Frequently Asked Questions
- Forum Overview
- Appointment Process
- Forum Meetings
- Forum Communications
Forum Overview
What is a NAIOP National Forum?
NAIOP National Forums are special interest groups for NAIOP members that provide them with an opportunity for exclusive networking and experience exchange with their peers.
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What's the difference between Limited and General Forums?
Limited Forums are for principal members who are developers, owners or investors in commercial real estate, while General Forums are for all members.
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Is there a list of Forums with descriptions?
Yes, see Existing National Forums.
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How many members are in a Forum?
Forums are usually capped at 20. Individual Forums may opt to set their membership size at another number.
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What is the confidentiality agreement?
Members must have confidence that matters discussed in the Forum will not be shared outside the group. Members are to assume that anything and everything said in the Forum is confidential, no matter how trivial it may seem. Nothing can be discussed with outsiders unless the holder of the information has given permission. Two or more Forum members gathered together are considered a Forum if they are talking about topics raised in Forum meetings and "Forum rules" apply. Therfore, absolute privacy must be assured. Confidentiality is forever. Even after members leave the Forum; they and the remaining members are still bound to this important Forum standard. Members who testify under subpoena must testify under the law. To reinforce the importance of this critical principle, the chair opens and closes each meeting with a confidentiality reminder.
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Appointment Process
Who is eligible to apply for an appointment to a Forum?
Any member of NAIOP with 10 years of experience in the industry is welcome to apply. For the Young Professionals Forums, the experience criteria is waived.
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How are members selected for appointment to a Forum?
Members are selected based on their experience in the industry, scope of business and current market area. We attempt to avoid placing competitors from the same market on the same Forum.
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How do I choose a Forum?
We recommend you indicate more than one choice on your application.
Review the existing list of Forums and their descriptions to narrow your selection. You may also review the current members of a Forum, but will need your member number to access. If there is already someone from your market on a Forum, chances are your name will be placed on a wait list. Some Forums have restricted their size, so may be temporarily closed. Need advice? E-mail Bennett Gray or call (703) 904-7100, ext. 168.
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What is the term of my Forum appointment?
If you are selected for appointment, your length of term is for three years.
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How may membership be renewed after my initial three-year appointment?
Your Forum membership may be renewed if your membership is in good standing (attended your 2 meetings per year and have your Forum and NAIOP membership dues up to date), you respond to our inquiry by the deadline and your re-appointment is approved by the Chair and Vice Chair of your Forum.
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May I transfer to a different Forum?
You may transfer to another Forum if you are a member in good standing and if your transfer request is approved. Please send transfer requests to Susan Bornt.
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How many members are in a Forum?
Forums are usually capped at 20. Individual Forums may opt to set their membership size at another number.
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What is the annual fee to participate and what does it include?
The current annual Forum fee is $995 for the full calendar year, $495 if you are appointed after June 1st. This fee covers the cost of admission to the National Forums Symposium, which includes your Forum meeting, private dinner, receptions and other meals. It also includes educational sessions at the Symposium. Your annual Forum fee will also cover Forum functions at the development conference: the annual meeting for commercial real estate, which include your meeting, dinner and reception. Registration for the development conference requires a separate fee. All Forum members are also subscribed to a listserve restricted to members of their Forum and may access an online directory, which includes all National Forums members' biographies.
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Forum Meetings
Who leads each meeting?
Each Forum is led by a Chair and Vice Chair.
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What will we be talking about?
Each Forum is unique, but in general their discussions revolve around the theme of their Forums. Trends, opportunities, problems, case studies, market conditions are among the typical points of discussion.
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How is the meeting agenda developed?
The agenda is usually created by the Chair and Vice Chair with input from the members of the Forum. It is then circulated to Forum members via the Forums list serves. Members are expected to volunteer to lead discussions and present on areas of their expertise.
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May I see a sample agenda?
Yes. If you are not a current Forum member, simply send an email to Susan Bornt and she would be glad to send you a sample agenda.
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How many meetings am I required to attend?
Forum members are required to attend their two Forum sessions per year. If you miss more than two meetings during your three-year term you will be asked to resign. Private Developers I Forum allows only one missed meeting.
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What happens if I cannot attend a meeting?
If you cannot attend a meeting you need to inform your Chair/Vice Chair and Susan Bornt, National Forums Administrator, as soon as possible. You may miss up to two meetings during your three-year term without penalty, except Private Developers I allows only one missed meeting.
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What are the dates and locations of future Forum events?
April 21-24, 2009, Denver, Colo.
October 13-16, 2009, Chicago, Ill.
April 27-30, 2010, San Francisco, Calif.
October 26-29, 2010, Orlando, Fla.
October 17-20, 2011, Scottsdale, Ariz.
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What is typical attire at Forum events?
Spring meeting: resort casual.
Fall meeting: business casual for Forum meetings and Educational sessions.
Receptions and dinners are more formal depending on meeting location.
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What are the arrangements for Forum dinners?
Arrangements for dinner are made ahead of time by NAIOP. Local restaurants are chosen and you will be seated with members of your Forum. The cost of the meal, tax and tip are included in your annual Forum participation fee. Wine and alcoholic beverages are served on a cash basis, with each table receiving one check to split. You may bring a social guest or spouse to the dinner for an additional fee, by indicating on your RSVP form prior to the published deadline.
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Forum Communications
What is the National Forums Directory
The National Forums Directory is now online. It includes contact information, photos and biographies for each Forum member.
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How can I update my bio in the directory?
- Go to NAIOP's Web site - www.naiop.org. In the top left-hand corner of the page, you'll see a item in the sidebar that says "My NAIOP Account." Click on the link and it will prompt you to enter your membership number as the username and your last name as the password. This logs you into the Web site and brings you to your account page.
- To view your directory page, click "View My Membership Directory Page." To make any changes to your biographical information click "View/Edit Biographical Information." Enter your information into the spaces provided and click submit. Each category is limited to 500 characters or less. To change your photo or add education information click "View/Edit Supplemental Biographical Information." You will need to search for your photo and then hit submit. You may also attach a file with additional information.
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How can I get a current roster of my Forum?
You can pull a current Forum roster from NAIOP's online Membership Directory by using your last name and member number. You would then perform a search by Forum name.
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How can I get in touch with my fellow Forum members?
You may contact them a number of ways. Phone, fax, e-mail and your individual Forum list serve.
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What is a Forum List Serve?
A list serve is similar to a group you have set up in Outlook, only we maintain the e-mail addresses. Since it is intended to spark discussion, replies to e-mails sent through the list serve may be seen by all Forum Members when you click on "Reply All." Your Forum's list serve is restricted to members of your Forum. Refer to complete instructions.
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