Connection. It’s a powerful word because it’s an incredibly influential part of our lives. We crave it in our personal interactions and depend on it in business. It comes in many forms, but the end-result is often the same – a special bond driven from understanding, trust, and camaraderie.

At the start of the pandemic, I, like so many others, contemplated how the lack of connection would impact our industry. What quickly became apparent is that challenges lead to adaptation, which in turn drives both creativity and opportunity. In that theme, it was incredible to witness the coming together of businesses, peers, and even complete strangers, to adjust, collaborate, and persevere in making our communities and industry flourish.

I have seen first-hand the persistent strength of commercial real estate professionals around the globe throughout this time of lockdowns, civil unrest, virtual meetings, social distancing, and so much uncertainty. When isolation could have reigned, we came together with community outreach and support.

In the context of the real estate business, nowhere was this more evident for me than across SIOR’s global network of leading brokers. Throughout the world and while working from home, they shared high-level market knowledge and best practices, completed complex transactions, and found ways to elevate each other and the broader CRE industry.

That’s just what happens when SIORs come together. Some of the strongest relationships I have made over my career happened during industry events where I was able to meet new people, expand my knowledge, network, and generate new business.

Looking ahead, I couldn’t be more excited to see our amazing organization get ready to celebrate its 80th anniversary in person during our CREate 360 conference in Nashville this October.

While virtual networking is here to stay and certainly has its advantages, there is nothing more powerful than in-person connections - from the eye contact, body language and mannerisms picked up during these interactions, to the ease of focus and the value of having one’s individual attention. I, for one, can’t wait to get back to making connections.

Looking forward to seeing you all soon!