15th Annual Economic & Real Estate Forecast Symposium

15th Annual Economic & Real Estate Forecast Symposium

6400 Airline Dr., Metairie, LA 70003

On October 16, 2025, leading voices in economics, development, lending, and real estate will convene at the beautiful, modern Jefferson Performing Arts Center, to explore the theme

Breaking Ground: the Emergence of a New Economy.

At the 2025 Forecast, you can expect this topic to be explored from multiple angles. We'll answer the "How," "Why," "What," "Where," and "Who" of the changing industry landscape of the GNO, shedding light on our local and regional market current conditions and future trajectory, thanks to our distinguished line-up of presenters and panelists. This year's program features six sessions, a keynote delivered by the inimitable Newell Normand of WWL's the Newell Normand Show, and up to 8 hours of high-quality continuing education*, with opportunities for networking across the commercial and residential real estate sectors. Over the last 15 years, the Forecast Symposium has emerged as the premier economic and real estate forum for our region.

We are offering two ticket types at this year's event. You may opt to purchase a full-day ticket or a half-day ticket. Focus on economics and regional market activity during our 4-hour Morning block with a slate of experts in economics, development, and lending, or hear an overview from our keynote speaker, a panel discussion highlighting infrastructure and construction projects, and commercial sector updates from leading real estate voices during our 4-hour Afternoon session—or stay for the full 8 hours of continuing education.

*The program is approved for 8 hours of Real Estate license CE by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission, Vendor #8970/136, and pending approval for 8 hours of Appraiser's license CE by the Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board, Vendor #5017.

As the premier economic and real estate forecasting conference for the New Orleans region, the Forecast Symposium connects the real estate community. Our goal is to offer top-notch continuing education and deliver a comprehensive overview of local, regional and national market conditions, along with actionable insights that will equip you for success. Our carefully curated agenda covers a wide range of topics and a diverse array of speakers, empowering attendees to meet the needs of consumers in a dynamic and evolving marketplace.

Info: Sponsored by Colliers. Explore the current state of the regional economy through two expert perspectives. Dr. Gary Wagner of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette will analyze residential real estate trends using GNO region data, examining inventory levels, market outlook, and the impact of insurance costs and interest rates. Bret Swango of Colliers will discuss how labor market dynamics are shaping corporate site selection, the effects of federal policy changes on industrial investment, and the role of onshoring in Gulf South manufacturing growth.

Info: Sponsored by Zero Latency VR. This panel discussion will welcome economic development leaders examining Louisiana's competitive advantages for business expansion. Topics include regional strategies for attracting investment, infrastructure readiness, major pipeline projects, demographic trends, and how real estate professionals can align with broader economic development goals to serve their communities better.

Info: Sponsored by LACDB.com

Info: Sponsored by Crescent Title. In this panel moderated by Bob Bergeron of Crescent Title, banking professionals will share insights on the current lending environment, discussing credit conditions, asset class preferences, regulatory impacts, and practical financing strategies. The panel will address appraisal conditions, loan structuring trends, and provide guidance on positioning deals successfully in today's often-cautious lending climate.

Info: Sponsored by Home Bank. Former Jefferson Parish Sheriff and WWL Radio host Newell Normand addresses key local real estate market issues, including development trends, affordable housing challenges, demographic shifts, and housing supply dynamics affecting the metro region.

Info: Sponsored by NAI Rampart. Moderated by Paul Richard of NAI Rampart CRE. Development and construction professionals will discuss active projects in the New Orleans region, examining market forces driving new construction. The panel covers navigation of rising costs and financing challenges, permitting hurdles, design adaptations, tenant demand trends, and lessons from recent project successes and challenges.

Info: Sponsored by Gambel Communications

Info: Sponsored by CBRE. Four market specialists will provide sector-specific insights across retail, multifamily, industrial, and office markets. Each speaker addresses current demand drivers, market trends, financing challenges, active submarkets, and near-term forecasts for their respective property types in the GNO region.

Info: Sponsored by Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company. Guy Williams will speak on the growing role of artificial intelligence in the real estate & financial services industries, including how it is shaping decision-making, marketing, and transaction processes.

Info: Sponsored by Crescent Title

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Dr, Metairie, United States