The #1 lesson from the SIOR Conference - by Rod Santomassimo

As of the writing of this article I had just returned from Phoenix after presenting a session on the three optimal ways to create more personal and professional margin in your commercial real estate business, and life at the Spring SIOR TransAct 360 conference.

If the conference taught me anything it is that live events are back and as strong as ever. Regardless of your position on the pandemic, and I recognize New York is starting to see a rise in derivatives of COVID occurrences, it cannot be denied that commercial real estate professionals, in general, are eager to get back out and connect with colleagues, peers, prospects and clients.

Commercial real estate has been and always will be a relationship business, and relationships require connections far beyond what Zoom, Skype or Microsoft Teams will ever provide. It was amazing seeing so many of our clients in the conference halls, the hotel bar, the night parties, the hiking trails, or hotel gym. And yet, not a single mask be found. And as someone who has had COVID three times—that’s right, three times—and who has been vaccinated, boosted and although asthmatic—this was a welcomed sight.

Of course there were high-impact lessons shared during the conference itself. And yes, the Pandemic and the impact on office space, re-engagement and recommitment to such space was on the forefront of discussion. However, it was the estimated 800 people in attendance that had the greatest impact of all.

Now, let’s just hope there was a substantial increase in attendance in Vegas and ICSC this month.

Rod Santomassimo, CCIM, is the founder and president of the Massimo Group, LLC, New York, N.Y.