Mr. Marc Lhermitte

This timely and highly relevant session will explore the future of downtowns and central business districts (CBDs) through a global lens—drawing on insights from North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. As many cities reimagine the role and purpose of their downtowns, this conversation will spotlight international strategies and best practices for revitalization and long-term competitiveness.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games and FIFA World Cup are big events with even bigger impacts. While the official program only lasts a few weeks, careful planning takes years—and the events' effects last even longer. A host city's earliest decisions on how to approach partnerships, investment, and infrastructure will have significant, lasting impacts on the surrounding built environment far beyond the final broadcast. This session will examine how the planning and execution of major sporting events shape their host cities—and how those cities can shape the character of those events in turn. Looking back, what is the legacy of the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris today, nearly 18 months after the Closing Ceremony? Looking ahead, what choices are the 2026 World Cup host committees making, nearly six months out? This panel will celebrate successes, review lessons learned, and hear from organizers and experts with direct experience about how host cities prepare to welcome the world while balancing the needs of local residents. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how large-scale, limited-duration events impact cities and what they mean for real estate outcomes more broadly, including critical topics such as urban regeneration, long-term investment, and legacy benefits.