2026

EMERGING LEADERS & MARKETS CONFERENCE

Technology in Real Estate

2:15 pm - 3:00 pm

This panel will explore how emerging technologies are transforming the real estate and construction industries. Experts will discuss the growing role of artificial intelligence, smart building systems, and digital tools in improving efficiency, project management, building performance, and long-term asset management. The conversation will also highlight how contractors and developers can leverage these technologies to stay competitive, streamline operations, and adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of the built environment.

Panelists:

Leonard Allen Smith

CEO & Founder

Leonard Allen-Smith is the Founder and CEO of Allen Smith Equities, LLC, a real estate development and advisory firm. With a deep focus on the New York market, Leonard has executed redevelopment projects, including gut renovations, vertical enlargements, and adaptive use conversions. He oversees acquisitions, development, management, and capital formation for the firm. In addition to his development work, Leonard advises real estate firms on integrating artificial intelligence and automation into their operations, helping them enhance efficiency, decision-making, and deal execution through emerging technologies. Leonard’s prior experience includes serving as Managing Partner at East Chop Capital, where he managed real estate funds focused on the short-term vacation rental market. Earlier in his career, Leonard worked at KPMG providing tax compliance services for real estate funds and REITs. Leonard is a Certified Public Accountant and earned both his MBA and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Hampton University. He is also a graduate of the inaugural Master in Real Estate program at Harvard University.

Jay Norris

Tech Founder & Entrepreneur

Jay Norris is a serial tech entrepreneur and visionary founder of Guesst, focused on applying AI to how businesses capture, manage, and convert customer demand. He is also the Founder of ThoughtPartnr and Glocial, where he builds practical AI systems that translate advanced models into tools that drive revenue, improve customer engagement, and increase operational efficiency. Norris works directly with operators across restaurants, retail, real estate, and service businesses—integrating AI into everyday workflows to optimize demand, conversion, and client management. Through Jay Norris & Co., he operates across advisory, venture building, and implementation, bridging strategy with execution. He serves as Co-Founder and Board Member of StartUp Westport, sits on the board of the New York Urban League, and is Chairman of the Technology and Innovation Council at the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. His focus is simple: making AI practical and revenue-generating at the operator level. His broader mission is to train one million SMBs by 2028 in applied AI.

Moderated By:

Jerrod Delaine

Chief Executive Officer of The Delaine Companies

Jerrod Delaine is the Chief Executive Officer of The Delaine Companies. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Architecture from Florida A & M University School of Architecture and Environmental Technology, as well as a Master of Science degree from New York University Schack Institute of Real Estate. He serves as an adjunct professor at both NYU, his alma mater, and Pratt, where he educates Graduate and Undergraduate students on development, public-private partnerships, urban economics, and portfolio management. With over a decade of experience in real estate development, Jerrod has honed a comprehensive skill set encompassing Design, Construction, Finance, Affordable Housing, and Asset Management. During the initial five years of his career at Forum Architecture and Interior Design, Jerrod primarily focused on project managing affordable housing projects in the southeast region of the United States. Following eight years as the Director of Development at Carthage Real Estate Advisors, Jerrod established himself as a thought leader in urban housing policy by founding The Delaine Companies. This value-based company is dedicated to leveraging access to capital markets to enhance communities through real estate finance and development.