March 2026 | Issue no. 3 NAIOP SoCal news & updates |
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Dear Friends,
When I was growing up, I repeatedly heard the refrain “location, location, location”.
Intuitively, I was pretty sure I knew what it meant: asset value depends on location. Seems straightforward, right?
At a recent NAIOP U, CBRE’s Seth Martindale presented a mini masterclass on what factors determine site selection for a commercial real estate asset – specifically, manufacturing.
Economics drives decisions. What are the key elements: supply chain resiliency, access to labor, labor costs, energy supply, water, and economic incentives? Each of these elements carries a cost, and together, those costs cascade into the final decisions.
But Seth noted, and I agree, policies and politics drive the economics. As I head to Sacramento for the 30th time since I became CEO five years ago, Governors and legislatures have an enormous impact on the economics. And in California and across the U.S., it’s local public agencies that dominate the site selection process.
With more than three decades of engaging in political decision-making in the U.S. and internally, I know that politics doesn’t have to be confrontational. Lead with education. We just need a lot more of it.
As a sector, we can do more and become stronger and more influential. The investment in legislative advocacy will be key in determining economic outcomes and defining the future for our industry. |
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NAIOP SoCal has announced the honorary captains for the 5th Annual OC Real Estate Challenge, taking place April 15. This year’s event will bring together student teams from Chapman University and UC Irvine to compete on a real-world redevelopment site in Anaheim, presenting their vision for the highest and best use.
Read the full announcement to learn more about the captains, the challenge site, and what to expect. |
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NAIOP SoCal has announced the finalists for the 2026 Awards Gala, taking place May 7 at the California Club in Downtown Los Angeles.
This year’s finalists represent the top projects, deals, and professionals shaping commercial real estate across Southern California.
Be part of the process by casting your vote for the People’s Choice categories—Contractor of the Year and Principal/Owner/Developer of the Year—before 5:00 PM on April 17.
Explore the full list of finalists, secure your spot at the event, and make your vote count. |
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First Episode: Gunnar Branson
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NAIOP SoCal is proud to introduce CREative Connections, a new podcast venture designed to bring together the voices shaping the future of commercial real estate. Co-hosted by Tim Jemal, CEO of NAIOP SoCal, Daniel Ceniceros, CEO and Founder of Connect Media, and Sarah Quinn, Executive Vice President and Cofounder of Connect Media, the series offers a fresh platform for meaningful conversations with industry leaders across the commercial real estate landscape. From capital markets to development trends, CREative Connections dives into the ideas, challenges, and opportunities defining the industry today.
In the debut episode, Daniel and Sarah are joined by Gunnar Branson, CEO of AFIRE and author of “Chasing Lights,” live from NAIOP’s I.CON West. Together, they explore global capital flows, the evolving investment landscape, and the broader impact of geopolitics and global conflict on real estate. It is a timely and insightful conversation that sets the tone for what is to come in this series.
Whether you are an industry veteran or building your career in commercial real estate, this is an opportunity to hear directly from leaders influencing the market at a global level.
We invite you to tune in, subscribe, and follow along as CREative Connections continues to highlight the people and perspectives driving commercial real estate forward.
Listen to the first episode on your preferred platform: |
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Know someone who should be featured on the podcast, or interested in sponsorship opportunities? Reach out to NAIOP SoCal at:📞 (714) 550-0309 or 📧 atallian@naiopsocal.org |
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Join NAIOP SoCal and connect with one of the most influential
commercial real estate networks in Southern California.
With over 1,300 industry professionals from 600 leading companies across Los Angeles and Orange County, membership gives you direct access to the people, insights, and opportunities shaping the industry.
As a member, you’ll gain access to valuable education to grow your business, meaningful networking with industry leaders, and a strong legislative voice advocating for the future of commercial real estate. You’ll also be part of premier events, committee involvement, and a community designed to help you build relationships and advance your career.
Take the next step and become part of NAIOP SoCal.
Questions? Contact Becky Ezell at bezell@naiopsocal.org or 714-550-0309.
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Welcome NAIOP SoCal New Members March |
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William Andrew, Kairos Investment Management Company Andrea Arcilla, EPD Solutions, Inc. Sarah Ares, Connect Media Timothy Avery, Keller North America Marc Barbir, Alere Property Group Matt Bearer, Starboard Realty Advisors, LLC Ariana Bountour, Mark IV Capital, Inc. Brendan Brady, JLL Anna Britt, CBRE Capital Markets Amanda Criscione, Link Logistics Real Estate Kelly Diep, Alere Property Group Casey Ehrlich, Fred Leeds Properties Hirad Emadi, Innovative Construction Solutions Nickolas Espinoza, KPRS Construction
Services, Inc. Violet Flocks, Mayer Brown LLP Kevin Gutierrez, Kimley-Horn Chase Hall, BKM Capital Partners Rachel Hickenbottom, Link Logistics Real Estate Edgar Khalatian, Mayer Brown LLP Jordan Kolata, Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. Andy Last, HBI Construction, Inc. Massimo Lesti, VCA Green
Christine Malikowski, Burke Real Estate Group Gary Martinez, Ashwill Associates Kimberly May, Dedeaux Properties Christopher McKenzie, Lee & Associates |
| Aubrie Monahan, Cushman and Wakefield Michele Morales, Westridge Commercial Inc. Madam Lara Okunubi, Ideal Residence Ryan Osterkamp, Voit Real Estate Services Grace Pan, Kimley-Horn Erick Parulan, Avison Young Dominic Petrucci, CT Realty Investors Natalie Pratt, Hines Sarah Quinn, Connect Media Aziza Rishmawi, PGIM Real Estate Hannah Rogers, ISE Structural Engineers Kalani Rusher, Carson Companies Julia Shields, Link Logistics Real Estate Laurie Smith, Marq Logistics Shannon Song, Allen Matkins Carly Souza, Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. Zachary Streit, Priority Capital Advisory James Thomas, Kimley-Horn Scott Tippett, The Irvine Company, LLC Samuel Tobias, Fortress Investment Group, LLC Shae Vomund, JLL Capital Markets Claudia Walraven, James Campbell Company Jack White, New Day Commercial Capital Andy Wiyanto, HPA, Inc. Enzo Zechiel, Link Logistics Real Estate Jack Zelezny, BH Properties Ruosha Zhu, LinkHome Holdings Inc Joe Zurek, Remedy Medical Properties, Inc. |
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NAIOP SoCal is excited to share that while nominations for the Fifth Annual NAIOP SoCal Awards have officially closed, registration is now open!
Join us on Thursday, May 7th, 2026, at our new venue, the iconic California Club in downtown Los Angeles for an unforgettable evening celebrating excellence in Southern California's commercial real estate industry. This highly anticipated event will shine a spotlight on trailblazing leaders, honor their remarkable achievements, and bring together an extraordinary community of NAIOP SoCal members, nominees, and guests.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the celebration! Register today and join us to toast the innovation, dedication, and passion that drive our industry forward.
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Get ready to hit the sand. Y-Games returns on June 18 at Newport Dunes with a World Cup-inspired twist, bringing together teams for a day of competition, connection, and plenty of fun in a high-energy beachside setting. Sign up as a team or register individually and we’ll match you with a team. Not playing? Spectator tickets are available for $50 and include food and two drink tickets, perfect for cheering on your CRE friends.
Team (6–8 players) / Individual Pricing: $100 per player Early Bird (through May 11) $150 per player Regular (May 12 – June 13) $175 per player Last Chance (week of event)
Spots are limited and this event will sell out, so be sure to secure your place early. |
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Join NAIOP SoCal on Monday, June 29, 2026, for the annual OC Golf Tournament, a highly anticipated event that brings together top commercial real estate professionals for a day of networking and friendly competition. Known for its strong attendance and engaging atmosphere, the tournament offers a great opportunity to connect with industry peers while enjoying a classic day on the course. Registration opens soon, so be sure to secure your spot early. |
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Get ready for one of the most anticipated events on the NAIOP SoCal calendar... Night at the Fights! We are now officially opening sponsorships for this knockout evening, giving your company the perfect platform to connect with commercial real estate leaders, showcase your brand, and join the celebration of our community.
Sponsorships provide exclusive visibility, from branded experiences and event recognition to direct engagement with top decision-makers in the industry. Whether you want to make a big impression or support the community, this is your chance to be part of the action. Spots are limited, so don’t wait! |
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Committee Meetings this Week:
Tuesday, April 7th - OC REC Committee
Wednesday, April 8th - Awards Committee Wednesday, April 8th - NAIOP Programs Committee
We want to hear from you!
Make the most of your NAIOP SoCal membership, join a committee and get involved! Here, you can enhance your leadership skills, build unique working relationships with fellow real estate professionals and help shape the agenda of SoCal's leading commercial real estate organization.
Click Here to Request to Join a Committee Today! |
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Looking to Hire? Post Your Opportunity on the NAIOP SoCal Job Board
Reach top CRE talent from interns to seasoned pros through Southern California’s leading industry network. Full-time roles or internships welcome.
Click here to submit a job listing or email your job details to Becky Ezell at bezell@naiopsocal.org
Not a NAIOP SoCal member? No problem! Job postings are available for just $25 per week. |
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Questions on Legislative Affairs? Contact NAIOP SoCal Legislative Affairs Manager Mihran Toumajan, mtoumajan@naiopsocal.org, |
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If you have questions about how to connect with NAIOP SoCal, please contact Becky Ezell, (714) 550-0309 or bezell@naiopsocal.org |
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Follow us on social media for more information on membership, sponsorship, events and more! |
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