Chapter Leadership and Legislative Retreat | NAIOP | Commercial Real Estate Development Association

MOTIVATE. CELEBRATE. EMPOWER.

About CL&LR

Date: Monday, February 03, 2025 - Wednesday, February 05, 2025

Where: Capital Hilton, Washington, D.C.

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CREDA members from across the U.S. and Canada are invited to attend CL&LR to enhance their leadership skills, strengthen their chapters, and prepare for the future of CREDA. Learn about CREDA’s legislative priorities for 2025 and engage with policymakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for policies that support the growth and sustainability of commercial real estate.

Online registration is now closed. If you would still like to register for the conference, please visit the CREDA registration desk on site at the Capital Hilton hotel.

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Agenda

*Schedule is subject to change

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4 p.m.

Chapter Executives Networking Event

4 p.m. - 6 p.m. ET

Open to all Chapter Executives and chapter staff.

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8 a.m.

Registration/Government Affairs Desk Open

8 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET

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9 a.m.

Chapter Executives Meeting

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. ET

Lunch with NAIOP Senior Staff starting at noon.

For Chapter Executives and staff.

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10 a.m.

Consulting Sessions with NAIOP Corporate Departments

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET

Chapter leaders can meet one-on-one with NAIOP’s senior staff experts to answer your most pressing questions related to education and programming, marketing and communications; sponsorships; state and local legislative affairs, and more. By appointment only on a first-come, first-served basis.

Book a consulting session is closed.

Education/Programming Consulting
Megan Rooney, NAIOP Vice President for Education

Government Affairs Consulting
Toby Burke, NAIOP Associate Vice President of State and Local Affairs

Marketing & Communications Consulting
Kathryn Hamilton, NAIOP Vice President for Marketing and Communications

Sponsorship/Business Development Consulting
Chris Ware, NAIOP Vice President for Business Development and Strategic Initiatives

For Chapter Executives and staff.

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1 p.m.

Executive Committee Meeting

1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET

For members of the NAIOP Executive Committee only.

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1:15 p.m.

Listen & Learn: NAIOP Corporate's Areas of Support for Your Chapter

1:15 p.m. - 2 p.m. ET

Learn about the many ways that NAIOP Corporate can support your chapter in this engaging session.

Moderator:
Dave Edwards, MBA, IOM, CAE, Vice President for Membership and Chapter Relations, NAIOP Corporate

Speakers:
Bennett Gray, Vice President for National Forums and NAIOP Research Foundation, NAIOP Corporate
Kathryn Hamilton, CAE, Vice President for Marketing and Communications, NAIOP Corporate
Jennifer LeFurgy, Ph.D., Vice President of Knowledge and Research and Executive Director, NAIOP Research Foundation, NAIOP Corporate
Megan Rooney, CMP, Vice President for Education, NAIOP Corporate
Hediyeh Sadeghein, CPA, Vice President for Finance, NAIOP Corporate
Aquiles Suarez, Senior Vice President for Government Affairs, NAIOP Corporate
Chris Ware, Vice President for Business Development and Strategic Initiatives, NAIOP Corporate

For Chapter Presidents, Chapter Presidents-elect and volunteer leaders.

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2 p.m.

President/President-elect and Chapter Board Idea Exchange

2 p.m. - 3 p.m. ET

Take this opportunity to connect with leaders who are in similar chapter roles or have similar leadership issues to discuss burning topics, share chapter challenges, and explore new ideas and best practices. Come away with suggestions and tips for new and enhanced initiatives!

Moderator:
Dave Edwards, MBA, IOM, CAE, Vice President for Membership and Chapter Relations, NAIOP Corporate

For Chapter Presidents, Chapter Presidents-elect and volunteer leaders.

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3 p.m.

State and Local Government Affairs Update and Best Practice Sharing

3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET

Discuss legislative priorities and the public policy challenges faced at state and local levels, the political realities in local communities regarding development, and hear advocacy strategies and responses to public policy issues.

For Chapter Presidents, Chapter Presidents-elect and volunteer leaders.

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4 p.m.

How to Get the Most Out of Your CL&LR Experience

4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET

For Chapter Presidents, Chapter Presidents-elect and volunteer leaders.

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4:45 p.m.

Chapter President Reception with Alex Thomson

4:45 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. ET

By invitation only.

For Chapter Presidents and Chapter Presidents-elect.

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5:30 p.m.

Welcome Reception

5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. ET

Mix and mingle with other NAIOP members and chapter leaders during the welcome reception. This is an ideal chance to meet new colleagues and reconnect with old friends.

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6:30 p.m.

Canadian Chapters Dinner

6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. ET

For Canadian chapter members only.

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7 p.m.

Chapter Night Out

7 p.m. - 9 p.m. ET

Open evening to have dinner with your chapter.

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7 a.m.

Registration/Government Affairs Desk Open

7 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. ET

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8 a.m.

State of NAIOP and Government Affairs Update

8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. ET

Breakfast buffet will be served.

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9:45 a.m.

Ideas for Growing your Sponsorship Revenue

9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. ET

Learn new strategies for increasing your chapter’s sponsorship revenue. NAIOP Corporate’s Vice President for Business Development and Strategic Initiatives Christopher Ware and a panel of chapter leaders will highlight innovative sponsorship programs that have been successful on the chapter level. Gain insight that can support your chapter’s non-dues revenue growth.

Moderator:
Chris Ware, Vice President for Business Development and Strategic Initiatives, NAIOP Corporate

Speakers:
Jennifer Sanford, NAIOP Oklahoma
Melissa Warren, NAIOP Gulf Coast

For Chapter Presidents, Chapter Presidents-elect and volunteer leaders.

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9:45 a.m.

Amplifying Your Impact: Sharing the Value of Volunteering

9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. ET

Whether you are a current chapter leader, in the pipeline to leadership or part of the staff team supporting volunteers, this session offers take-aways. We’ll start by exploring the value of volunteering (the WIIFM) and then how to collectively amplify the impact of volunteering and inspire others to join our community. We’ll explore strategies for articulating the tangible benefits as well as share examples of effective communication. By working together, we can create a more engaged and vibrant volunteer community that drives the success of our organizations.

Speaker:
Peggy Hoffman, FASAE, CAE, Mariner Management & Marketing LLC

For Chapter Presidents, Chapter Presidents-elect and volunteer leaders.

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9:45 a.m.

Canadian Session: Discussion on Federal Issues Impacting CRE

9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. ET

This session will focus on the legislative and political outlook in Ottawa and the national priorities established by the Canadian Task Force. These priorities include office conversion, capital investment and infrastructure funding.

Speaker:
Paul Brown, Principal, Government Relations, Campbell Strategies

For Canadian members.

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10:45 a.m.

Refreshment Break

10:45 a.m. - 11 a.m. ET

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11 a.m.

The Art of Contract Negotiations

11 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET

The art of contract negotiation is the process of using strategic bargaining to create a mutually agreeable contract. This session will provide techniques for negotiating hotel/event contracts and will address legal issues to consider, so that your organization is not only protected but negotiates the best financially feasible contract. The session will also provide a checklist of clauses to include in your hotel/event contract.

Speaker:
Samuel J. Erkonen, Howe & Hutton, Ltd.

For Chapter Executives and staff.

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11 a.m.

Building a Sustainable Volunteer Pipeline

11 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET

In today's evolving landscape, traditional approaches to volunteer recruitment and engagement are no longer sufficient. This session will explore how to build a sustainable volunteer pipeline by understanding the changing motivations of volunteers and adapting our recruitment strategies accordingly. We'll discuss the importance of shifting our focus from filling committee roles to creating a culture of engagement that encourages members to actively participate in the chapter's work through collaboration, contribution, and co-creation.

Speaker:
Peggy Hoffman, FASAE, CAE, Mariner Management & Marketing LLC

For Chapter Executives, Chapter Presidents, Chapter Presidents-elect and volunteer leaders.

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11 a.m.

Prepare for your Capitol Hill Visits: NAIOP's 2025 Top Legislative Issues

11 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET

NAIOP’s federal affairs team will be at the forefront for the commercial real estate industry in 2025 with major tax reform being a top issue for debate in Congress. This session will familiarize NAIOP members with our top legislative and public policy priorities, including tax reform, adaptive reuse incentives, and regulatory reform, and prepare them for their visits with their elected representatives on Capitol Hill.

Speaker:
Eric Schmutz, Senior Director for Federal Government Affairs, NAIOP Corporate

For all U.S. members.

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12 p.m.

Chapter Merit Awards Lunch Celebration

12 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. ET

Join us as we highlight the tremendous achievements of NAIOP chapters during this celebratory event! All attendees are entered in a chance to win prizes, from gift cards to a limo ride out on the town in D.C.! Winners will be drawn throughout the lunch. Must be present to win.

Congratulations to all nominees and winners!

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1:15 p.m.

Refreshment Break

1:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. ET

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1:30 p.m.

NAIOP Corporate Board of Directors Meeting

1:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. ET

For Corporate Board members.

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1:30 p.m.

Creating Best-in-Class Leadership Culture

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET

Creating an effective partnership between the executive director/CEO and volunteer leadership is critical for the success of the organization. Together, participants will explore the skills, capabilities and best practices that create the trust, rigor and culture required to lead effectively.

Speaker:
Gregory Fine, FASAE, CAE, Tecker International

For Chapter Executives, Chapter Presidents, Chapter Presidents-elect and volunteer leaders.

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1:30 p.m.

Creating a Member Experience At The Chapter Level

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET

In today's digital age, member engagement has evolved. Learn about emerging trends and strategies to keep your chapter relevant and exciting. Understand when members still value in-person connections and explore practical tips for creating meaningful experiences. From planning engaging events to leveraging technology, this session will explore how to build a thriving chapter community.

Speaker:
Peggy Hoffman, FASAE, CAE, Mariner Management & Marketing LLC

For Chapter Executives, Chapter Presidents, Chapter Presidents-elect and volunteer leaders.

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1:30 p.m.

Key Legislative Initiatives Impacting Warehouse Development

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET

The session will focus on flawed legislation adopted in California, known as AB 98, and the Circulate NJ campaign to change the narrative regarding warehouse development in New Jersey.

Moderator:
Toby Burke, Associate Vice President of State and Local Affairs, NAIOP

Panelists:
Matthew Hargrove, President and CEO, California Business Properties Association
Dan Kennedy, CEO, NAIOP New Jersey Chapter

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2:30 p.m.

Refreshment Break

2:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. ET

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2:45 p.m.

Ideas for Retaining and Empowering Developing Leaders

2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. ET

Attracting, developing and retaining young talent is essential to the success of NAIOP, its chapters and the commercial real estate industry. This session will provide insight and best practices from a NAIOP chapter and a group of Developing Leaders on key components to successful engagement of younger members. Learn techniques that can support your chapter in growing, developing and retaining your younger members.

Moderator:
Cassie Catania-Hsu, NAIOP Southern Nevada

Panelists:
Charlie Filisko, NAIOP Northern Ohio
Ben Harris, NAIOP Northern Nevada
Alison Trejo, NAIOP San Francisco

For Chapter Executives, Chapter Presidents, Chapter Presidents-elect and volunteer leaders.

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2:45 p.m.

Steps to Ensuring Your Board is Strategic

2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. ET

Explore and learn how to keep the board focused on what matters. From strategic agendas, knowledge-based decision making, and the use of “mega issues,” any board can turn the intent to be strategic into action and reality.

Speaker:
Gregory Fine, FASAE, CAE, Tecker International

For Chapter Executives and staff.

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3 p.m.

State Organizational Meetings

3 p.m. - 4 p.m. ET

NAIOP of Pennsylvania
NAIOP of Ohio
NAIOP of Florida
NAIOP of North Carolina
NAIOP of Texas
NAIOP of California
NAIOP of Nevada

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4 p.m.

Political Keynote: Political and Policy Trends in the New Administration

4 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. ET

Scott Jennings
CNN contributor, conservative columnist and former U.S. presidential advisor

Scott Jennings is a prominent conservative political commentator on CNN, known for his sharp insights and thought-provoking analysis. As the network's senior conservative commentator, Scott brings a unique perspective, blending humor and candor grounded in his rural American roots, to deliver compelling arguments and lively discussions on the news of the day.

Scott’s career spans decades at the intersection of politics, media, and academia. A trusted advisor on four presidential campaigns, he served as special assistant to President George W. Bush and played pivotal roles in high-profile Senate and congressional races. His expertise in political strategy has made him a respected analyst on CNN and a prolific writer featured in publications like the LA Times and Gannett.

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5:30 p.m.

Off-site Networking Reception at Wild Days

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. ET

Enjoy drinks and light refreshments at Wild Days, a lively bar and restaurant a short walk from the conference hotel.

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6:30 p.m.

Chapter Night Out

6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. ET

Open evening to have dinner with your chapter.

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7:45 a.m.

Registration/Government Affairs Desk Open

7:45 a.m. - 9 a.m. ET

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7:45 a.m.

Breakfast Buffet

7:45 a.m. - 9 a.m. ET

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9 a.m.

Depart for Capitol Hill Visits

9 a.m. - 11 a.m. ET

Depart from the lobby. Taxis are available from the hotel's main entrance. Leave luggage at the Hilton bell stand in the main lobby.

We encourage every chapter to take advantage of the opportunity to meet with your respective representatives and senators to voice NAIOP’s legislative concerns on issues important to the industry and establish relationships with new members of congress.

NAIOP will provide materials and education on the issues most pressing to our association and industry during CL&LR – but first you need to schedule your appointments.

Learn more visiting Capitol Hill

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9 a.m.

Capitol Hill Club

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. ET

Light refreshments available.

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Keynote Speaker

Scott Jennings
CNN contributor, conservative columnist and former U.S. presidential advisor

Scott Jennings is a prominent conservative political commentator on CNN, known for his sharp insights and thought-provoking analysis. As the network's senior conservative commentator, Scott brings a unique perspective, blending humor and candor grounded in his rural American roots, to deliver compelling arguments and lively discussions on the news of the day.

Scott’s career spans decades at the intersection of politics, media, and academia. A trusted advisor on four presidential campaigns, he served as special assistant to President George W. Bush and played pivotal roles in high-profile Senate and congressional races. His expertise in political strategy has made him a respected analyst on CNN and a prolific writer featured in publications like the LA Times and Gannett.

Scott Jennings

Online registration is now closed. If you would still like to register for the conference, please visit the NAIOP registration desk on site at the Capital Hilton hotel.

2025 CL&LR Reimbursement Policy

Attendees who have been pre-approved by their chapter board will be reimbursed for hotel and travel (per the noted travel policy). All chapters can have up to five (5) approved attendees receive reimbursement. Reimbursement forms will be sent to the chapter executives upon completion of the conference for distribution to their approved attendees.
All approved attendees are responsible for a $500 USD reimbursement deductible. Session/event attendance does not impact deductible amount.
Airline tickets must be coach fare and nonrefundable with a 21-day advance purchase. Tickets purchased within a 21-day window will be reimbursed at the average 21-day fare for that route. Attendees should utilize alternative local airports (IAD, DCA or BWI) if by doing so the airfare savings is $300 or more. If a flight is greater than 1,000 miles, an attendee should use connections if the savings from doing so is $300 or greater. NAIOP will not reimburse for travel insurance, seat or class upgrades, airfare “add-ons,” airport parking fees or transportation to/from airports. NAIOP will reimburse for one checked bag per attendee.
Attendees driving to the conference will be reimbursed mileage at the published IRS reimbursement rate and all related tolls. Reimbursement will not be given for parking expenses.
Chapter Executives are approved for three hotel nights at the contracted conference hotel room rate (including taxes). Other chapter leaders/participants are approved for two nights at the contracted conference hotel room rate (including taxes).

Hotel and Travel

Conference Hotel

Conference hotel is Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C.

Transportation and Parking

The Capital Hilton has easy access to three major airports.

Weather in Washington, D.C.

February temperatures in Washington, D.C., range from an average high of 47 degrees to a low of 30 degrees

Capitol Hill Day

We encourage every chapter to take advantage of the opportunity to meet with your respective representatives and senators to voice NAIOP’s legislative concerns on issues important to the industry and establish relationships with new members of Congress.

NAIOP will provide materials and education on the issues most pressing to our association and industry during CL&LR – but first you need to schedule your appointments.

Capital Hill Visits

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