Business Looked Better on the Beach: Highlights from SIOR’s Spring 2024 Event at Amelia Island

The buzz after SIOR's Spring 2024 Event at Amelia Island is unmistakable, and for good reason. With an impressive turnout of 903 attendees from across the globe, it became the second-largest spring gathering in SIOR's history, sparking a contagious enthusiasm that has everyone already eager for the next one.

"The SIOR Spring Global conference brings the best commercial real estate brokers from around the world together — and we all learn from the experience." ~ Iain Finnegan SIOR FRICS FSCSI , SIOR

The conference was an unequivocal success, boasting an impressive lineup of speakers, sold out networking events, and a bustling exhibit hall brimming with sponsors and exhibitors showcasing the latest in CRE. Against the sun-drenched backdrop of Amelia Island’s resort beaches, attendees joined expert panelists discussing latest market trends, including leveraging social media for business, the impact of AI, and striking the balance between experience and adaptability.

On top of record attendance, the event celebrated some significant moments, including the recognition of SIOR’s 2023 Transaction Award recipients and the top office and industrial dealmakers of the year. SIOR’s 2024-2025 Board of Directors were also elected, to be officially inducted into their roles at SIOR’s Fall Event in Los Angeles . Equipped with industry knowledge and unwavering dedication, these upcoming leaders are sure to carry the organization’s momentum forward.?

Demographics, Leadership, and Flawless Execution: SIOR's Spring Event Speakers

SIOR’s Spring 2024 Event boasted a range of extraordinary keynotes. Ken Gronbach set the tone with his insights on demographic forecasting, while Daniel Shapiro empowered attendees with strategies from "The Leader's Toolbox" for effective negotiation and collaboration. Afterburner, Inc., closed off the event with a session on executing missions with precision to achieve business success — the perfect curtain-closer to an event centered around elevating your game and embracing excellence. ?

"I was floored and so impressed by the event. It was so well run. The speakers they bring in, the sessions and events they have, and the venue, it’s truly professional." ~ Ed Adler of Cantera Development Group, LLC (Developer Affiliate of SIOR)

Networking, Hula Dancing… And a Dash of Fire!

Our week in Florida consisted of countless networking opportunities. One of the highlights was the Member Associate / Young Professionals Capture Quest Event, where members embarked on adventurous missions across Omnia Amelia Island Resort on Golf Carts, collaborating together on missions and “capturing” them on their cameras for a grand prize. From lizard-catching escapades, movie reenactments, and cannon-balling into pools fully clothed, participants embraced the spirit of adventure, forging lasting memories they truly won’t forget!

Off-site, from backwater fishing and skeet shooting courses to golf and pickleball tournaments, Amelia Island had it all! Attendees engaged in friendly competition, all while having fun in the sun.

Spring Event attendees also enjoyed a variety of specialized happy hours and late-night soirees, featuring the best beachy cocktails and incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. As always, the Opening Night Panattoni Party was a showstopping event — all gathered around makeshift campfires on the beach for good food, incredible fire performers, and hula-dancing the night away!

"This past week I had the absolute pleasure to attend the SIOR Global Spring Event in Amelia Island as a student scholar through the SIOR FOUNDATION . I was able to network with some of the most successful real estate brokers from around the world at this event, and meet individuals I’ve looked up to for quite some time. Last week was full of invaluable experiences, and I cannot wait to start my career in real estate." ~ Jamie Consolino (Foundation-Sponsored Student Attendee)

CRE Technology, Market Trends, and More: Session Takeaways

The educational sessions at Amelia Island were a tidal wave of knowledge, covering everything from social media and AI to navigating industrial market shifts and distressed office properties. Sessions also included a fast-paced investment property market and a panel focused on learning from the masters of tenant rep success.

Here are some of the key insights from the numerous sessions at SIOR’s Spring 2024 Event:

• “When it comes to social media, ROI is not the ‘Return on Investment’ it’s the ‘Return on Involvement.” – Wills Elliman, SIOR, MCR, CCIM . (Leveraging Social Media for CRE)
• “People still ask me, ‘Bob, why are you still being coached’? And you know why? Because nobody knows everything.” – Bob Knakal , Chairman & CEO, BK Real Estate Advisors, who has closed over $22 billion in investment sales deals. (Leveraging Social Media for CRE)
• "When taking the role of the receiver, make sure to get your listing agreement approved by the court and protect yourself, just like how you'd do in any commercial transaction." (When the Receiver Becomes the Quarterback)
• “Market leasing [in the Atlanta area] is slow, but there is opportunity for people (SIORs) on this market. We have experience, we are doubling down on relationships, and we understand the client and their needs.” – Brad Pope, SIOR, CCIM . (Navigating the New Industrial Landscape: It's Not Just Base Rent Anymore)
• “According to a 2024 study by Deloitte, 72% of real estate owners and investors are committed to investing in AI-assisted solutions in 2024. What this tells me is that it is something that's going to make an impact in this industry at a faster speed than other technologies have.” – Brett Milburn, GISP , Director of Applied Technologies at Langan Engineering. (Real Estate Reimagined - AI's Influence on Design, Building, and Operations)

"From sunrise to sunset, every moment was an opportunity to learn, connect, and grow alongside industry leaders and innovators." ~ ??Sher Tolan, SIOR

Poolside Photos, Sunny Hashtags, and GIFs Galore: A Social Media Takeover

Throughout the event, members flooded social media platforms with everything under the sun: showing off their best business casual beachwear, discussing favorite session takeaways, and capturing beautiful sunsets, painting a vibrant canvas of the Sunshine State. SIOR’s latest wave of social influencers were everywhere, filming their daily conference adventures and ensuring a non-stop good time.?

SIOR's facebook album for the event captures all our favorite moments. And the momentum is still going! Click here to check out the memories shared and what attendees have to say about their experience.

You Don’t Want to Miss Out: See You at SIOR’s Next Events!

While our time at Amelia Island was blast and will truly go down in history as our second-largest spring event, anticipation is already mounting for our next events. SIOR’s International Conference in Berlin is only months away, where industry leaders from across the globe will convene in Berlin, July 17-19, to forge powerful connections that will last a lifetime.

After that, classy cocktail attire and a red carpet are on our minds—registration is now open for SIOR’s Fall 2024 Event, October 15-18, at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles, California! SIOR events continue to raise the bar, and you won't want to miss out on what promises to be another unmissable event—where legends are made!

"I had a great week at the SIOR Spring Event in Amelia Island with over 900 of the most knowledgeable, experienced, ethical, and successful commercial real estate brokerage specialists in the world. We spent lots of time discussing some of the most pressing issues affecting commercial real estate but also made time to have fun in the sun. I’m lucky to be a part of such a phenomenal organization.” ~ Norm Khoury , SIOR

"A week full of learning, networking and relaxing at the SIOR Spring conference in Amelia Island. Always great connecting with colleagues who have become friends. Huge shout-out to the entire SIOR corporate team for a flawless event! Look forward to the fall conference in LA." ~ Tom Kennedy, SIOR