A Look Back at ULI’s 2024 Fall Meeting

Last month, I had the privilege of attending the ULI Fall Meeting at Resorts World in Las Vegas, Nevada. The energy of nearly 6,000 attendees filled the space, creating a vibrant atmosphere where ideas flourished. As Vice Chair of the Lifestyle Residential Development Council – 55+ (LRDC55+), my time at the conference was a mix of education, inspiration, and leadership.

Day 1: Immersive Tours and Powerful Lessons

ULI tours are always a highlight, and this year was no exception. I joined a group exploring the Mob Museum and Neon Museum, both offering unique perspectives on Las Vegas history. The Mob Museum provided a fascinating deep dive into the intersection of organized crime, politics, and development—a reminder of how intertwined our built environments are with human history. The Neon Museum, a nostalgic collection of iconic Las Vegas signage, illuminated the city’s rich past in a literal and figurative sense.

Later, Simon Sinek’s keynote address added another layer of inspiration. His emphasis on leadership, empathy, and the transformative power of listening struck a chord with me. “Friendship is the ultimate bio-hack,” he said—a poignant reminder of the importance of connection in both personal and professional realms.

Day 2: Exploring 55+ Communities

The focus shifted to community design with visits to two contrasting 55+ communities. The sold-out Trilogy by Shea in Summerlin showcased high-density luxury living, with its stunning two-story clubhouse offering views of the Las Vegas Strip. This community caters to high-net-worth individuals seeking a secondary or even tertiary home.

In contrast, Mera Rhodes Ranch offered a well-executed rental option with a strong occupancy rate of 80%. The tour emphasized how diverse 55+ living options are, from high-end homes to thoughtfully designed rental communities.

Dinner at Carson Kitchen wrapped up the day perfectly. With its intimate setting and inventive cuisine, the evening encouraged meaningful conversations among council members, strengthening our network.

Day 3: Council Day and Key Takeaways

Council Day was packed with engaging panels and presentations from Special District financing, HOA evolution and shifting perspectives, interior design and amenity trends, Adapt or die with AI – realizing the value/opportunity in branding and marketing, Branded residential for-sale products with focus on Four Seasons. The insights gained were invaluable:

• Thoughtful planning and professional management can elevate HOAs’ financial and community value.
• Flexibility, wellness design, health partnerships and intergenerational amenities are increasingly essential for interior design in 55+ communities.
• Embracing AI isn’t optional, it’s a competitive necessity.

This year’s ULI Fall Meeting left me energized and equipped with fresh ideas to bring back to WHA. The passion and creativity of our industry leaders ensure a bright future ahead.