Conference Season Wrap-Up

We came, we learned, we conquered. WHA participated in conference season full force by attending both ULI’s Spring Meeting and PCBC. WHA team members thoroughly enjoyed the last few busy weeks by taking tours, listening to educational sessions, and speaking on panels.

Denise Ashton and Julia Malisos attended the ULI Spring Meeting in Toronto, Canada. As with past meetings, it was a pleasure reconnecting with colleagues and friends, building bridges with new people and learning what is happening across North America.

Denise and Julia had an array of experiences as Denise is on the Lifestyle and Housing 55+ Council, and the incoming Co-Chair for that National Product Council. Julia Malisos attended with sights on her incoming leadership role, Chair of Mission Advancement for the OC/IE District Council.

ULI Toronto set up incredible adventures throughout the city. Julia saw all types of development from high-rise residential, community centers and parks, historic preservation development, urban renewal, and the always imaginative container commercial/retail.

Popular discussions throughout the sessions included where the future looks to be heading…nonfungible tokens (NFTs), artificial intelligence (AI), and integrated technologies for wellness, lifestyle, and efficiency.

PCBC was the next on the calendar with a number of WHA team members attending. Bill Hezmalhalch moderated a panel on the future of master-planned communities with neighborhood crafters Denise Ashton, Randall Lewis (Lewis Management Company), and Kris Maher (Rancho Mission Viejo). Ron Nestor also moderated a panel that included Rob Corbin (Trumark Homes) exploring innovative post-pandemic affordable housing solutions.

Similar to ULI, common themes throughout PCBC revolved around technology and where land development is moving. Timeframes and cost are paramount in development and incoming technology can be beneficial. Innovations for panelization and off-site construction methods, simplifying construction steps, and minimizing material waste were included in the discussions.

The current state of insurance was another topic at PCBC as it is exceptionally relevant in California. Along with insurance companies pulling out of providing coverage in California, insurance concerns are impacting the types of housing products that can be built, distances for building separations, and increases to HOA costs. Lastly, new trends were of course a sight to see, from building materials to Zonda’s new home finding computer technology.

It wasn’t all business, WHA team members attended the Gold Nuggets as well as the Hall of Fame, supporting our colleagues who were honored for the impactful work in our industry.

Our industry is always evolving, and we are definitely in interesting times. Some may believe this is why we love this industry so much, the thrill and the adventure of bringing development across America even when it feels like an uphill battle. These networking and learning opportunities are what make these conferences so beneficial as we are all in this together and it is from each other that we learn and grow to build the best communities.