Networking, in fact, is a key draw for RealShare conferences--and this year more so than ever, Kelley tells GlobeSt.com. "Turnout is strong this year, I believe, because the market is so bad. People want to network, talk with others in the industry, source new business, identify new capital sources." Talking with seasoned professionals that have seen more than one credit cycle is another draw, especially for newcomers to the industry, he adds.

Kelley notes RealShare recruited Edward Padilla, CEO of NorthMarq Capital, to participate this year. "Who better to explain what is happening in the market than the head of a financial intermediary like NorthMarq." Other highlights in the agenda, he says, include Michael Glosserman, co-managing partner of the JBG Cos., and Victor MacFarlane, CEO of San Francisco's MacFarlane Partners--which has built a huge presence in the DC market--in a session called "Up Close with JBG & MacFarlane."

Padilla will kick off the conference with a keynote address. Then follows a town hall meeting moderated by John Germano, senior managing director at CB Richard Ellis, who will touch on expected events for 2008. Panelists will be Jim Lee, president & CEO of Opus East; Mark Levy, VP & market officer for ProLogis; Mitchell Schear, president of Vornado / Charles E. Smith; and Joe Stettinius, CEO of Cassidy & Pinkard Colliers.