CENTRAL NEW YORK REAL ESTATE CONFERENCE 2025
PROGRAM GUIDE
EVENT VENUE QUICK INFO
Venue: Destiny USA
Address: 1 Destiny USA Drive, Syracuse, NY 13204 | Get Directions »
Contact (Mall/Main): 315-466-6000
Security Contact: 315-466-6011
Hours (Typical): Mon–Thu 10:00 AM –8:00 PM; Fri–Sat up to 9:00 PM; Sunday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
WiFi: Free WiFi available (“Destiny USA Free WiFi”)
Click below for more info on checking in on the day of the event 👇
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE 2025
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE 2025
CHECK-IN
Welcome to the Central New York Real Estate Conference!
Check-in will take place on the 6th floor of Destiny USA, accessible via the elevators located in the centre of the mall. Upon arrival, conference staff will be clearly visible and ready to assist you in getting to the registration area.
Pick up your conference badge, event materials, and Savings Passport before heading to the opening remarks. Begin your day by connecting with fellow attendees and preparing for an inspiring day of learning, networking, and collaboration.
9:30 AM –10:30 AM
WELCOMING REMARKS
Connecting and Staying Connected
Kick off the Central New York Real Estate Conference with opening remarks presented by Stewart Title. This session sets the tone for a day centred on collaboration, learning, and long-term connection.
Hear how meaningful relationships between professionals, students, and community partners create lasting impact across the real estate industry. Stewart Title shares insights on the importance of connection, continuity, and building networks that strengthen both business and community for years to come.
10:45 AM
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
11:00 AM
First-Time Homebuying
Presented by: Jollene DiBartolo, Vice President, Residential Mortgage Team Leader, Pathfinder Bank
Learn the essential steps to purchasing your first home—from financing basics to navigating the current market. Jollene Bartolo from Pathfinder Bank will share insights and strategies to empower first-time buyers with confidence and clarity.
From Foundation to Fortune: Why a Strong Foundation Is the Key to Lasting Success
Presented by: Shelley Hoffman, Broker/Owner, HCC Realty LLC
Starting a real estate career can feel overwhelming—whether you’re 20 or 40, success isn’t about age or luck, it’s about the foundation you build. In this breakout session, Shelley Hoffman, Broker/Owner of HHC Realty and real estate educator, shares how she turned personal disruption into a thriving career and the three pillars that every new agent needs: mindset, mentorship, and community. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies to strengthen their foundation and create a career in the real estate industry.
Getting Started in the Multi-Housing Industry
Presented by: Christine O’Connell More, President & Owner, O’Connell Moore Consulting & Real Estate
Considering multifamily investments or management? Christine O’Connell will break down the fundamentals of entering the multi-housing market—covering acquisition, financing, operations, and what it takes to succeed in this growing sector.
Affordable Housing Real Estate Management
Presented by: Liz Baker, Chief Development Officer, Liberty Affordable Housing, Inc.. & Faruk Heto, Senior Vice President of Property Management, CRM Rental Management, Inc.
Explore the operational, financial, and community-driven strategies behind affordable housing. Liz Baker and Faruk Heto share real-world approaches to effective property management, resident engagement, and long-term sustainability in the affordable-housing sector.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
11:00 AM
Past, Present & Future: How Central New York Commercial Real Estate Has Evolved
Presented by: Louis G. Fournier III, President & Owner, Sutton Real Estate
Join a reflective conversation on the transformation of Central New York’s CRE landscape—where it began, what’s driving it today, and what the next decade may hold. Louis Fournier brings decades of perspective on development, market cycles, and opportunity ahead.
Building the Future: Micron’s Impact on Central New York
Presented by: Joe Nehme, Senior Manager, External Affairs, Micron
Learn how Micron’s historic investment is reshaping the region’s economy, workforce, and infrastructure. Joe Nehme shares the company’s long-term vision and what it means for innovation and opportunity in Central New York.
Mitigating Construction Costs Through Thoughtful Design
Presented by: Mike Durkin, Vice President of Client & Investor Relations, VIP Structures
Rising costs don’t have to mean compromised quality. Mike Durkin explores how integrated design, value engineering, and collaborative planning can reduce costs while maximizing project efficiency and sustainability.
Tax-Efficient Investment Strategies for Real Estate Investors
Presented by: Dan Silfer, Financial Consultant & Kurt D’Angelo, Vice President of Northern Complex, Equitable
Discover how smart tax planning can elevate your investment returns. Dan Silfer and Kurt D’Angelo outline key financial strategies and real-world examples of how investors can optimise portfolios and build lasting wealth through tax-efficient approaches.
PANEL DISCUSSIONS
1:00 PM
Brick by Brick: The Guts, Gold, and Glory of Real Estate Entrepreneurship
Panelists:
Shelley Hoffman, Broker/Owner, HCC Realty LLC;
Christine O’Connell, President & Owner, O’Connell Moore Consulting & Real Estate; and
Cory Lawson, Broker, Howard Hanna
A candid discussion on the grit, growth, and glory of building a career in real estate. This panel of industry entrepreneurs shares personal stories, lessons learned, and strategies for navigating the challenges and opportunities of today’s market.
How It’s Built: An Inside Look at Real Estate Development
Panelists:
Mike Durkin, Vice President of Client & Investor Relations, VIP Structures;
Ben Lockwood, President & CEO, Housing Visions;
Michael Vavonese, Director of Leasing and Steve Laiello, Director of Finance, COR Development
From blueprints to groundbreaking—this panel brings together leading developers to discuss how major projects are planned, financed, and executed. Learn what it really takes to bring transformative developments to life across Central New York.
TABLING EXPO
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Explore. Connect. Discover.
Join us on the 3rd floor for the CNY Real Estate Conference Tabling Expo, an interactive showcase featuring organizations from across the region. Meet local businesses, real estate professionals, developers, educators, and community partners shaping the future of Central New York.
Attendees can explore new opportunities, connect with industry experts, and discover resources in finance, construction, property management, technology, education, and more. Whether you’re a student, investor, or industry professional, this is your chance to network, learn, and grow — all in one place.
2025 Urban Land Institute Presentation
4:00 PM
From the National Stage to Central New York: Insights from the 2025 ULI Fall Meeting
Hear directly from the student directors behind the Central New York Real Estate Conference as they share key takeaways from the 2025 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Fall Meeting.
These emerging leaders traveled to ULI’s national conference to engage with top professionals, explore global trends, and gain first-hand insight into the future of real estate development, investment, and sustainability. Now, they’re bringing that knowledge home—offering Central New York a glimpse into the innovations, ideas, and industry conversations shaping the next era of real estate.
Join us in celebrating these students’ leadership, vision, and dedication to bridging education with real-world impact.
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
5:00 PM
Bridging the Gap: Education, Leadership, and Economic Impact
Join the President of Kenwood for a keystone address on the power of connection between education and enterprise. This presentation explores how investing in students today builds the foundation for tomorrow’s business leaders, drives business continuity, and strengthens the economic future of Central New York.
Through the lens of Kenwood’s mission, this talk highlights how experiential learning, industry collaboration, and civic engagement create a sustainable ecosystem—where education fuels opportunity, innovation, and long-term community growth.
NETWORKING AND PHOTOS
6:00 PM
Connect. Celebrate. Collaborate.
Close out the conference with an hour dedicated to connection and reflection. Join fellow attendees, speakers, sponsors, and students for light networking, shared conversations, and new collaborations that extend beyond the day’s sessions.
We’ll also gather for an official conference group photo — capturing this milestone moment for the Central New York real estate community. It’s a time to celebrate the relationships built, the ideas sparked, and the shared commitment to shaping the region’s future together.
PLATINUM SPONSORS
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At Stewart, we believe in building strong relationships, which are the cornerstone of every closing, transaction and deal. Every day, our associates work hard to enable and protect real estate ownership for residential and commercial customers – something we’ve done since our founding in 1893. Spend a little time with us and you’ll see why we’re the right partner for you. We know the market, and we know the ins and outs of title insurance.
As one of the largest real estate service companies in the industry, we are committed to constant innovation and improvement to meet the needs of our customers and the ever-changing market. For agents, brokers, lenders and customers, we offer frictionless, personalized transactions and worry-free experiences.
It’s easy to work with us since we are collaborative by nature, transparent in our communications and responsive to all parties’ needs. Count on Stewart to complete transactions to everyone’s satisfaction.
For more information, go to stewart.com/upstateny.
SILVER SPONSORS
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Founded in 1933, it is a full-service real estate firm providing brokerage, property management, and development services throughout Upstate New York. Originally focused on Downtown Syracuse, Sutton has expanded its expertise to include project acquisition, turnaround developments, and the adaptive reuse of vacant or underperforming properties. The company manages approximately 2,000 residential units and over one million square feet of commercial, medical, and retail space. Sutton’s brokerage division specializes in investment property sales, leasing, tenant representation, and managing distressed assets for financial institutions. As approved contractors for New York’s Unified Court System, Sutton’s principals also serve as Receivers in judicial matters. Over the past 25 years, Sutton has become a trusted leader in redeveloping and repositioning properties, serving as both developer and managing agent for residential, commercial, and historic tax credit projects across Central New York.
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HHC Realty is a real estate brokerage built on professionalism and love of community. The agents believe in continuing education to better serve their clients and to be active in the community to stay connected to current affairs that affect our market
EVENT DAY CHECKLIST FOR ATTENDEES
Save the venue address in your GPS: 1 Destiny USA Drive, Syracuse, NY 13204.
Arrive 15–30 minutes early to find parking and locate check-in or meeting room.
Identify your preferred entrance (Yellow, Purple, etc.) and the nearest accessible route if needed.
Check-in will be on the 6th floor, accessible through the elevators located in the center of the mall. Conference staff will be visible and help you get to the 6th floor.
Note the security number (315-466-6011) and where the Information Desk is (level 1 under the carousel).
Keep a map screenshot or bring a printed copy of the parking/venue map.
Follow all venue rules & safety protocols (no running, skateboards, blocked exits).
If assistance is required (wheelchair, scooter, special washroom), visit the Information Desk on level 1.
Guest Services (Information Desk): level 1 (under carousel) between Panera Bread & Aloha Krab.
DROP-OFF / RIDE-SHARE / BUSES
Hotel shuttles, taxis, and tour buses drop off & pick up at the Yellow Lot beneath the Carousel (off Destiny USA Drive).
Ride-share (Uber/Lyft) drop-off/pick-up points:
Purple parking entrance near H&M & Syracuse’s Original Caramelcorn Shoppe.
Outside The Cheesecake Factory near the valet parking stand
SECURITY
In case of any safety or security concern at Destiny USA, call 315-466-6011 (Security).
If you “see something, say something,” the venue maintains active security protocols and law-enforcement partnerships.
Emergency phones are located in several of the parking lots.
Lost & Found: Visit the Information Desk on level 1 (underneath the carousel) for lost items
Behavior and safety policy highlights: Running, skateboarding, blocking fire exits, and loitering are prohibited.
FEATURES
Designated accessible parking at every mall entrance.
Automatic doors at main entrances.
Reserved special-needs washrooms.
Service animals allowed.
PARKING INFORMATION
Address for parking: 1 Destiny USA Drive, Syracuse, NY 13204.
A parking map of the lots and garages is available.
Green Vehicle / EV charging parking is available at the venue.
Overnight parking is not permitted without prior authorization.
RECOMMENDED FOR ATTENDEES
Arrive early during event days, as parking lots fill up quickly.
If driving an electric vehicle, plan for the charging station location and time.
For large groups or charter buses, coordinate with mall security in advance about drop-off/pick-up.
PLEASE NOTE: No overnight parking rights unless approved.
EVACUATION / MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
In the event of a major emergency (fire, severe weather, active threat), follow the posted exit signage in the facility.
The event organizer should designate a meeting point outside the venue for attendees to gather.
If medical assistance is required, alert venue security, who will coordinate with local EMS.
Ensure your attendees know their nearest exit route on arrival.
ACCESSIBILITY TIPS FOR ATTENDEES
If a visitor has mobility needs, point them to the Information desk on level 1 upon arrival.
Identify the accessible entrance closest to your event space and where the EV/accommodated parking is located.
For attendees requiring sign-language interpreters or other special services, ensure pre-planning is done with your event staff and venue contact.
Email connect@kenwoodusa.org for questions, concerns, and more information.