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2022 Graaskamp Center Spring Board Conference April 7-8, 2022
Thursday April 7, 2022 — 5:30pm – Friday April 8, 2022 — 2:30pm

Graaskamp board members and guests are invited to join over 140 real estate leaders, Wisconsin Real Estate graduate students, faculty and guests at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Chicago on April 7-8, 2022. As the real estate industry – and the world around us – continues its rapid evolution as a result of the global pandemic, you’ll hear from industry thought leaders and visionaries on how to navigate the real estate landscape. Panel sessions and case studies will bring to life the challenges of and agility needed when doing business in today’s rapidly changing environment.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has a long and honored tradition of excellence in education and research in the discipline of real estate and urban land economics and our Real Estate Program is the #1 Public Real Estate Program by US News and World Report. The Graaskamp Center for Real Estate is setting the standard for real estate education in the new millennium.
Join us to learn and connect with your fellow board members, students and faculty at this fun, lively and informative event!
Agenda
Thursday, April 7 (5:30 – 8:00 pm)
5:30 pm | Reception (Lakeside Room) Sponsored by Draper & Kramer |
6:30 pm | Dinner (Lakeside Room) Sponsored by Cedar Street |
7:00-7:10 pm | Opening Remarks Michael Brennan, Irgens Executive Director, James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate |
7:15-8:00 pm | Dinner Keynote Sponsored by CBRE Mary Ludgin, Senior Managing Director, Heitman The Outlook for U.S. Real Estate for 2022 and Beyond |
8:15 pm | Informal Gathering in the Torali Bar (Ritz-Carlton) |
Friday, April 8 (7:30 am – 2:30 pm)
7:30-8:30 am | Networking Breakfast (St. Claire Foyer) Sponsored by First American |
8:30-8:40 am | Welcome and Remarks (St. Claire Room) Michael Brennan, Irgens Executive Director, James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate |
8:40-9:30 am | Morning Keynote Presentation Sponsored by CIBC Benjamin Tal, Senior Economist, CIBC Bouncing Back: 2022 Economic Outlook |
9:30-9:45 am | Networking Break Sponsored by Metzler Real Estate |
9:45-10:45 am | Session 1: Demographic Trends Driving Commercial Real Estate for Next Decade Sponsored by Associated Bank Aging baby boomers, growing millennials, and migration toward the South are just a few of the current demographics impacting the commercial real estate industry. Often overlooked, demographic and socio-economic factors play a large part in predicting important real estate market trends. What are the most important trends that will impact the real estate industry? Hear from industry analysts, economists and experts to learn about how shifting demographics will impact residential and commercial real estate and how you can stay on top of the trends to maintain a competitive edge. Moderator: Michael Toolis, former Vice President, Stantec Panelists: Christian Beaudoin, Managing Director, Research & Strategy, JLL Dave Bragg, Co-Head of Strategic Research, Green Street Roberto Ramirez, Assistant Division Chief, Special Population Statistics, Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau |
10:45-11:00 am | Networking Break Sponsored by Metzler Real Estate |
11:00 am-12:00 pm | Session 2: Managing Development Risks in Today’s Volatile Markets Contractor, architect and developer perspectives on effective techniques for managing approval, supply chain, financing, real estate tax and leasing/sales risks in 2022’s volatile markets will be addressed during this panel. You’ll learn what’s working, what’s not and why; and how techniques differ by product type and market. Sponsored by Keeley Construction Moderator: Raphael Dawson, Principal, Walton Street Capital Panelists: Brian Gordon, Executive Vice President, Magellan Development Company Lamar Johnson, Principal, The Lamar Johnson Collaborative Otto Nichols, Executive Vice President, Clayco Construction |
12:00-1:00 pm | Luncheon (St. Claire Room) Sponsored by Stewart Title Company |
12:15-12:45 pm | Bringing the Real World into the Classroom: An update on the Real Estate Applied Real Estate Investment Track (AREIT) and Real Estate Private Equity (REPE) Track Graduate students enrolled in the Real Estate Private Equity Track the Applied Real Estate Investment Track (AREIT) will present the highlights of their real estate deals and portfolio selections and share how these unique, hands-on applied learning opportunities truly set the Wisconsin Real Estate Program apart. Moderator: Greg Reed, Associate Director, Graaskamp Center Panelists: AREIT and REPE Students |
1:15-2:15 pm | Session 3: The CEO Outlook: A Chicago Perspective Sponsored by Colliers As we navigate the 2022 commercial real estate markets, what are the emerging trends and opportunities? How long will we be living with supply chain, inflation and labor market disruptions? What should you be doing now to prepare for a changing cycle? Hear from three real estate industry leaders from Chicago who will share their pulse on today’s challenges, opportunities and strategies to unlock opportunities for growth in an ever-changing business environment. Moderator: Rich Klawiter, Partner, DLA Piper Panelists: Andy Gloor, Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Bay Elzie Higginbottom, President and Founder, Burling Builders Jim Letchinger, President and Founder, JDL Development |
2:15-2:30 pm | Closing Remarks Mark Eppli, Director, James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate |
2:30 pm | Adjourn |
Featured Presenters





Thank You to Our Sponsors
Cedar Street Companies
CBRE
Draper and Kramer
CIBC
First American
Stewart Title
Keeley Construction
Associated Bank
Colliers
Metzler
Brennan Investment Group
Spaceco, Inc.
Global Gate Capital
Walton Street
Stantec
Lodging Options
We do not have a room block at the Ritz Carlton but you can call for availability: (312) 266-1000. There are many hotels within walking distance of the Ritz Carlton:
Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
- 4 minute walk to the Ritz
- 909 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
- (312) 943-7200
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
- 4 minute walk to the Ritz
- 198 E. Delaware Place Chicago, Illinois 60611
- 312-664-1100
- 6 minute walk to the Ritz
- 140 East Walton Place, Chicago, Illinois, 60611
- 312-787-2200