The Hospitality Real Estate Symposium, hosted by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration, brings together industry leaders, visionaries, innovators, and students gather to explore the future of hospitality and commercial real estate. This forward-focused conference will delve into the trends, strategies, and technologies shaping the next era of investments, development, and redevelopment.
Network with industry experts and passionate students, gain new perspectives, and be at the forefront of this dynamic industry.
For more information, contact Kaushik Vardharajan, Associate Professor of the Practice and Director of Real Estate Programs.
Real Estate Symposium Agenda 2026
Agenda
Date: Tuesday, April 21 and Wednesday, April 22 Where: 17th Floor, Duan Family Center for Computing & Data Sciences at Boston University, 665 Comm Ave., Boston MA 02215
The Hospitality Real Estate Competition invites participation from teams at hospitality schools across the world. This competition challenges teams of both undergraduate and graduate students to act as real estate developers and create a masterplan for a specific development that is innovative, financially viable, embraces elements of sustainability, and incorporates the needs of the community. Finalists will present during the 2026 Hospitality Real Estate Symposium.
BU SHA is grateful for the generous support from our sponsors who make this event possible. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact Kaushik Vardharajan, Associate Professor of the Practice and Director of Real Estate Programs.
For those interested in furthering their knowledge, explore our one-year Master of Science in Hospitality Real Estate program and discover how you can contribute to shaping the future of this vibrant industry.
8:00 am – 9:00 am: Registration
9:00 am – 9:10 am: Opening Remarks by Dean Arun Upneja and Kaushik Vardharajan, Associate Professor of the Practice and Director, Real Estate Program 9:10 am – 9:55 am: Seamless, Not Soulless — Driving Experience Innovation in Hospitality panel moderated by Bashar Wali, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Practice Hospitality
Sarah Eustis, Founder and CEO, Main Street Hospitality Group
10:40 am – 11:10 am: Networking Break 11:10 am – 12:10 pm: Real Estate Competition – Undergraduate Case Presentations by finalists 12:10 pm – 1:15 pm: Lunch 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm: Real Estate Competition – Graduate Case Presentations by finalists 2:15 pm – 2:45 pm: Leadership Lessons from the Front Lines with Nic Sanchez, former Navy SEAL 2:50 pm – 3:30 pm: Show Me The Money – Capital & Dealmaking moderated by Jonathan Jaeger, Senior Managing Director, LW Hospitality Advisors
Diem Larsen, Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance and Analytics, Park Hotels & Resorts Inc.
Jim Luchars, Senior Advisor, Stonebridge Companies
Caroline Mahl Patel, Managing Director, Head of Portfolio Management & Underwriting – Specialty Real Estate Finance, Wells Fargo
Mark Owens, Vice Chair & Leader of Hospitality Practice Group, Colliers International
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Networking Break 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm: What Lies Ahead for the Hospitality Industry panel moderated by Kristie Dickinson, Managing Director/EVP, CHMWarnick
John Basting, SVP of Investments & Asset Management, Cain International
