You know the saying “everything's bigger in Texas.” Each year, I think SXSW couldn’t possibly grow any bigger--until the next year’s schedule is released.

What I love about the upcoming 2017 SXSW is the number of engaging panels, sessions, and networking events that address innovation in the real estate industry. This year there are more sessions covering the biggest trends transforming CRE: artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and smart cities.

I’m excited about the new discoveries waiting in Texas and bookmarked these events as a must-attend for CRE professionals.

Connected Retail: Clicks and Mortar Meetup

Connected Retail is the networking meetup mixing industry leaders with the next generation of CRE professionals. Join retail tenants, brands, and center owners in discussing how we can improve our customer focus, growing trends for online brands, and creating experiences for customers beyond the physical retail landscape. I will be speaking at this event and look forward to continuing the retail discussion with you!

Date: March 11, 2017

Event information: See link for details.

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Hashtags: #sxsw #sxCRE

Virtual/Augmented Reality in a Real World

Virtual and augmented reality is a trending tech in the real estate world. It’s changing how we create, market, and sell properties. What users may not be considering is the legal ramifications of VR/AR tech. David Fink of Kelley, Drye, & Warren will present on the variety of intellectual property, First Amendment, and liability concerns expected to impact this tech field now and in the future.

Date: Mar 16, 2017

Event information: See link for details.

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Hashtags: #sxsw #sxCRE #VRatSXSW

Get Real: What’s the Point If It Doesn’t Drive ROI

Is technology really driving sales? This panel strives to address the challenges in evolving and driving growth in an ever-changing social media and technology industry. While geared towards fashion and beauty industries, there’s still plenty CRE professionals can learn from marrying tech and revenue.

Date: TBD

Event information: See link for details.

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Hashtags: #sxsw #sxCRE

Responsive Cities > Smart Cities

The smart cities potential is just starting. We’re ready to move beyond sensor networks, IoT, and big data. Jay Cross of Related’s Hudson Yards development--the largest private real estate development in US history--combines with Max Oglesbee of Intersection to explore how the test ground for this ambitious smart community plans to deliver a new responsive city experience.

Date: March 14, 2017

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Hashtags: #sxsw #sxCRE

AI for Good: How Tech’s Next Revolution Will Change Our Lives

Artificial intelligence will transform how consumers live and work in the very near future. Already we’ve seen the software applications in real estate through chatbots and improved metric analysis. Intel Executive VP Diane Bryant shares Intel’s vision for AI and how it deliver tremendous opportunities in all fields.

Date: March 13, 2017

Event information: See link for details.

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Hashtags: #sxsw #sxCRE #AIforgood

Blockchain: This Changes Everything! (Or Does It?)

A panel of leaders from industry giants like Visa and Docusign will discuss how Blockchain technology will play a role in how we negotiate contracts and payments. Consumers will start to hear more about blockchain, its ability to create an Internet of Value, and use in daily life.

Date: March 14, 2017

Event information: See link for details.

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Hashtags: #sxsw #sxCRE

Smart Cities, Better Lives Meetup

Network with the developers and practitioners championing the smart cities movement across the nation. Smart cities are using technology and analytics to improve everything: conservation of key resources, healthcare, transportation and safety, and so much more.

Date: Mar 11, 2017

Event information: See link for details.

Primary access badge required: Platinum, Interactive

Hashtags: #sxsw #sxCRE