2025 UMKC Real Estate Symposium Recap

By Eric Owens, Director at Swartz and Associates

I had the pleasure of attending the 2025 UMKC Real Estate Symposium in early February, and it was a fantastic opportunity to see leaders in our real estate community speak and reconnect with colleagues. UMKC has consistently done an exceptional job with this event.

A Memorable Keynote Address

The highlight of the symposium was undoubtedly the interview with Esther George, the retired President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of macroeconomic trends were evident as she provided invaluable insights into the forces shaping our industry.

Innovative Approaches to Retail

Bart Lowen, Vice President of Development for Price Brothers, along with Greg Musil, attorney with Rouse Frets White Goss Gentile Rhodes, P.C., entertained the audience with their presentation on the Bluhawk project. This pioneering mixed-use development model seamlessly integrates youth sports, tourism, and shopping, offering a new blueprint for retail spaces. It was fascinating to learn how Bluhawk is transforming Overland Park and setting a precedent for similar developments across the U.S.

Understanding Real Estate Cycles

Glenn Mueller, Professor of Real Estate & Construction Management at the University of Denver, shared his Real Estate Cycle Forecast, analyzing occupancy trends across various property types and metropolitan areas. His comprehensive analysis provided a crucial tool for real estate professionals to make informed decisions in today’s dynamic market.

The Impact of Disruptive Forces

Throughout the symposium, the theme of resilience and agility resonated strongly. We delved into how demographic shifts, AI advancements, climate variation, geopolitics, and regulatory changes are reshaping our industry. The panel discussions and presentations highlighted the importance of staying ahead of these trends and being proactive in our strategies.

Financial Sustainability and Community Design

Urban3 from Asheville offered a compelling discussion on financial sustainability in community design and planning. Their visual analysis of fiscal challenges faced by communities was eye-opening, providing actionable solutions for achieving long-term sustainability.

Legal and Accounting Updates

Stephanie Martin from CBIZ and Patrick O’Bryan from Polsinelli provided updates on the latest changes in accounting, tax, and legal regulations. These updates are important for anyone involved in commercial real estate, ensuring we stay informed and compliant with the evolving legal landscape.

Emerging Trends in Data Centers and Energy

A panel of experts from JE Dunn (Chris Teddy), CBRE (Joe Orscheln), LIR Advisors (Eanna Murphy) discussed the burgeoning field of data centers and the implications for energy usage, availability, and costs in the communities where these projects are located. Their insights into the fastest-growing CRE asset class were both informative and thought-provoking.

The 2025 UMKC Real Estate Symposium was an invaluable experience, offering a wealth of knowledge and the opportunity to connect with peers. The emphasis on resilience and agility amidst disruptive forces is a crucial takeaway, reminding us of the need to remain adaptable and forward-thinking in our strategies.