CENTRAL NEW YORK REAL ESTATE CONFERENCE 2025
EVENT PROGRAM
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 👇
EVENT SCHEDULE
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Registration & Opening Remarks
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Vendor expo, Networking
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Keynote Presentation
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Urban Land Institute Findings Presentation
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Networking Reception & Q&A
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE 2025
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE 2025
Welcome to the Central New York Real Estate Conference!
Check-in will be on the 6th floor, accessible through the elevators located in the centre of the mall. Conference staff will be visible at the elevators of the 3rd floor and help you get to the 6th floor.
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.
6th Floor
9:30 AM –10:30 AM
CHECK-IN
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.
6th Floor
10:45 AM
WELCOMING REMARKS
6th Floor
11:00 AM
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
First-Time Homebuying
Presented by: Joleen DiBartolo, Vice President, Residential Mortgage Team Leader, Pathfinder Bank
Space 1
Learn the essential steps to purchasing your first home—from financing basics to navigating the current market. Joleen 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, HHC Realty LLC
Space 2
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 More Consulting & Real Estate
Space 3
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.
Basics of Property Management
Presented by:
Liz Baker, Chief Development Officer, Liberty Affordable Housing, Inc.
Faruk Heto, Senior Vice President of Property Management, CRM Rental Management, Inc.
Patrick Calhoun, Capital Projects Analyst, Liberty Affordable Housing, Inc.
Space 4
Gain practical insight into the fundamentals of property management from three seasoned professionals. Liz Baker, Faruk Heto, and Patrick Calhoun will cover the core principles of maintaining properties, managing tenants, and ensuring long-term operational success — with a focus on real-world strategies and best practices that apply across all types of housing.
6th Floor
12:00 PM
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Past, Present & Future: How Central New York Commercial Real Estate Has Evolved
Presented by: Louis G. Fournier III, President & Owner, Sutton Real Estate
Space 1
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
Space 3
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
Space 2
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
Space 4
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.
6th Floor
1:00 PM
PANEL DISCUSSIONS
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
Space 1
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, COR Development & Steve L. Aiello, Director of Finance, COR Development
Space 2
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.
Technology in Real Estate: Now and in the Future
Panelists:
Brad Lassiter, Chief Executive Officer, LastTech,
Mohammad Tajvarpour, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, SUNY Oswego, and
Graig Arcuri, Finance & Entreprenurship Instructor, SUNY Oswego
Space 3
Explore how emerging technologies are transforming the real estate industry from the ground up. This dynamic session will cover innovations across real estate IT, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and construction technology — highlighting how data-driven tools, automation, and digital infrastructure are revolutionizing how properties are built, bought, managed, and invested in. Brad Lassiter, Mohammad Tajvarpour, and Graig Arcuri bring a multidisciplinary perspective on how technology is reshaping the future of real estate and what professionals need to know to stay ahead.
The Future of Development in Central New York
Panelists:
Jim Rice, Mayor of Fulton,
Jared Shepard, Director of Research and Planning, CenterState CEO, and
Sara Broadwell, Executive Director, Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce.
Space 4
Join regional leaders for an in-depth look at the economic forces shaping the future of Central New York. Jim Rice, Jared Shepard, and Sara Broadwell will discuss public and private initiatives fueling growth, the impact of major investments like Micron, and the collaborative efforts driving accessible and sustainable community development across the region.
3rd Floor
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
VENDOR EXPO
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.
The Future Is Hands-On — Experiential Learning in Action
Presented by:
Graig Arcuri, President, Kenwood, followed by a Student Panel
This keynote sets the tone for the day by exploring the power of hands-on, experiential learning in shaping the next generation of real estate professionals. Graig Arcuri will share how Kenwood’s innovative approach connects education with real-world practice, empowering students to learn through doing, leading, and building in the industry.
Following his address, a panel of Kenwood students will share their experiences from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Conference, offering first-hand insights into how applied learning, professional networking, and industry exposure are transforming the classroom-to-career journey. This conversation highlights the impact and future potential of experiential education in real estate.
3rd Floor
4:00 PM
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
2025 Urban Land Institute Presentation
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.
3rd Floor
4:30 PM
NETWORKING AND PHOTOS
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.
3rd Floor
5:30 PM
PLATINUM SPONSOR
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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.
Gold SPONSOR
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In 2012 founder and President Josh Gottlieb worked as a local organizer in a hard-fought Union campaign that was forced to an untimely end because of a Union affiliation.
Gottlieb rose to form and develop a Union that could achieve the protections, benefits, and rights workers deserved - independent from any political or Union affiliations. And so began Local Union 514, and the Brotherhood of Amalgamated Trades (B.A.T.)
Active Union Members will engage often with Union Leadership. Our leaders take an out-front approach working directly with our Membership in order to remain connected to the issues our Members face every day.
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.
MORE INFO ON CHECK IN 👇
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.
