Real estate, trade conferences look to the future
The future is the theme for two major conferences happening in Greater Portland this week. On Wednesday, the Maine Real Estate & Development Association hosts its spring conference, and will examine what's in store for the real estate market over the next 20 years. On Friday, the Maine International Trade Center hosts its annual Trade Day, dedicated this year to studying emerging markets over the next decade.
MEREDA's conference on May 18, entitled "Commercial real estate 2030: Mega trends, mega impacts," features Dr. Susan Wachter, a professor of financial management and real estate and finance at the University of Pennsylvania. Wachter is a futurist who will discuss national population and urbanization trends and their impact on Maine's commercial real estate and development markets over the next 20 years, according to a press release from MEREDA.
A panel discussion moderated by former Gov. Angus King will examine the trends shaping Maine's economy and how they will affect the real estate industry. Featured on the panel are Laurie Lachance, president and CEO of Maine Development Foundation; Gunnar Hubbard, principal and founder of green design firm Fore Solutions; Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner David Bernhardt; and King and Wachter. In addition, an exhibition portion of the day will feature more than a dozen businesses and organizations.
The conference takes place from noon-6 p.m. at the University of Southern Maine's Abromson Center and is open to the public. Mainebiz is a sponsor of the conference.
More than 250 professionals are expected to attend MITC's trade day, entitled "The world in 2020: Emerging markets for growth," on May 20. It includes a State of Trade address and a presentation from Rich Brooks, founder and president of flyte new media in Portland, as well as a session on trade with China. A panel discussion will focus on successes and challenges in emerging markets such as India, Asia, Africa and the Middle East and include representatives from: Fairchild Semiconductor in South Portland, Idexx Laboratories in Westbrook, Stonewall Kitchen in York and SPX Communication Technology in Raymond.
Allan Sloan, senior editor-at-large for Fortune magazine, will be the keynote speaker. Participants will also be able to have one-on-one meetings with representatives from foreign consulates and international trade offices. A luncheon will honor the 2011 International Trade and Investment Award winners.
The conference takes place at the Marriott at Sable Oaks in South Portland from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
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