LOS ANGELES—Come October, the world of commercial real estate is bound to look a bit different to those who attend the global conference here from the CCIM Institute, the premier provider of commercial real estate education and GlobeSt.com Thought Leader. The conference, scheduled for October 21 and 22 at the Westin Bonaventure, is geared to do just that, according to immediate past president Wayne D'Amico, CCIM.

Carrying the theme “THRIVE,” the conference is in a way an extension of the CCIM designation, he says, in that both are designed “to help people advance in their careers.” But D'Amico believes the conference is going to be very different this year: its prime intent is to get attendees “exposed to and prepared for opportunities where you can excel, opportunities that can change and expand your professional development.”

This, he says, is true no matter if you are a “street broker, banker, appraiser, property manager or institution,” he explains. “You'll find topics that are relevant to future opportunities.”

As just one example, he cites the session dubbed, “Niche No More,” an in-depth exploration of former market niches that have become mainstream, and the growth potential that lies therein, all presented by experts practicing in those fields. “We're shaking up the way programming is done,” he says.

The program also includes key sessions exploring the economic recovery and where its heading, how secondary markets are making noise as places to invest and develop and crowdfunding's emergence as an investment vehicle, among others.

For this year's conference, CCIM teamed up with ALM's Real Estate Media Group, tapping into what he describes as the reach and power of GlobeSt.com, Real Estate Forum and the RealShare Conference Series. These brands speak to an audience, he says, that “represents the highest level of professionalism in the commercial real estate space.”

Going back to his comparison of the conference and the CCIM designation, D'Amico says there's an energy that is a by-product of the classes in the CCIM curriculum, which offers a rigorous agenda that includes testing and proof of activity in the marketplace. Nevertheless, “students are so energized when they emerge from the class, they say they're ready to conquer the world.”

He expects no less from professionals who come to the Bonaventure in October.  No matter what the level of experience or field of practice, attendees are sure to be “excited about the opportunities that will be presented to you. And when you leave, you'll leave a better professional, prepared to excel.”

For full agenda, a list of speakers or to register for CCIM THRIVE 2014, click here.