BOMA International Conference - Beyond the Buildings: BOMA Conference Takeaways

I want to extend a sincere thank you to BOMA OEB for providing the scholarship that made attending my first BOMA International conference possible. Over the course of three days, I learned practical tools, was exposed to a big‑picture perspective, and gained a deeper understanding of where commercial real estate is headed. Coming into this conference, my main goal was to attend focused sessions that aligned closely to my daily work, uncovered current technological advances in the field and uplifted my curiosity to grow professionally.  

To set the tone of the conference, the opening keynote reframed my approach to facing challenges, reminding us that "impossible" is often just an idea waiting to be tested. My biggest takeaway was to "commit, then figure it out." - which oftentimes resonates in taking action as a tool to mitigate passivity. The next keynote explored both the challenges and the breakthroughs of artificial intelligence. While leaders are under real pressure to cut costs, blind adoption can lead to burnout and undermine trust. While both can be true simultaneously, my take was that AI should act as a coworker, not a replacement. "Faster, better, and cheaper" only results in true progress if the work remains meaningful.

Beyond the keynotes, I attended several highly informative breakout sessions and tours that broadened my industry knowledge: 

• How to Network, Influence, and Elevate your CRE Career: The core message was simple yet powerful: people first, business second. I walked away with a renewed commitment to interpersonal learning, asking more intentional questions, staying curious, and actively seeking common ground.  
• Navigating the Aftermath of Riot and Protest Damages: This session emphasized the importance of creating a collective "sight picture" among employees. It highlighted the need for an if-this-then-what mentality and, most importantly, meticulous approach to detail.
• HVAC 101: This deep-dive into building systems introduced me to equipment I had never encountered, breaking down the pros and cons of different installations based on building type.
• The Port of Long Beach Tour: This provided an insightful, behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations of the nation's second-busiest container port. A fun fact from the tour: roughly one out of every three items on the shelves at any Target in Kansas City traces back to this very port! 

I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to the vendors who sponsored the various networking events and receptions throughout the conference. These gatherings provided a fantastic, relaxed environment to unwind, connect with fellow attendees, and continue the conversations sparked during the daily sessions. The sponsors' generosity not only made these memorable experiences possible but also created invaluable opportunities to cultivate the industry relationships that are at the heart of the commercial real estate community.

I am incredibly grateful to BOMA OEB for investing in emerging professionals and making this experience possible. I’m walking away with not just technical knowledge, but a vital reminder that our industry is built on human connection. As one speaker perfectly captured from the Ignite session: "We are all just walking each other home." That spirit of mentorship and community made this conference truly unforgettable, and it’s exactly what I hope to bring to my CRE career.