Nareit’s REITwise 2026: Educational Conference convened more than 1,200 REIT industry professionals, real estate executives, and leaders from advisory firms March 24-26 in Hollywood, Fla. The three-day program focused on current issues of importance for REITs and publicly traded real estate companies in areas of accounting, finance, human resources, legal, sustainability, and tax. The event attracted attendees from 620 companies, including 136 member REITs, and featured 128 panelists and keynote speakers.
Read on for a recap of general and concurrent session presentations. A photo gallery from the event is available to attendees on the Nareit Photo Library.
General Sessions
Opening General Session: Washington Update
This panel focused on the 2026 legislative and regulatory outlook. The conversation was moderated by Cathy Barré, EVP of policy & public affairs and general counsel at Nareit. Panelists included Ryan Abraham, principal at EY; Cameron Arterton, deputy EVP of policy & public affairs at Nareit; Bernard Audet Jr., branch chief at the Internal Revenue Service, Financial Institutions & Products; Dara Bernstein, SVP & tax counsel at Nareit; Andrea Hoffenson, senior technician reviewer in branch 3 at the Office of the Associate Chief Counsel at the Internal Revenue Service, Financial Institutions & Products; Kenneth Pollack, EVP, general counsel, and secretary at AGNC Investment Group; and Victoria Rostow, SVP of regulatory affairs & deputy general counsel at Nareit.
General Session: State of the Capital Markets
This session examined how public REITs are strategically adapting to changes in the capital markets and how they will perform in the coming years. Future REIT valuation frameworks, REIT ownership models, and M&A activity were also discussed. Panelists included: John Gottfried, CFO at Acadia Realty Trust; Hicham Hamdouch, managing director in the Real Estate, Gaming and Lodging Investment Banking Group at BofA Securities; Michael Knott, managing director of research at Green Street; Yoel Kranz, partner and co-chair of the REIT practice at Goodwin; and Allison Marino, CFO at Easterly Government Properties Inc.
Lunch General Session: Cross-Functional Use Cases for AI in the REIT Industry
This session provided a practical blueprint for integrating AI across core business units, incorporating case studies in finance, accounting, HR, and corporate communications that revealed how to drive immediate efficiency gains and enhance decision-making. The conversation was moderated by Sherry Rexroad, CFO at Piedmont Realty Trust, Inc. Panelists reviewed the AI adoption roadmap for finance and accounting functions and examined how to implement AI tools to optimize recruiting and streamline core HR operations. Panelists included: Grant Faulkner Nelson, VP and team manager at Gartner; Clint Satterthwaite, VP, HR at Prologis, Inc.; Stephen Swett, partner at ICR Inc.; and Dana Van Wie, partner at PwC.
General Session: Leading in the Light—Trust, Accountability, and Performance
This general session focused on trust as a core leadership imperative in today’s complex operating environment. Minda Harts, best-selling author, founder, and CEO at The Memo, LLC, delivered the keynote. Drawing on her work around The Seven Trust Languages, Harts, in a fireside chat with Nareit's Ayris Scales, explored how leaders can build credibility, strengthen communication, and align teams to drive performance.
The Leading in the Light session kicked off with the recognition of the 2026 Leader in the Light Award honorees. This year's awards highlighted organizations that demonstrate excellence in sustainability, governance, and long-term value creation, and reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability across all aspects of REIT operations. Click here to see a list of this year's award recipients.
Breakfast General Session: The Political Climate in 2026 and Beyond
This session examined the political landscape and its implications for the real estate industry and capital markets. Panelists included Scott Jennings, political commentator at CNN; and Jonathan Martin, bureau chief and senior political columnist at POLITICO. The conversation provided insights into the evolving policy environment, key legislative dynamics, and the broader political forces shaping business conditions in 2026 and beyond. Speakers offered perspectives on how changes in Washington could impact regulatory priorities, economic policy, and investor sentiment across the commercial real estate sector.
Closing General Session: Economic Outlook—State of the Real Estate Market
This closing session provided a macroeconomic and capital markets outlook for the REIT industry. Spencer Levy, global chief client officer and senior economic advisor at CBRE Clarion Securities, delivered the presentation. Levy shared insights on the current economic environment, trends shaping capital markets, and implications for equity and debt financing, as well as mergers and acquisitions. The session offered a forward-looking perspective on how REITs can navigate uncertainty and position themselves for growth amid evolving market conditions and policy changes.
Accounting
Senior Financial Officer Luncheon: AI Governance
The SFO lunch program, for corporate members only, featured speaker James Gardner, principal and capital markets technology leader at KPMG LLP. He spoke about how AI is reshaping finance, corporate governance, and risk mitigation.
Accounting Committee
The program for the accounting committee focused on relevant developments out of FASB and the PCAOB. Chris Drula, SVP of financial standards at Nareit, moderated the panel, which also featured: Chris Bolash, partner, financial accounting advisory services at EY; Eric Oesch, director, national quality organization at PwC; Patrick Scheibel, partner at Deloitte LLP; and Chase Schmitt, director at Chatham Financial.
Navigating the Regulatory Horizon: Latest Developments at FASB and the SEC Office of the Chief Accountant
This session looked at critical standard-setting initiatives from the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the latest changes from the Securities and Exchange Commission. Key priorities from the SEC's Office of the Chief Accountant were reviewed, alongside how FASB standard-setting updates directly apply to commercial real estate reporting. Christopher Drula, SVP for financial standards at Nareit, moderated the session, which also featured: Kristin Bauer, partner – national office, accounting and reporting services national director – accounting standards, at Deloitte LLP; and Sheri York, deputy chief accountant, office of the chief accountant, at the SEC.
SEC Regulatory Update
This session provided a timely update on SEC regulatory developments and reporting expectations impacting the real estate industry. Michael McTiernan, partner at Hogan Lovells, moderated the panel, which also featured: Mark Kronforst, EY Americas director of SEC regulatory matters and capital markets leader at EY; Steven Gallagher, EVP and CFO at Brixmor Property Group Inc.; Jessica Norman, EVP, corporate counsel at Tanger Inc.; and Jeffrey Gabor, legal branch chief, office of real estate and construction, division of corporation finance at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The discussion covered comment letter trends, a 2026 reporting outlook, and critical audit matters following PCAOB updates.
Human Resources
Human Resources Luncheon: Activating Purpose—Volunteerism, Leadership, and Performance
The human resources program at this luncheon, for corporate members only, focused on how volunteerism and community partnerships can serve as powerful catalysts for leadership development. Panelists included Amy D’Olimpio, SVP and CHRO at Regency Centers Corporation; Ayris Scales, SVP of social responsibility and global initiatives at Nareit; and Kamy Twiggs-Taylor, director of U.S. SMB Entrepreneurial Program and head of volunteerism for the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Program.
Metrics that Matter: Measuring Workforce and Community Impact
This session explored how organizations are aligning workforce measures—including retention, engagement, and leadership readiness—with community impact and responsible business practices to strengthen resilience, reputation, and investor confidence. The panel featured: Ayris Scales, SVP of social responsibility and global initiatives at Nareit; Scott Ballina, senior director of inclusion & diversity and community impact at AvalonBay Communities, Inc.; Michael Chang, first VP and head of sustainability & resilience at Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.; and Sandra Quince, SVP at BofA and NextUp Board member.
HR Redefined: Process Adoption, Readiness, and the Road Ahead
This session explored how AI is rapidly reshaping HR workflows and how organizations are adopting new tools in ways that strengthen workforce readiness and preserve the human core of HR. Panelists highlighted strategies being implemented today, the barriers and blind spots, and responsible, future-ready adoption. The session also discussed how Nareit can support shared learning, governance, and practical readiness for members navigating this shift. Panelists included: Cedric Bobo, CEO and founder of Project Destined; Ashley Coombs, director, employee experience and talent activation at Camden Property Trust; and Whitnie Goins, manager, HR strategy and partnership at Prologis, Inc.
Future-Ready Talent: Skills, Succession, and Workforce Readiness
This panel explored how REIT organizations are preparing for the future of work through upskilling, succession planning, and multi-generational workforce development. Panelists discussed the most important core competencies in the next three to five years, the shift of career pathways, and strategies to attract, retain, and develop the next generation of industry talent. Panelists included: Ayris Scales, SVP of social responsibility and global initiatives at Nareit; Lisa Dughi, CEO at NAF; Divya Paramesh, head of human resources at Host Hotels & Resorts; and Conrad Woody, managing partner, Washington office, ODGERS.
The New Employee Deal: Retention, Rewards, and Reconnection
This session explored how REITs are redefining the employee experience in response to shifting workforce expectations. Andrea Holyfield, CEO, lead consultant at Untethered, moderated the panel, which also featured: Evan Crafts, director at Ferguson Partners. The conversation focused on evolving compensation and benefits strategies, strengthening engagement across hybrid teams, and rebuilding trust and connection within organizations. Panelists also discussed how companies are using workforce data and analytics to better understand employee needs, anticipate turnover, and align talent strategies with broader business goals in a competitive labor market.
People Strategy as Business Strategy
This session examined how human capital strategy is increasingly central to business performance and long-term value creation. Ayris Scales, SVP of social responsibility and global initiatives at Nareit, moderated the panel, which also featured: Charmaine Brown, president and CEO at Connexions Consulting, Inc.; Laisha Dismuke, VP, administration at RLJ Lodging Trust; and Anna Malhari, COO at Veris Residential, Inc. Panelists discussed how organizations are aligning workforce strategy with financial outcomes, leveraging data and analytics to inform decision-making, and embedding culture, engagement, and accountability into core business operations to strengthen resilience and investor confidence.
Legal
In-House Counsel Luncheon
The in-house counsel luncheon was for corporate member REITs and focused on relevant issues and developments within operations, compliance, and tax. Victoria Rostow, SVP of regulatory affairs and deputy general counsel at Nareit, led the discussion.
REIT Corporate Governance Overview
During this session, legal executives discussed the top trends for corporate governance in the REIT industry. Panelists covered a range of 2026 REIT proxy issues, trends in AI, proptech, and resilience, and best practices for stakeholder communication. Panelists included: John Borneman, managing director of Semler Brossy; Anthony Garcia, head of Americas active stewardship at BlackRock; Michael Herman, general counsel at Regency Centers Corporation; and Larry Medvinsky, partner at Morrison & Foerster LLP.
2026 REIT Deals: M&A, JVs, and Other Strategic Combinations
This session gathered legal, tax, communication, and accounting leaders to provide a look at the cross-functional execution required for successful transactions. Expert insights into complex structuring, financial due diligence, and governance in order to drive long-term value and ensure compliance were shared. Victoria Rostow, SVP, regulatory affairs and deputy general counsel at Nareit, moderated the session, which also featured: Jonathan Keehner, partner at Joele Frank; Sarah Kindzerske, managing director, financial services deal advisory at KPMG LLP; Julian Kleindorfer, partner and global co-chair of the REIT industry group at Latham & Watkins LLP; David Slotkin, partner at Proskauer; and John Worth, EVP, research & investor outreach at Nareit.
General Counsel Legal Issues: Strategic Insight for REIT Leaders
This session brought together leading REIT legal executives to discuss the most pressing legal and governance challenges facing the industry. The panel featured: Brandon Moore, president, COO, and secretary at Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.; Taylor Kessel, SVP, general counsel, and secretary at Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.; Jeannie Lee, EVP, general counsel and secretary at Digital Realty; Robert DelPriore, EVP, CAO, and general counsel at MAA; and Victoria Rostow, SVP, regulatory affairs and deputy general counsel at Nareit. Panelists shared insights on managing risk, navigating evolving regulations, and supporting strategic growth initiatives.
Sustainability
Sustainability Luncheon: Making the Case for Sustainability Solutions
The sustainability lunch program, for corporate members only, focused on gaining buy-in and support for sustainability initiatives by showing their long-term value and aligning them with business strategies. The conversation was moderated by Alanna Fishman, senior managing director of strategic communications for FTI Consulting; and featured Ryan Knudson, VP of energy & sustainability for Phillips Edison & Co; Kimberly Pexton, SVP of sustainability at JBG SMITH; and Madi Jensen, manager of sustainability at Healthpeak Properties, Inc.
Insurance Solutions: Protecting the REIT Balance Sheet and Navigating Emerging Risks
During the panel, which brought together sustainability and insurance professionals, speakers addressed how to adopt a holistic risk management approach to insurance that balances existing and emerging liabilities, including cybersecurity and resilience. The conversation was moderated by Janet Kerr, VP of risk management at BXP; and featured Timothy Crowley, SVP at Alliant, Inc.; Christian Hartman, VP of large commercial/REIT at Arch Insurance Group Inc.; Daniel Kaniewski, founder and CEO of Northstar Risk & Resilience; Stephen Kelly, account executive at Alliant, Inc.; Joe McNamara, SVP of property practice at Marsh Risk; Allison Pan, SVP of emerging risks at Marsh USA Inc.; and Howard Sider, SVP and national practice leader for REITs at Arch Insurance Group Inc.
Energy Supply and Capital Planning: Managing Energy Risk
This session connected utility-side supply forecasts with REIT demand-side planning, and looked at strategies for evaluating, managing, and communicating financial risks associated with rising energy costs and the growing demand for power. The panel reviewed how investments in energy management, efficiency, and energy supply and storage solutions can reduce risk and support long-term value creation. Panelists included: Aaron Binkley, VP, sustainability at Digital Realty; John Forester, VP, energy & sustainability at The RMR Group; Josh Kace, program manager, building energy efficiency & performance, Berkeley National Laboratory; and Steven Rose, principal research economist, energy systems and climate analysis at EPRI.
Regional Impact: Lessons From Building Resilient Portfolios in Southeast Florida
This session explored resilience adaptation activities in Southeast Florida, highlighting how REITs and municipal partners can collaborate to mitigate risk, protect assets, and ensure long-term stability. Panelists looked at how aligning public priorities with private capital can drive legitimate, system-wide resilience, and how municipalities are adopting best practices that shift resilience from reactive repairs to proactive measures. Megan Houston, director, division of built environment risk reduction, Palm Beach County, moderated the panel, which included: Chuck Chaitovitz, VP, environmental affairs & sustainability, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Stan Hannibal, VP, risk & resiliency, Park Hotels & Resorts; and Christopher Roschek, chief resiliency officer, Hollywood, Florida.
Communicating Sustainability: Metrics and Topics Influencing Investment Decisions
This session examined how sustainability factors influence REIT investment decisions, with a focus on translating non-financial metrics into financial outcomes that resonate with investors. Jessica Long, SVP, environmental stewardship & sustainability at Nareit, moderated the panel, which also featured: Juliana Annis, investment stewardship at Cohen & Steers; Brian Singer, managing director, global head of GS SUSTAIN, global investment research at Goldman Sachs; and Paul Stanley, executive director, commercial real estate sustainable finance at Wells Fargo. Panelists discussed the metrics investors prioritize, how sustainability performance impacts valuation and risk, and the growing role of sustainable finance tools in attracting capital.
Sustainability Compliance: REITs Adapting to an Evolving Policy Landscape
This session explored how REITs are navigating a rapidly evolving sustainability regulatory environment. Alexis Denis, director, sustainability regulatory reporting at Prologis, Inc., moderated the panel, which also featured: Emily Ormsby, VP, internal audit & sustainability at Cousins Properties; Betty Huber, partner at Latham & Watkins LLP; Kristi Knudson, director, ESG & sustainability at Grant Thornton LLP; and Hassan Sabir, finance & ESG director at the European Public Real Estate Association. Panelists discussed global and regional disclosure requirements, integration with financial reporting, and the importance of building strong internal processes for data management and assurance readiness.
Tax
Tax Director Luncheon
The tax director lunch session, for corporate members only, focused on the latest tax developments in the REIT industry. The conversation was moderated by Laura Jackson, SVP and tax director at SL Green Realty Corp; and featured Nabil Andrawis, EVP & director of taxation for LXP Industrial Trust; John Mills, VP of tax compliance at Simon Property Group, Inc.; and Maura Wheet, VP of tax at BXP.
What We Really Do and Don’t Do: Cross-Team Roles, Realities, and Misconceptions
This session explored how REIT professionals in different departments can share expertise and collaborate better to build stronger outcomes. The conversation was moderated by Shiukay Hung, partner and co-chair of the national REIT tax practice at DLA Piper USA LLP; and featured Tamara Chernomordik, VP of corporate responsibility at Kimco Realty Corporation; Max Looper, assistant general counsel for transactions and finance at Ventas, Inc.; Scott McLaughlin, SVP of investor relations, sustainability & tax at Invitation Homes; and Garett Rosenblum, CFO & treasurer at Millrose Properties, Inc.
State & Local Tax (SALT) Update
During this session, panelists discussed the latest SALT developments and their implications for REIT operations and investment strategies. The conversation was moderated by Bradley Wilhelmson, managing director of SALT WNT at KPMG LLP; Courtney Clark, multistate tax services partner at Deloitte Tax LLP; Sahil Muliyil, senior manager of SALT at RSM US LLP; Tom Smith, STS and SALT principal at BDO; and Chance Woodard, partner at PwC.
Cross Border Tax for REITs
This session provided a deep-dive into current and impactful cross-border tax developments, ensuring that compliance strategies are up-to-date and future-proof. Pillar Two and U.S. "side-by-side" developments, how post-OBBBA cross-border developments impact compliance, implications of the proposed OBBBA Section 899 tax rules, and the regulatory climate for inbound investment, including recent FIRPTA developments, were also covered. Panelists included: Michael Anthony, managing director at Blackstone Real Estate Advisors; Christopher Mangin Jr., partner at Paul Hastings LLP; Sarah Beth Rizzo, partner – tax, at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates; and Jason Smyczek, principal at Deloitte Tax LLP.
Operational Tax Issues for REITs
This session provided a practical review of best practices for using a taxable REIT subsidiary, such as asset transfers, non-customary services, renting property, and intercompany arrangements. Panelists also addressed potential pitfalls, including prohibited transactions, and explored technologies that enhance REIT testing and compliance accuracy. Panelists included: Julanne Allen, principal at PwC; Carlos Garcell, senior tax manager, REIT and LATAM at Iron Mountain; Sharon Liu, principal at KPMG LLP; Sarah Ralph, principal at EY; and Sarah Wellings, partner at Sullivan & Worcester LLP.
Emerging Tax Issues
This session explored the evolving REIT tax landscape, highlighting new opportunities and compliance considerations for finance and tax leaders. Joseph Bertucci, SVP, global head of tax at Digital Realty, moderated the panel, which also featured: Ana O’Brien, partner at Latham & Watkins LLP; Mark Van Deusen, principal at Deloitte Tax LLP; James Gergurich, principal, tax at KPMG LLP; and Gina Tan, VP, tax at Public Storage. Panelists discussed impermissible tenant services income, tax implications of emerging tenant amenities, the transferability of Inflation Reduction Act tax credits, and considerations for short-term rentals within REIT structures.
Partnership Tax: Advanced Strategies and Qualified Opportunity Zones for REITs
This session provided an in-depth look at advanced partnership tax strategies and qualified opportunity zone considerations for REITs. Adam Cohen, SVP, tax at Safehold Inc., moderated the panel, which also featured: Andrea Whiteway, principal at EY; Ezra Dyckman, partner at Roberts & Holland LLP; Sanford Presant, shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, LLP; and Abe Schlisselfeld, national real estate industry leader at CBIZ Advisors, LLC. The discussion covered structuring operating partnership unit deals, navigating evolving QOZ rules, and managing risks associated with complex partnership arrangements.
Members of Nareit’s Real Estate Sustainability Council and Social Responsibility Council kicked off REITwise on March 23 with a preconference tour and networking reception in Hollywood, Fla.—read more and see photos in the blog post recap.
Nareit Thanks Its REITwise Sponsors
Nareit is appreciative to its sponsors for their commitment to REITwise and the REIT industry, especially the event’s Diamond sponsor Stout; and its Platinum sponsors: EY, Hogan Lovells, Kroll, Skadden, and Venable.
A full list of REITwise 2026 sponsors is available on the conference website.
The full photo gallery from REITwise 2026 is available to attendees on the Nareit Photo Library.
Save the Date: REITwise 2027
Nareit looks forward to welcoming REITwise attendees back in 2027.
Save the date for REITwise 2027 taking place March 23-25 at the Wynn in Las Vegas.
Interviews with speakers and sponsors of REITwise 2026 will be available in April on Nareit’s YouTube channel.