BU School of Hospitality Presents Inaugural Hospitality Real Estate Symposium: The Future of Urban Real Estate
Boston, MA (October 16, 2023) — Boston University School of Hospitality Administration is proud to announce the upcoming 2023 Hospitality Real Estate Symposium on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 4:00pm-5:30pm, followed by a reception at 5:30pm-7:00pm, at the Computing & Data Sciences Building at Boston University.
The 2023 Hospitality Real Estate Symposium is an invitation to all who share a passion for the future of our cities to explore the transformative power of real estate. As we navigate the dynamic challenges presented by the post-pandemic era and evolving urban landscapes, we recognize that real estate’s impact extends far beyond the boundaries of architecture and development. Placemaking encompasses the very essence of human experience, influencing how we live, work, interact, and thrive within our urban environments.
The Hospitality Real Estate Symposium features Boston’s leading real estate experts, business leaders, and entrepreneurs, representing minority-owned businesses, who have pushed for stronger diversity, equity, and inclusion in real estate development industry-wide. This discussion will provide attendees with a comprehensive view of the multifaceted aspects of urban real estate. It’s an opportunity to gain insights, share ideas, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about building more inclusive and sustainable cities.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, November 8, 2023
- Time: 4:00pm-5:30pm, followed by a reception at 5:30pm-7:00pm
- Location: Computing & Data Sciences Building at Boston University
665 Commonwealth Avenue, 17th Floor,
Boston, MA 02215
Free to attend. Advance registration is required – Real Estate Symposium Registration Information
“Our commitment at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration is to empower our students to become visionary leaders who understand that real estate is not just about buildings; it’s about crafting hospitable environments where people can find purpose, opportunity, and belonging,” said Arun Upneja, Ph.D., Dean of Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration.
John Borders IV, Director of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment at the City of Boston, who will moderate the panel discussion, shared his perspective, saying, “This discussion will explore the core of real estate development within our city. Nubian Square, alongside other crucial neighborhoods, encapsulates the intricate tapestry of Boston’s history, culture, and potential. This conversation provides an opportunity not only to examine the challenges and successes of our urban landscape but also to emphasize the significance of cooperative leadership, sustainable development, and community involvement. By drawing insights from the experiences shared by our esteemed panelists, our goal is to motivate the next generation of leaders to pursue careers in real estate that prioritize the welfare and inclusiveness of our communities. Together, we can contribute to shaping a more dynamic and equitable Boston for everyone.”
Panelists include:
- Hilina Ajakaiye, Executive Vice President, MeetBoston
- Nia Grace, Experience Architect and business owner of Grace by Nia and Darryl’s Corner Bar and Kitchen
- Nicole Obi, President & CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts
- Darryl Settles, President & Managing Partner, Catalyst Ventures Development
Panel Topics:
The panel discussion on the Future of Urban Real Estate promises a thought-provoking exploration of what equitable, diverse, culturally rich, and economically impactful development truly looks like. It serves as a platform to illuminate Nubian Square Ascends, a testament to visionary urban development that not only revitalizes a Boston neighborhood but also serves as a beacon for residents, visitors, and the flourishing of local minority-owned businesses.
Throughout this engaging panel, we will delve into the key dimensions of Nubian Square’s transformation including:
- Raising Capital: Understanding the intricacies of funding, investment, and financial models that drive urban revitalization.
- Empowering Minority-Owned Businesses: Exploring strategies to provide opportunities, support, and resources for local minority-owned enterprises, fostering economic empowerment within communities.
- Affordable Housing in Cities: Addressing the pressing need for accessible and affordable housing, particularly in urban areas where the demand is high.
- Adapting to Changing Work Patterns: Analyzing the impact of remote work on city centers, including the repurposing and reimagining of urban spaces for evolving work dynamics.
- Environmentally Sustainable Buildings: Highlighting the critical role of sustainability in real estate, both in terms of environmental responsibility and the economic benefits it brings.
- Creating Culturally Vibrant Entertainment Experiences: Emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation and the development of spaces that celebrate the unique character and identity of local communities.
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About Boston University School of Hospitality Administration: Established in 1981 and celebrating over 40 years of Innovating the Business of Hospitality, Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration (SHA) offers students a combination of rigorous academics, liberal arts curriculum, and international experiences for the pursuit of success in lodging, restaurants, food service, and other avenues of the hospitality industry. SHA has a unique relationship with the city of Boston, where the area’s hotels and restaurants provide students with numerous opportunities for internships to satisfy work experience requirements for their degrees. For more information about the powerful SHA undergraduate program, visit Boston University School of Hospitality Administration Undergraduate Program | School of Hospitality Administration and to learn more about the internationally recognized graduate programs (MMH and MS), visit Graduate Programs | School of Hospitality Administration.
The Hospitality Real Estate Symposium is presented by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration at the Computing & Data Sciences (CDS) Building at Boston University, highlighting Boston’s largest fossil fuel-free building to date. With its iconic design and LEED Platinum certification, CDS is shortlisted for “World Building of the Year” for this year’s World Architecture Festival Awards.
Photographs, interviews, and other press materials are available upon request.