Taj Guyana
Ignite Opportunity.
One day where students, young professionals, and Central New York’s industry leaders build the relationships that build careers — through real conversation, practical learning, and genuine connection.
Be Part of It
Friday, November 13, 2026 · The Oncenter, Syracuse. Bring your curiosity, your questions, and your willingness to connect.
With thanks to our sponsors & partners
Unlock the Power of People
In times of challenge and change, success isn’t just about WHAT stands in front of us, it’s about WHO stands beside us. When we strengthen how we relate to one another, we transform motivation, direction, and build powerful units capable of fighting the same problems together.
In this interactive, humor-filled, and inspirational presentation, former Disney+ expert host and lifetime entrepreneur Arel breaks down how people can remove the awkwardness of connection and build the relationships that matter by using a repeatable framework that’s authentic and powerful.
- A new perspective on what connection really is and how to create it more effectively and efficiently with the people we meet
- A framework for getting what you want while helping others get what they want
- Renewed inspiration to tackle challenges with a united mindset
About Arel. Arel Moodie helps organizations Build People Power™, transforming how teams work and win together through a breakthrough approach to human development. A tech founder, bestselling author, and keynote speaker, he’s shown leaders from the White House to Fortune 500 companies how to turn workplace dynamics from constant friction into predictable excellence. He’s spoken to nearly one million people across 48 states and 5 countries.
The Opportunity Exchange
Explore organization tables focused on career advancement and business development. Join three rounds of guided conversations to discover internships, jobs, partnerships, referrals, and more. Leave with new connections and clear next steps.
See where it fits in the full dayA Day Designed Around Connection
Every block has a purpose — from the first cocktail-table conversation to the closing remarks. High school groups follow a structured morning built around them (details in Students).
Morning 9:30 AM – 12:15 PM
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Room ABuild Wealth with Real Estate: Active, Passive & Cash-Flow Investment Strategies
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Room BFirst Home, Smart Start: The Roadmap from Credit to Closing
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BallroomBeyond High School: Turning Initiative Into Opportunity
Afternoon 12:15 – 4:30 PM
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Room AFrom Agent to Brand: Build a Career, Client Base & Digital Presence in Real Estate
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Room BHow the Oil Industry is Impacting the Caribbean Real Estate Market
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BallroomCreating Net Operating Income by Controlling the Controllables
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PanelistsThe Future of CNY Real Estate Development
Conference Speakers
Meet the Speakers
Leaders in real estate development, housing, lending and brokerage from across Central New York share what they have learned. Select a speaker to read their full bio and session details.
Choose a Session
No panelists match these filters.
No speakers in this session match these filters.
Education with Impact · Real Projects. Real Mentorship. Real Results.
Relationships, Not Recruiting
This isn’t a recruiting fair or a room full of business cards. It’s a relationship-first day built around how the industry actually works — and around the connections between students and the professionals shaping the region.
Every Part of the Day Has a Purpose
Relationship-First
Designed for genuine connection between students and professionals — not passive attendance.
Real-World Insight
Keynotes, panels, and breakouts that show how business really works.
Access to Opportunity
Mentorship, shadowing, internships, and partnerships that start here and continue after.
Momentum Beyond the Day
The conference is a launch point — introductions and follow-ups keep going after November 13.
Find Yourself Below
Jump straight to what matters to youExpand your network, meet collaborators and clients, and reconnect with the people moving CNY real estate forward.
RegisterMeet professionals, explore career paths, and build the confidence and contacts a classroom can’t give you.
Student experienceA free, structured morning built specifically for you — with a plan that gets school groups back on time.
Student experienceBuild relationships with future talent and the regional industry through real engagement, not just signage.
Partner with usPartner With the Region’s Future
Sponsoring the conference isn’t about logo placement. It’s real engagement — a meaningful role in the day, access to emerging talent, and goodwill across the Central New York community. Every package is built around relationships, not signage.
Establish your presence before, during, and after the conference with year-round visibility while supporting the next generation of real estate professionals.
- Branding in the Conference Digital Program
- One (1) year website logo placement
- Social media highlight
- Company feature in the Resource Guide distributed to all attendees
- One (1) ballroom display table for marketing materials and brand promotions
- Recognition in a 3,000+ email campaign
- Branded promotional materials in attendee bags
- Two (2) General Admission tickets
- Complimentary parking
Maximize your organization’s visibility with premium branding opportunities throughout the conference while demonstrating your commitment to workforce and business development.
- Eight (8) additional General Admission tickets (10 total)
- One (1) Branded Ballroom Round Table
- Stage banner display
- Company highlight slide on the ballroom presentation
- Lunch sponsorship recognition
Your Branded Ballroom Round Table serves as your organization’s hub during the Opportunity Exchange — connecting you with students, emerging professionals, and industry leaders through conversations built to end in tangible outcomes.
Become a Gold SponsorBecome a premier partner of the conference with exclusive branding, leadership visibility, and a direct role in shaping one of the day’s most impactful experiences.
- Presented By naming rights
- Opportunity Exchange Session Key Partner
- Five (5) minute speaking opportunity during Opening Remarks
- Ten (10) additional General Admission tickets (20 total)
- Two (2) additional Branded Ballroom Round Tables (3 total)
- Keynote Speaker sponsorship
- Conference badge sponsorship
As the Opportunity Exchange Session Key Partner, you’ll collaborate directly with Kenwood to help shape and facilitate the conference’s signature workforce and business development experience.
Become a Platinum SponsorMore ways to partner
Focused sponsorships that fund specific parts of the day — each includes recognition on conference signage, website and social media recognition, branded materials in attendee bags, and one General Admission ticket.
Kenwood University of New York Campus Association, Inc. is recognized as a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions made in connection with sponsorships may be deductible as charitable contributions to the extent permitted by applicable law. Any goods, services, or other benefits received by the sponsor may reduce the deductible amount. Sponsors are encouraged to consult their tax advisor regarding the deductibility of their contribution based on their individual circumstances.
Your Career Starts With a Conversation
Kenwood exists to connect students with real opportunity, and this day is built for exactly that: a professional environment designed to help you meet people, explore paths, and build the confidence to walk up and say hello.
Choose your experience
A structured morning, built for you
Every part of the high school experience has a purpose — and school groups are planned around a 1:15 PM departure so students are back before the end of the day.
A structured morning with lunch included — and your group back to school on time.
Register — FreeThe full day, start to finish
Spend the day among professionals who were once exactly where you are. Meet potential mentors, explore career paths beyond the job description, and practice networking in a real professional setting. Your ticket covers:
- The opening keynote and all three breakout rounds
- Lunch alongside professionals and speakers
- The Opportunity Exchange — the team-based career challenge
- The closing keynote panel
One ticket covers the entire day — keynotes, breakouts, lunch, and the Opportunity Exchange.
Register — FreeWe Make Bringing a Group Easy
Admission is free, bagged lunches are provided, check-in is handled, and we’ll send a full logistics packet with arrival instructions and a day-of contact ahead of the event. We plan a 1:15 departure so your students are back to school on time.
Three Years and Growing
Where it started — the first room of students and professionals building relationships on purpose.
A bigger room and a wider reach — the day grew into a true regional gathering.
Year three — downtown Syracuse, Friday, November 13.
From SUNY Oswego in 2024, to Destiny USA in 2025, to The Oncenter in 2026 — the conference keeps growing, and the relationships it starts keep going.
See past highlights
Frequently Asked Questions2026 CNY Real Estate Conference FAQ
Everything you need to know before you arrive, from tickets and sponsorship to student participation and what happens after the conference.
About the Conference
Purpose, audience and what to wear.
01What is the CNY Real Estate Conference?
The conference brings together real estate professionals, business and industry leaders, educators, investors, community members and students. They come to learn about trends, opportunities and developments in real estate. The focus is on careers in the industry and on the factors that affect financing, construction and community development. Attendees hear from industry professionals, join educational breakout sessions, ask questions and network across many areas of real estate.
Topics may include:
- Introduction to the industry
- Buying and selling property
- Commercial and residential real estate
- Development
- Property management
- Finance and investing
- Construction and project management
- Affordable housing and community development
- Architecture and urban planning
- Technology and AI in real estate
- Sustainable development
- Careers and internships
- Entrepreneurship and ownership
02Who should attend? Do I need real estate experience?
No experience is required. The conference welcomes anyone interested in learning about building wealth through real estate, including:
- Real estate professionals, brokers and agents
- Property managers
- Developers and investors
- Architects and construction professionals
- Government and community representatives
- College and high school students interested in real estate, business, finance, architecture, construction or entrepreneurship
- Educators and career counselors
- Anyone considering a real estate career
Students are especially encouraged to attend. The conference can introduce them to careers they may not have considered.
03Is there a dress code?
Yes. Business professional attire is encouraged: suits, blazers and polished shoes. Dress to network.
Students don't need expensive clothing; clean, neat, school-appropriate professional attire is fine.
Tickets & Registration
How to register and what it costs.
04How do I register? Can I buy a ticket at the door?
Registration is required. Register online at the Kenwood registration site (CNY RE Conf 2026 – Registration) or directly on Zeffy (CNY RE Conf 2026 – Zeffy Registration). Tickets are limited, so we recommend registering in advance.
Door registration will only be available if space permits.
05How much does it cost?
For Companies & Sponsors
Sponsorship tiers and benefits.
06Can my company sponsor the event, and what are the benefits?
Yes. Every sponsorship package is built around relationships, not signage. The three tiers are:
Focused sponsorships that fund specific parts of the day are also available, from $100 to $950.
Sponsors gain visibility before, during and after the conference. Benefits include exposure to hundreds of motivated attendees, brand placement, speaking opportunities and targeted networking, all while supporting the next generation of real estate professionals. Details are available at CNY Conf 2026 – Kenwood and 2026 CNY Real Estate Conference Sponsorships.
Speakers & Sessions
The lineup and the breakout schedule.
07Who are the speakers?
The lineup includes 20 speakers from real estate investment, property management, development, finance, law and community organizations. Arel Moodie will give the Opening Remarks and Keynote.
The full speaker schedule is coming soon and will be announced first on Instagram (KCNY Real Estate Conf Instagram – Speaker Info). More about Arel Moodie: CNY Real Estate Conf 2026 – Guest Speaker.
08What breakout sessions are there? Are there sessions for students?
There are three breakout sessions:
Session 1: two breakout rooms, plus a dedicated high school session in the Ballroom.
Session 2: three breakout rooms.
Session 3: the Opportunity Exchange, focused on business development and career advancement. Students, young professionals and organizations work in teams on hands-on challenges and real-world scenarios.
Full agenda: CNY Real Estate Conference 2026 – Agenda.
Event Day Logistics
Parking, arrival, food and what to bring.
09Is parking available? Is transportation provided?
Reserved parking for attendees is available at a reduced fee of $5.
Transportation between the Oncenter and local hotels will not be provided.
10What happens when I arrive?
All attendees pass a security check at the Oncenter entrance, and belongings will be checked.
A coat check is available for coats and items you don't want to carry into the conference or breakout rooms.
11Will food be provided? What if I have dietary restrictions?
Yes.
Registration: breakfast laid out on cocktail tables.
Lunch: bagged lunches for all attendees, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Please note dietary restrictions during registration when that option is available. Contact the Conference Organizers in advance about serious food allergies or other dietary needs.
12Will there be Wi-Fi?
Yes. Guest Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue.
13What should I bring?
- Registration confirmation
- Photo ID, if required
- Notebook or tablet, and pens
- Phone charger
- Résumé or business cards, if applicable
- Questions for speakers
- A professional and positive attitude
A résumé isn't required, but college students and job seekers are encouraged to bring copies, or have an electronic version on their phone or a professional networking profile. High school students without a résumé can bring a one-page summary of their education, activities, volunteer experience, interests and skills.
Students, Schools & Minors
School groups, networking and real estate careers.
14Can schools bring students? Are there requirements for attendees under 18?
Yes. Teachers, faculty, guidance counselors, career advisors and other educators are encouraged to attend. Schools bringing student groups should contact the Conference Organizers about group registration.
Organizers may require parental or guardian consent for minors. High school students attending through a school may need to stay with their assigned teacher, counselor, chaperone or student group. For chaperoned students, custody and supervision remain with the school district. Organizers need the chaperone's or teacher's details before the conference. Kenwood is not responsible for students' whereabouts during the conference.
15How can students network, and what should they ask professionals?
Student questions are encouraged during panels and often lead to valuable discussions for everyone. Networking can be as simple as introducing yourself and asking about someone's career. College students can mention their school, major, graduation year and career interests. When both people are comfortable, attendees can exchange business cards, LinkedIn profiles or other professional contact information.
Good questions to ask:
- How did you begin your career in real estate?
- What education or training helped you enter the industry?
- What does a typical day look like in your role?
- What skills matter most for someone entering real estate?
- Does your organization offer internships, and what entry-level positions should students consider?
- Do I need a real estate license for this type of career?
- What technology should students learn?
- What advice would you give a high school or college student who wants to enter the industry?
16Do I need a license or a four-year degree for a real estate career? Is it all about selling houses?
No to all three.
- Licensing: a license is only required for certain roles, such as salesperson or broker. Many careers don't need one, including project management, construction, finance, marketing, technology, architecture, development and corporate real estate.
- Degrees: education requirements vary by job. Some require a college or professional degree. Others can be entered through licensing, certificate programs, apprenticeships, vocational education, internships or work experience.
- Beyond houses: residential sales are just one part of real estate. The industry also covers commercial buildings, apartments, hotels, hospitals, warehouses, offices, retail centers, construction, development, property management, affordable housing, finance, investment and urban development.
Photography & Accessibility
Media policy and accommodations.
17Will photos or videos be taken?
Photography and video recording may take place during conference activities. Registration materials should explain the media policy.
If you don't want to be photographed, or have concerns about photography involving minors, please notify the Conference Organizers before the conference.
18Are accommodations available for attendees with disabilities?
The conference will make reasonable efforts to provide an accessible experience. Please contact the Conference Organizers before the event so arrangements can be discussed.
After the Conference
Materials, follow-up and next steps.
19Will presentation materials be available afterward?
When speakers permit, slides, resources, career information and other materials may be shared electronically after the event.
20How should students follow up with professionals they meet?
Use professional communication. A short message works well, for example:
"Thank you for speaking with me at the CNY Real Estate Conference. I enjoyed learning about careers, internships and developments in real estate. Your advice was very helpful, and I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me."
21How can I keep learning, and where can I find upcoming events?
- Join a real estate or business club
- Take introductory business, finance, architecture or construction courses
- Attend industry events and follow professional real estate organizations
- Apply for internships or summer programs
- Visit college career centers and interview professionals
- Learn about licensing and certificate programs
- Read about local development projects
For upcoming Kenwood events, visit kenwoodusa.org or @kenwoodconnect on Instagram.
22Who can I contact with questions?
For questions about registration, student participation, accessibility, sponsorship, speakers, or anything not covered here, contact the Conference Organizers:
- Eason Volkomer Lee, Vice President of Curriculum, Kenwood University of NY Campus Association, Inc. (easonmotivate@gmail.com)
- Paul Lomanto, Executive Director, Kenwood University of NY Campus Association, Inc. (connect@kenwoodusa.org)
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