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
How to Submit Your Project
Ready to put your deal in front of the people who can help bring it to life? Submit your project details HERE to be considered for the Deal Tank Showcase. This is your opportunity to spotlight your vision and connect with the industry leaders who are actively looking for impactful projects to support.
Review Process
Once submitted, your proposal will be carefully reviewed by members of the NYREC Board. Selected projects will be invited to present live on the Deal Tank stage. If chosen, the Board will provide guidance on the additional materials needed and a clear presentation framework to help you refine your message, structure your talking points, and deliver a compelling pitch with confidence.
The Goal of the Deal Tank Showcase
Deal Tank is designed to accelerate opportunity. Selected presenters will have the rare chance to showcase their project directly to 5–6 leading capital investors and lenders at once. Beyond the exposure, participants may be invited to move forward into due diligence discussions with one of the judges, opening the door to real partnerships and financing opportunities. The showcase eliminates the need for countless individual outreach meetings by placing your project in front of key decision-makers —while also giving you visibility among potential partners, lenders, and contractors who can help move your project forward.
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.
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
3:15pm -4:00pm
Afternoon Panels:
Joint Ventures –Choosing the Right Partner
Regional Development
11:15am -12:00pm
Morning Panels:
Finance Agencies
Trinity Church –Hudson Properties
2:15pm -3:00pm
Afternoon Panels:
Navigating Equity in NYC Today
Technology in Real Estate –PropTech, AI, etc.
4:30pm -6:00pm
Cocktail Reception
