The world of commercial real estate is changing at an unprecedented rate. Fundamental transformations in the ways that the workforce utilizes space, the emergence of new technologies, and a heightened awareness of how climate change is affecting the built environment are having a significant impact on the real estate decision-making process.

Real estate professionals need to stay current on emerging trends, research and regulatory changes in order to make informed decisions. As a result, professional development is becoming increasingly important for attracting and retaining employees.

In response to industry demand, NAIOP Massachusetts, The Commercial Real Estate Development Assoc., recently created NAIOP Massachusetts University (NMU), which provides in-depth onsite and online courses, NAIOP @ Noon workshops, conferences and a Leadership Institute. The programs have been well received and allow participants to build knowledge, while also furthering their careers.

David Begelfer

In addition to its previously offered online courses, NAIOP has expanded its offerings to include onsite courses taught by local experts and/or university professors. Courses are eight hours, split into two half-day sessions. Recent courses included a module on commercial leasing taught by industry veterans Kerry Hawkins of CBRE and Andrew Gallinaro of National Development; and Real Estate Development Fundamentals, taught by Ed Chazen, senior lecturer at the Boston College Carroll School of Management and guest speaker Bryan Koop, executive vice president at Boston Properties. The onsite courses have been well received and frequently sell out. In 2018, NAIOP plans to further expand the program by partnering with local colleges and universities to offer courses in construction management, building anatomy and permitting.

For those who may have less time to commit, NAIOP @ Noon workshops provide participants with a one-time, in-depth workshop on a specific topic affecting commercial real estate. Past workshops have included “Coworking Concepts,” “The Budding Industry of Marijuana” and “Building Technologies.”

Two times per year, NMU also delivers hot topic conferences that provide attendees with a comprehensive deep dive into specific areas of the industry. Past conference topics have included “Climate Change and the Future of the Built Environment,” and “Transportation Trailblazers: Hot Technologies Paving the Way for Innovation.”

A new addition to NMU is the NAIOP Leadership Institute. This six-month program beginning Jan. 10 helps commercial real estate  professionals develop the practical knowledge and leadership skills necessary to advance their careers. The course combines educational and experiential training, along with unique opportunities to network with industry and business leaders, in order to improve individual, team and organizational effectiveness.

In 2018, NAIOP looks forward to building NMU and continuing to provide new, cutting-edge educational opportunities for commercial real estate professionals.

David Begelfer is CEO of NAIOP Massachusetts, The Commercial Real Estate Development Association.