LAS VEGAS-When the annual CCIM conference convenes in Los Angeles this October (Oct. 21 and 22 to be specific) the theme will be “Thrive” and the focus, appropriately, will be on increasing attendees' professional capabilities and market understanding. As immediate past president of the CCIM Institute, a GlobeSt.com Thought Leader, Wayne D'Amico explains in this exclusive interview why the organization teamed up with ALM's Real Estate Media Group to facilitate this effort. ALM is GlobeSt.com's parent organization.

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GlobeSt.com: Wayne, let's talk about the upcoming CCIM Conference.

Wayne D'Amico: We're very excited about our national conference, which will be held in Los Angeles this October. Over the past few years, we've focused on why people come to CCIM and how they not only develop new skills but how they can advance their opportunities with the skills they have. So whether you're a street broker or an asset manager or a corporate professional, you come to us looking for advice, for insight and networking opportunities, and hopefully walk away wanting to do something different and new because of all you've been exposed to.

GlobeSt.com: You've made a focused effort to expand the association's reach.  How is that progressing?

D'Amico: We have, and toward that end, we've partnered with ALM's Real Estate Media Group to tap into the reach and resources of GlobeSt.com, Real Estate Forum and the RealShare Conference Series among the larger institutions. We're looking forward to this partnership complementing in a big way our outreach efforts.

GlobeSt.com: So, I attend CCIM Thrive in Los Angeles.  What's my takeaway?

D'Amico: We're providing more than just talking heads, but panels and discussions, such as sessions on the economy and financing, that are meaningful, insightful and timely. It's going to be a dynamic time.