Chapter Leaders Connect, Learn and Advocate at Annual Retreat

Nearly 300 chapter leaders joined NAIOP for a “Leadership Quest” as they gathered for the annual Chapter Leadership & Legislative Retreat in Washington, D.C., last week. The three-day event allowed chapter volunteers and staff to define leadership skills, gain new ideas for their chapters, and expand their professional networks with industry and association leaders from across North America.

The event kicked off on Tuesday, February 10, with a “State of the Association” session featuring Thomas Bisacquino, NAIOP president and CEO, and Aquiles Suarez, NAIOP vice president for government affairs. Bisacquino touched on what’s happening at NAIOP today, industry buzz, and where the association is headed with new programs and communications. Attendees participated in a live-poll on topics ranging from the next hot product type to what’s keeping them up at night.

Throughout the day on Tuesday, attendees participated in workshops on developing membership privileges, creating insightful education programs, building healthy chapters, extending the NAIOP brand, best practices to engage Developing Leaders and advocacy issues, among others.

The luncheon keynote was Stu Rothenberg, one of the nation’s most popular political analysts. He covered President Obama’s last two years in office, shared what to expect as Republicans control congress, and discussed who might toss their hat in the ring for the 2016 election.

Later that evening, NAIOP honored chapters and three individuals for outstanding accomplishments in chapter growth, sponsorship, events and education at the 2015 Chapter Merit Awards Gala dinner.