The Strength of Partnerships
2026
About the Conference
The Emerging Leaders and Markets (ELM) Conference is the New York Real Estate Chamber’s signature event, bringing together leaders from Government, Business, Community Development, and Finance to enlighten attendees with regard to current opportunities and innovations in a series of topical panels. The New York Real Estate Chamber (NYREC) expects ELM to attract 200 commercial and housing real estate professionals, along with political and community leaders from throughout the Tri-State Area. ELM will feature some of the real estate’s most successful and innovative deal makers and leaders of minority-owned firms and just as important leading public policymakers, to drive the discourse, develop ideas, and relationships around sustainable development in urban communities. The ELM Conference is a uniquely powerful opportunity to connect with dynamic developers, government officials, financiers, and other real estate professionals engaged in remaking the urban landscape.
Join us at Deal Tank, an exciting opportunity for ELM attendees to showcase their projects to a panel of NYREC-associated investors. This is your chance to gain invaluable insights and potentially secure funding. Don't miss out on the opportunity to elevate your project to the next level! Sign up today and take the first step toward making your vision a reality. The Deal Tank is a live project showcase featuring three vetted developments presented to a panel of experienced investors and lenders. Developers and contractors will present real opportunities, respond to questions, and explore funding options including equity partnerships and structured debt
Panelists & Speakers
National Development Trends: A Fireside Chat with Leading Urban Mayors
Moderated by: New York State Representative, Brian Cunningham
This fireside chat will bring together mayors from major cities across the country for a candid conversation on the future of urban development. Panelists will discuss the disparities their cities face, opportunities to advance equity, and the ongoing challenges around access to capital for communities and businesses. The discussion will also highlight current housing needs, major infrastructure investments, and how local governments are working to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development in today’s evolving economic landscape.
Mayor of Orange City
Dwayne Warren*
Mayor of Birmingham
Randall Woodfin*
Mayor of Newark
Ras Baraka*
*Invitation Extended
Sponsoring the ELM Conference offers a unique opportunity to align your organization with the powerful theme of “Strength of Partnerships” while positioning your brand at the center of meaningful industry dialogue. Convening leading developers, capital providers, policymakers, and community stakeholders at Columbia University, the conference creates a high-impact environment for visibility, relationship-building, and deal flow. Sponsors gain direct access to decision-makers shaping equitable growth across urban markets, while demonstrating a tangible commitment to inclusive development, minority advancement, and innovative financing solutions. Beyond brand exposure, sponsorship signals leadership—placing your organization alongside those driving real projects, measurable impact, and sustainable progress.
2026 ELM Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Past ELM Sponsors
9:00am -11:00am
Welcome Remarks
Special Greetings
Morning Address
NYREC Deal Tank
12:00pm -2:00pm
Lunch
Keynote Address
Lifetime Achievement Award
Special Guest Speaker
National Development Trends: A Fireside chat with Leading Urban Mayors
3:15pm -4:00pm
Afternoon Panels:
Joint Ventures –The Path to Prosperity
Hospitality Development
11:15am -12:00pm
Morning Panels:
Accessing Mission Aligned Financial Institutions
Hudson Square Properties: Procurement and Sustainability Philosophy
2:15pm -3:00pm
Afternoon Panels:
Navigating Equity in NYC Today
Opportunities in Gaming Construction
4:30pm -6:00pm
Cocktail Reception
Hudson Square Properties: Procurement and Sustainability Philosophy
