Why NAIOP Conferences Are a Must-attend for Industry Professionals

Like many of our members, I view ongoing progress as being vitally important. We want to grow as professionals while also driving our industry forward. Staying ahead of trends, expanding our networks and gaining fresh insights doesn’t happen by accident. It takes deliberate effort.

Alex Thomson

That’s where NAIOP conferences play a key role.

Held across North America, NAIOP’s conferences transcend the typical industry event. Conferences offered by other groups frequently focus solely on continuing education or zero in on a specific market. NAIOP’s conferences are unique. They are designed to deliver a powerful mix of learning, networking and inspiration. Attendees leave not just informed, but energized — with new connections, actionable insights and a broader perspective on the industry.

This past March, I joined nearly 1,200 others at I.CON West, one of our premier industrial events. It was a perfect example of what makes NAIOP events so valuable. We heard from an economist who broke down key market forces, not just locally but across North America and beyond. Breakout sessions covered critical topics that are shaping our industry, including some, like tariffs, that are consistently in the headlines. Other sessions discussed emerging topics where NAIOP is already actively working to be a voice for our members.

Beyond the sessions, the networking opportunities were equally meaningful. We hear from our members that these chances to network are powerful, with NAIOP research showing that more than 94% of our Principal members have done at least one deal with another NAIOP member. Many of those connections are made at our conferences, through both structured sessions and the informal conversations that happen between them.

If you haven’t yet attended a NAIOP conference, I encourage you to explore our upcoming events. These gatherings complement, rather than compete with, the events hosted by local chapters.

One event that I’m particularly excited about is CRE.Converge, which is coming to Toronto this September. NAIOP’s signature event brings together top speakers and industry leaders from across asset classes — industrial, retail, office, multifamily and beyond. Whether you work in a single sector or in multiple sectors, you will gain valuable insights. In addition, our market tours will give you a firsthand look at best practices in one of North America’s most dynamic cities, and you don’t need to be active in the Toronto market to benefit.

I’ll be attending many of our conferences this year, and I hope to see you at one or more of them. If you spot me, please take a moment to introduce yourself. I’d love to hear what’s happening in your market and your chapter. Let’s connect and keep moving our industry forward together. 

Alex Thomson, Founder, Prevail Consultants
2025 NAIOP Chair

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