “super brokers” discussed what it takes to be just that, with insights including the importance of quick strategic thinking and the ability to evolve to meet client’s needs, as well as learning and growing from mistakes; among many others.

Moreover, a variety of breakout sessions provided attendees with access to insightful dialogue in an intimate setting, including how to leverage business internationally and discussion on what the future holds for office space.

Besides the designated panels and breakout sessions, attendees had ample time to partake in social and networking events, including the sold-out Panattoni Party: SIOR’s 75th Anniversary Celebration.

Established in 1941, SIOR now extends to 48 chapters worldwide, consisting of nearly 3,100 members in more than 630 cities in 35 countries.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors is a global professional organization that certifies commercial real estate service providers with the exclusive SIOR designation. Individuals who earn their SIOR adhere to the highest levels of accountability and ethical standards. Only the industry’s top professionals qualify for the SIOR. Today, there are 3,100 SIOR members in 650 markets in 34 countries.