Innovation is the catalyst that propels societies forward. In this session, developers and investors will learn why they should pay close attention to the transformative potential of labs in shaping the future of innovation ecosystems. This session will explore the power of labs to attract cutting-edge startups, nurture talent, and create thriving ecosystems that support rapid iteration and commercialization of ideas. In addition, you will discover how labs are bridging the gap between entrepreneurs, researchers, and corporations, allowing for the seamless integration of diverse perspectives and expertise. Gain insights into successful lab models and strategies that have effectively transformed traditional real estate developments into vibrant innovation districts. As the global landscape becomes increasingly competitive, the ability to embrace and foster innovation within communities is a game-changer.

As cities around the world struggle under the weight of distressed office buildings, it's imperative to distinguish the assets that will survive the tumultuous years ahead from the struggling properties that will be forced to restructure, convert, or be demolished outright. As office vacancy rates continue to rise, and with over $1.6 trillion of commercial real estate loans coming due by the end of 2026, many will default. In this session, a panel of experts with skin in the game look at distressed offices holistically to analyze the future of struggling or stranded assets and the alternative solutions designed to alleviate rising office vacancy rates. Topics include the looming threat of rising office vacancy rates; determining an office's potential for redevelopment, conversion, or demolition; assessing a property's viability for office-to-residential conversion; and the future of the office building and office conversions. The panel will include a leading architect in office-to-residential conversions, a CEO of a public office real estate investment trust, a high-profile investor, and a real estate leader who has navigated a successful office conversion.

Understanding the value of an asset's building systems is critical for financiers and developers in managing project risks and setting expectations for conversion projects. With an increase in 'quick' assessment tools that qualify buildings at a high level (floor plates, amenities, aesthetics, etc.), owners don't really get the full picture unless they analyze the building systems that could comprise a significant percentage of the cost of the project. The panel will highlight experts in structural and MEP engineering to discuss unforeseen conditions hidden within existing building systems that limit the opportunity for conversion, or far worse – becoming money pits. Panelist will discuss the advantages of using building information models to help develop potential costs of building maintenance and future retrofits as well as carbon tracking. The team of experts will share past project information and how initial assessments of building systems would have aided in the success of recent conversions projects.