DESCRIPTION: Municipal Incentives 101: Discover innovative municipal incentive strategies to secure financing for your commercial real estate projects in today’s evolving market. This session will explore financing options tailored to local opportunities in Omaha, Nebraska. Review creative capital structures and partnership models, and learn which tools are available while navigating lender requirements, optimizing loan terms, and unlocking funding for growth. Ideal for investors and developers seeking flexible, strategic financial solutions.

• PANELISTS: Jennifer Taylor, Deputy City Attorney, City of Omaha 
• PANELISTS: Dan Smith, Partner, Smith Pauley Law

DESCRIPTION: Engage with industry experts breaking down the recent disruptions and cost surges in the insurance market. This session will explore what’s driving premium increases, changes in coverage, and how property owners and developers can navigate the evolving landscape. Learn strategies to mitigate risk, negotiate better terms, and ensure your assets remain protected in uncertain times.

• MODERATOR: Laura Laurenzi, Senior Vice President & Chief Brokering Officer, Turner Surety and Insurance Brokerage, Inc.
• PANELISTS: Chip Tredway, Insurance and Risk Management Solutions, Gallagher

DESCRIPTION: Summit University Roundtables are two dynamic 20-minute interactive discussions with industry leaders that provide a unique opportunity to learn from experts. Choose two subjects that matter most to you and maximize your takeaways in a fast-paced, collaborative roundtable format.

ROUNDTABLE 1: Mentor Connect: Building Relationships for Commercial Real Estate Success 

• DESCRIPTION: Connect with experienced professionals and industry leaders in this roundtable discussion that provides valuable guidance, networking opportunities, and practical advice to help you navigate challenges, refine your strategies, and accelerate your growth in the commercial real estate sector.
• PANELISTS: Ashley Kuhn, President, Blair Freeman; Jay Lerner, President, The Lerner Company; John Lund, Founder & Chairman, Lund Company

ROUNDTABLE 2: Condominium Development: Recent Condominium Law Changes That Benefits Developers

• DESCRIPTION: Nebraska recently amended the condominium law which introduced significant protections and advantages for developers. This session will highlight these changes, creating new opportunities for condominium developers. This roundtable will also discuss the lost art of how to develop new condominiums.
• PANELISTS: Bob Daily, Attorney, McGrath North; Matt Weller, Vice President, Development, Hubbell Realty

ROUNDTABLE 3: Costar: The power of data and analytics 

• DESCRIPTION: CoStar has provided industry-leading commercial real estate information, analytics and news platform that delivers insights to commercial real estate professionals and other industries – helping them make informed decisions more quickly. 
• PANELISTS: Bryan Van Horn, Regional Director of Sales, CoStar Group and Jake Denker, Account Executive, CoStar Group

ROUNDTABLE 4: The Art of the Pitch 

• DESCRIPTION: A dynamic roundtable discussing the strategies behind crafting compelling sales narratives and closing high-stakes deals. Gain insights on mastering persuasion, building client trust, and turning opportunities into successes in commercial real estate.
• PANELISTS: Mandi Backhaus, Associate Broker, The Lerner Company; Trenton Magid, Executive Vice President, NAI NP Dodge
   

DESCRIPTION: Designed for those new to commercial real estate, this session covers today’s most critical topics, including market trends, financing basics, investment strategies, and regulatory changes. Gain foundational knowledge and practical tips to kick-start your success in the industry.

• MODERATOR: Johnathan Patterson, Sales Associate, DP Management
• PANELISTS:
  • Lindsay Banks, Development Project Manager, Lockwood Development
  • Gabby Estivo, Broker, Oak Investment Real Estate 

DESCRIPTION: Navigating real estate property tax appeals requires a deep understanding of valuation methodologies and compliance regulations. This session will break down key concepts, including PRC cards, the nuances of loaded vs. unloaded capitalization rates, and evolving valuation trends in multifamily properties under 77-1333. Experts will also clarify personal property calculations (FF&E) and explore whether the Rushmore approach has become the standard following JDHQ Hotels LLC v. Sarpy County Board of Equalization.

• MODERATOR: Brian Morrissey, Attorney, Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, LLP
• PANELISTS: 
  • Jennifer Crystal-Clark, Deputy County Attorney at Lancaster County, Nebraska
  • Shaun James, Attorney, Smith Pauley LLP
  • Mark Jenkins, Commercial Real Estate Specialist, Douglas County Assessor

DESCRIPTION: Potential legislation could include land grants and sales tax rebates for rehabilitated properties, project and neighborhoods; the creation of tax credits to convert vacant commercial properties into affordable housing; tax incentives for nonprofits and other tax-exempt entities to rehabilitate rental properties, and any other ideas a roomful of real estate professionals can generate.

• MODERATOR: Jon Blumenthal, Attorney, McGrath North
• PANELISTS: 
  • Spencer Goldenberg, Broker, Oak Investment Real Estate

Description: Gain valuable perspectives from leading lenders in this session which covers current lending trends, underwriting criteria, and tips for securing favorable loan terms. Learn how to position your projects for success and build stronger relationships with financial institutions.

• MODERATOR: Bradley Hammitt, Head of Commercial Mortgage Loans and Real Estate Investment, Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company
• PANELISTS:  
  • Josh Larsen, Vice President Debt/Equity, CBRE
  • Brett Michael, Senior Vice President - Commercial Lending, First Westroads Bank
  • Tim Ulbrick, Senior Regional Director Mortgage Lending, Mutual of Omaha