Eighth Israel Real Estate Summit

May 3, 2023

We were thrilled to once again meet in person for the 8th Israel Real Estate Summit, a half day event that brought together major Israeli institutions active in the global real estate markets, leading real estate professionals from around the world, and DLA Piper partners from the profiled regions. The Summit provided an opportunity for insightful discussion on the key trends and issues driving change, creating opportunities for growth, challenging market participants, and shaping the future of real estate in Israel and around the world. Over 150 people spent the day networking and learning together at the Carlton Tel Aviv Hotel.

Jeremy Lustman (Partner and Head of Israel Group) and Rick Chesley (Managing Partner of the Americas, Co-US Managing Partner) opened the event with welcoming remarks followed by Fabian Muhlen who acted as MC (Partner, Germany). Jay Epstien (Partner, Washington, DC) introduced Simon Chinn (VP, Research & Advisory Services, Urban Land Institute) who discussed current trends in real estate. This was followed by a lively panel discussion on the ever-changing sources of global capital and how and where it is invested for income and growth, with Tal Hauptmann (Head of International Real Estate Investments, Migdal Insurance Company), Walter Stackler (Managing Partner, Shelter Rock Capital Group), Gabi Stein (Managing Director, Head of EMEA and APAC Real Assets Specialists, Nuveen) and Jay Zwiebel (Executive Managing Director, Harbor Group International), moderated by Jonathan Ross (Managing Director and Head BGO Insurance Solutions, BentallGreenOak). The first half of the Summit wrapped up with a keynote address by Paul Bashir (Senior Managing Director, CEO – Europe, Harrison Street) on the topic of shifting European demographics and alternative real assets.

After a short break, the Summit resumed with a virtual discussion between Jay Epstien and Sandeep Mathrani (CEO & Chairman of the Board, WeWork), which was introduced by Shari Helft Lennon (Partner, Chicago). Participants next heard from a panel of experts on the topic of allocating capital to non-traditional real estate asset classes. The panel was moderated by Paul Jayson (Partner & Head of UK Real Estate Sector) and included Mark Alper (Founder & CEO, Marstead Living), Lowell Baron (Chief Investment Officer & Managing Partner, Brookfield Asset Management), Abbe Borok (Managing Director, Head of US Debts, BentallGreenOak), and Rafi Wunsh (VP International Real Estate, Azrieli Group). A final panel discussion was moderated by Nina Kampler (Founder and President, Kampler Advisory Group) on the topic of digital innovations for buildings – specifically, whether real estate tech, ESG, and wellness are game changers or just fads. Panelists were Manfred Heid (Managing Partner, Realyze Ventures), Linda Isaacson (Partner, ACRE), Philip Levinson (CEO, Penmount Partners), and Gabriel Safar (Co-Founder & Ceo, LeasePilot). William Naunton (Partner & International Group Head Real Estate) gave closing remarks.

The Summit concluded with a delicious networking lunch at Carlton by the Sea, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Download "Emerging Trends in Real Estate"

Download "Harrison Street Shifting European Demographics & Alternative Real Assets"