Breakout Sessions
EDUCATION SESSION 1 10:15 – 11:15 AM
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BREAKOUT 1: Expert Witness in Real Estate
Description: An essential overview of what to expect and how to prepare for expert witness testimony. Expert witnesses in real estate are a critical component of litigation, as they provide specific expertise in matters of value.
Presenter: Sandy Adomatis, Appraisal Institute
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BREAKOUT 2: Defend Your Data
Description: Discussing cyber threats that can arise from outdated systems, unsecured devices, and vendor access that can disrupt operations and expose sensitive data. Through real-world case studies, understand actionable steps you can implement immediately to protect your properties, tenants, and investments.
Presenter: Kyle Swanda and Jake Molko - CREprotect
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BREAKOUT 3: CRE + AI Next Level
Description: Real world applications and examples of AI technologies transformative impact on CRE professionals, from business development to data-driven leasing plans to streamlining property tours.
Presenter: Tim Rios, Lipsey Co.
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BREAKOUT 4: Iowa Banking Outlook
Description: An update on the Iowa Banking industry. Banking issues and trends and the impact on banks and the communities they serve. The roles of a Bank Regulator and of State Chartered Banks in the vibrancy of the State’s economy.
Presenter: James Johnson, Iowa Division of Banking
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EDUCATION SESSION 2 1:30 – 2:30 PM
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BREAKOUT 1: Income Tax Insights
Description: Tax Law changes every CRE professional should know about the One Big Beautiful Bill. How the bill reshapes the tax landscape for CRE. Highlighting potential savings, key risks, and strategic opportunities.
Presenter: Liz Krause, MHCS
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BREAKOUT 2: Behind the Assessment
Description: An overview of how Iowa Assessment law directs Assessors in determining Assessed value and applicable methodologies. The differences in scope of work between mass appraisal and individual property appraisal.
Presenter: Bryon Tack, MAI, CAE, Polk County Assessor’s Office
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BREAKOUT 3: Inflation Playbook
Description: How inflation has impacted the relationship between Landlords and Tenants and what it means for each. How inflation acts as a variable to Landlord’s values and Tenant’s occupancy costs, and should be factored into transactions and the leases of commercial real estate.
Presenter: Mike Wear, 39 Acres
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BREAKOUT 4: Middlebrook Agrihood Unpacked
Description: A summary of a master-planned community utilizing unique place-making and traditional neighborhood design to create a small town reminiscent of rural towns in Iowa, but with the benefit of proximity to metro services and employment opportunity.
Presenter: Tim Portzen, Diligent Development
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EDUCATION SESSION 3 2:45 – 3:45 PM
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BREAKOUT 1: CRE Law Today
Description: Discuss recently passed and proposed laws and the practical and potential impacts the same may have on real estate transactions. Provide practical guidance for navigating the impacts of enacted or proposed laws.
Presenter: Karen Karr, Mathew McKinney, and R.G. Schwarm - Brown Winick Law Firm
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BREAKOUT 2: Weather Claim Readiness
Description: Informational discussion for property managers and owners to identify hail and wind damage. Covering some Iowa-specific information while providing education on some basic prevention ideas.
Presenter: Kenny Bauer and Brian Conway - Marsh McLennan
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BREAKOUT 3: The Bank is Full
Description: The fundamentals of bank portfolio management and capital limitations of Banks and dive into what it really means when a bank is “Full” on CRE. Covering Capital and Risk Management with limited capital available.
Presenter: Mike Wear, 39 Acres
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BREAKOUT 4: Big Property, Bold Moves
Description: Explore the strategic repositioning of large commercial properties; focusing on transforming underutilized or outdated spaces into vibrant, multi-use environments. Case studies and trends include design insights, selective demolition, creative tenant mixes, adaptive reuse, and aligning design with community needs and market demands.
Presenter: Mark Seabold, Shive-Hattery