MEREDA annual forecast conference looks different, but focus is the same

A man in a suit stands in front of a background that says MEREDA

FILE / MEREDA Forceast screen image MEREDA past president Josh Fifield, shown at the 2017 conference, was chosen to receive this year’s Robert B. Patterson Jr. Founder’s Award for his "extraordinary commitment and dedication to MEREDA over the years."

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By Maureen Milliken

The 2021 Annual MEREDA Forecast Conference & Member Showcase took on a different look this year, but with the same focus on its goals its had for the past 17 years, organizers said.

The conference, which usually attracts more than 1,000 real estate and development professionals from across Maine, took to the internet Thursday, and while no final registration numbers were immediately available, with a week to go, 500 had registered.

MEREDA Board President Josh Fifield acknowledged that no one would have to "trudge through the snow" to the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland to get to the conference. "This year is different," he said. "No trudging and, unfortunately, no being together in the room."

He added that the organization's goal as an advocate for the industry hasn't changed. "There are many important conversations we need to have about the future of Maine's economy," he said. Many of those conversations would begin at the conference.

Shelly Clark, vice president of operations, said, "We're grateful for how engaged and supportive our members are."

The online presence added some elements that highlighted businesses. Instead of the daylong expo, where attendees could wander tables and talk to representatives of businesses and organizations, 20 members presenting short video profiles of their company, and were briefly interviewed by the day's emcees, Craig Young, of Boulos Co., and Shannon Richards, of Hay Runner.

Fifield also urged those attending to have the conversations through social media that they normally would have through the conference, using #mereda2021.

To help make the virtual format work, traditional exclusive sponsor TD Bank waived its sole sponsorship, allowing other sponsors to step in too, Fifield said.

The keynote was by Hannah Pingree, director of the state Office of Policy Innovation and the Future and the economic overview was given by James Marple, managing director, senior economist, TD Bank Group.

Presentations and sector forecasts covered:

Southern Maine Industrial Forecast, Justin Lamontagne & Sam LeGeyt, NAI The Dunham Group;
Bangor-Area Market Forecast, Bev Uhlenhake, Epstein Commercial Real Estate;
Overview of MEREDA's Legislative Agenda, Andrea C. Maker and Elizabeth Frazier, Pierce Atwood;
Southern Maine Residential Forecast, Multi-Family: Brit Vitalius, Vitalius Real Estate Group, Single-Family: Dava Davin, Portside Real Estate Group;
Central & Coastal Maine Market Forecast, Frank Carr, Maine Realty Advisors;
Midcoast Maine Market Forecast, Dave Holman, RE Max Riverside Commercial;
Maine's Vacation / Hospitality Forecast, Sean Riley, Maine Course Hospitality Group;
Southern Maine Retail Forecast, Peter Harrington, Malone Commercial Brokers;
Southern Maine Office Forecast, Nate Stevens, The Boulos Company.

For full coverage, check out Friday's Mainebiz Daily Report.