2026 BOMA International Conference: Key Takeaways for Commercial Real Estate Professionals
BOMA Fort Lauderdale/Palm Beaches Well Represented at BOMA International 2026
More than a conference, the 2026 BOMA International Conference & Expo in Long Beach, California, was a look at the future of commercial real estate. Throughout four days of education, networking, and collaboration, industry leaders explored the trends transforming our profession—from artificial intelligence and workplace evolution to leadership, operational excellence, and the future of the built environment.
BOMA Fort Lauderdale/Palm Beaches was proud to be represented by Vice President Tricia Schmidt, CPM, of Concierge Property Solutions, LLC; Director Cary Fronstin, RPA, LEED GA, BOMA Fellow, of Foundry Commercial; and Member Engagement Advisor Jackie Awve, of Awve Marketing. Together, they represented our local association while participating in educational sessions, networking opportunities, and industry discussions throughout the conference.
We were also excited to see Emerging Professional Elias Porras in attendance as he continues to grow into one of our industry's future leaders.
It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces from South Florida represented throughout the week. Members attended educational sessions, participated in networking events, showcased their companies on the Expo floor, and celebrated with colleagues during the International TOBY Awards Gala.
The Expo Hall featured hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest products, technologies, and services supporting commercial real estate. From building automation and sustainability solutions to tenant experience and facility operations, attendees explored innovations designed to help properties perform more efficiently and effectively.
The Future of Commercial Real Estate
One of the conference's most impactful presentations was the annual State of the Commercial Real Estate Industry Address delivered by BOMA International President and Chief Operating Officer Mary Lue Peck. Her presentation examined the trends reshaping office, industrial, and commercial real estate while reinforcing that operational excellence, resilient buildings, and exceptional property management continue to differentiate top-performing assets.
Attendees also received updates on BOMA International's advocacy efforts, including permitting reform, Energy Star funding, transfer tax proposals, terrorism risk insurance, and other legislative priorities that continue to impact commercial real estate nationwide.
The message was clear: while market conditions continue to evolve, well-operated buildings remain well-positioned for long-term success.
AI Is Changing the Industry—Not Replacing It
Artificial intelligence emerged as one of the conference's defining themes, woven throughout keynote presentations, educational sessions, and technology demonstrations. From educational sessions to keynote presentations, speakers explored how AI is transforming the way commercial real estate professionals work, communicate, analyze data, and make decisions. Rather than focusing on technology alone, discussions emphasized how AI can strengthen the work of property professionals by freeing them to focus on leadership, strategic thinking, tenant relationships, and the creation of exceptional building experiences.
Speakers emphasized that successful AI adoption begins with people, not technology. Organizations were encouraged to intentionally design workplaces where AI supports human expertise, strengthens decision-making, and creates more meaningful work—not simply greater efficiency.
Several speakers also explored the next evolution of commercial real estate—from today's smart buildings to tomorrow's autonomous buildings, where artificial intelligence, connected systems, and predictive technologies work together to optimize operations while allowing property professionals to focus on higher-value work.
The message throughout the conference was clear: the future isn't about choosing between people and technology—it's about leveraging both to create smarter buildings and better experiences.
Inspiring Leadership for a Changing Industry
Beyond market trends and technology, the conference delivered several memorable keynote presentations focused on leadership, innovation, and human connection.
Mick Ebeling, founder of Not Impossible Labs, inspired attendees to challenge assumptions and embrace a mindset that anything is possible through collaboration and innovation.
Dr. Kelly Monahan encouraged attendees to lead with humanity in the age of artificial intelligence, reminding us that while technology continues to transform the workplace, trust, empathy, and meaningful relationships remain at the heart of exceptional leadership. She challenged organizations to rethink leadership from the ground up, reminding attendees that as AI reshapes work, trust, accountability, and human connection will become even more important than technology itself.
The Women in Commercial Real Estate Breakfast featured keynote speaker Shasta Nelson, who explored the importance of building authentic relationships and demonstrated how stronger human connections contribute to happier, healthier, and more successful leaders.
Attendees returned home not only more informed, but genuinely inspired. The powerful messages delivered by Mick Ebeling and Dr. Kelly Monahan left a lasting impression, reminding us that while technology will continue to shape the future of our industry, it is people, relationships, and purpose that will define its success.
Celebrating Excellence
The conference concluded with the One BOMA Recognition Lunch and the International TOBY Awards Gala, which recognized the very best in commercial real estate. Several members of BOMA Fort Lauderdale/Palm Beaches attended the celebration, including International TOBY finalists John Jolley and Andrea Restrepo. Their participation reflects the outstanding work being done by property teams throughout our region and the commitment to operational excellence that defines our local association.
Looking Ahead
The momentum throughout the conference was unmistakable. Attendees returned home with practical ideas, actionable strategies, valuable new connections, and renewed inspiration to lead their organizations into the future. One of the conference's most anticipated resources is BOMA International's upcoming market research and impact reports. Members are encouraged to sign up to receive these valuable industry insights as they become available through BOMA International's 2026 Market Study page.
The conference also reinforced the important role BOMA International plays in advocating for the commercial real estate industry, providing members with updates on key legislative and regulatory issues that continue to shape our profession.
Over the coming months, BOMA Fort Lauderdale/Palm Beaches will continue to share many of the insights, trends, and resources introduced at the conference through educational programs, member communications, and networking events—ensuring our members benefit from the ideas shaping commercial real estate nationwide.
Thank you to everyone who represented BOMA Fort Lauderdale/Palm Beaches in Long Beach. We look forward to bringing many of the ideas and insights from this year's conference back to our members through future education programs and events.
Next year's BOMA International Conference & Expo heads to Nashville, Tennessee, June 26–29, 2027.
If you've never attended, we encourage you to add it to your professional development plans. Beyond the outstanding education and networking opportunities, you'll gain access to industry-leading research, practical resources, and ideas you can put to work immediately—returning to your property better informed, better connected, and inspired for what's next.