Boulder Valley Real Estate Conference
Agenda
2025 Agenda
The full run of show from November 20, 2025, at the Limelight Hotel. The 2026 agenda has not been announced; the 2025 program is shown for reference.
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8:25 a.m.
Welcome
Chris Wood, editor and publisher, BizWest
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8:35 – 9:15 a.m.
Residential Forecast
After years of a red-hot housing market, the Boulder Valley is seeing a cooling in sales activity and appreciation. What do the latest numbers tell us about the residential market in the region? We’ll examine sales numbers, listings, average and median prices and much more.
Jay Kalinski, managing broker, RE/MAX of Boulder
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9:15 – 10 a.m.
Commercial Outlook
Commercial real estate faces differing challenges depending on the market segment, with office experiencing the most-significant difficulties. What is the outlook for office, retail, industrial, flex and investment properties? Our expert panel will provide thoughtful analysis of where the market has been, where it is today and where it’s heading.
Moderator: Geoffrey Keys, president, Keys Commercial. Panelists: Erik Abrahamson, senior vice president, CBRE; Karla Brown, senior broker/principal, The Colorado Group; Beau Gamble, president, Dean Callan & Co.
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10:15 – 11 a.m.
Office at a Crossroads
Concurrent session
Boulder’s office market faces significant headwinds, with persistently high vacancy rates, leases and loans nearing renewal, and shifting tenant demands. This panel will examine the challenges while highlighting opportunities, including how emerging industries such as aerospace, quantum technology, and artificial intelligence could play a pivotal role in driving future occupancy and growth.
Moderator: Cameron Grant, partner, Lyons Gaddis. Panelists: Jennifer Chavez, director of leasing, Boulder, BioMed Realty; John Tayer, president & CEO, Boulder Chamber; Stephen Tebo, owner, Tebo Properties.
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10:15 – 11 a.m.
Insuring the Future: Risk & Warrantability in Real Estate
Concurrent session
Explore the complex insurance and warrantability challenges impacting the Boulder Valley’s real estate sector. Industry experts will address rising costs, coverage limitations, lender requirements, and the implications for buyers, developers, and investors. Gain insights into strategies for navigating evolving risks while maintaining market confidence and project viability.
Moderator: Duane Duggan, Realtor emeritus, RE/MAX of Boulder. Panelists: Michael Conway, Colorado insurance commissioner; Mitch Friedman, branch manager, senior loan manager, CMG Home Loans; Brent Friesth, owner, Bolder Insurance; Gina Lesch, Realtor, RE/MAX of Boulder.
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11 – 11:45 a.m.
Vacancies to Vibrancy: Retail & Restaurant Drivers
Concurrent session
Join industry leaders as they explore Boulder’s evolving retail and restaurant landscape — highlighting national and local brands entering the market, strategies for filling persistent vacancies, and the role of redevelopment. Panelists will also examine how major events such as the Sundance Film Festival may reshape opportunities for downtown vibrancy, tourism, and long-term economic growth.
Moderator: Ashley Legan, director of marketing, Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti LLP. Panelists: Becky Gamble, CEO, Dean Callan & Co.; Dana Faulk Query, co-owner, Big Red F Restaurant Group; Bettina Swigger, CEO, Downtown Boulder Partnership.
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11 – 11:45 a.m.
Advancing Middle-Income Housing
Concurrent session
Building on the Boulder Valley Middle-Income Housing Summit, this session will present key recommendations and actionable strategies to address housing affordability. Panelists will discuss policy tools, financing mechanisms, and development opportunities aimed at expanding attainable housing options, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and shaping solutions for Boulder Valley’s middle-income workforce.
Moderator: Lisa Wade, broker associate, RE/MAX of Boulder. Panelists: David Ensign, retired; Marc Painter, partner, Holland & Hart; Jonathan Singer, senior director of policy programs, Boulder Chamber.
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11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Lunch & Networking
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12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Luncheon Keynote: The National Outlook
What does the future hold for housing starts, home sales, prices and mortgage rates in 2025 and beyond? Dr. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, will outline the latest data and provide his predictions for the nation’s housing market, including how the NAR lawsuit has influenced sales.
Dr. Lawrence Yun, chief economist, National Association of Realtors
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1:45 – 3 p.m.
Breaking Ground
Communities throughout the Boulder Valley continue to see new commercial and residential construction, with some projects in the planning stage and others already emerging from the ground. Our panel of development directors will provide a complete rundown of the region’s top projects. This panel is a huge hit year after year!
Panelists: Laura Moody, redevelopment and revitalization director, City of Longmont; Brad Mueller, director of planning & development services, City of Boulder; Isabella Nunez, senior project manager, City of Lafayette; Jack Hill, economic-development manager, Town of Erie; Ellen Robertson, economic development director, Town of Superior; Jeffrey Schreier, business development manager, City and County of Broomfield; Vanessa Zarate, economic-vitality manager, City of Louisville.
Attendees in 2025 could earn 7 CE credits through BOLO Realtors® (separate purchase required). CE credits for 2026: coming soon.
One day of forecasts, panels and connections. Reserve your seat for November 19, 2026.
Register Now! $90.85
