DENVER—Development '14 on October 27-29 in Denver is NAIOP's must-attend event for commercial real estate professionals, and GlobeSt.com will be onsite to cover it. We spoke with Jean Kane—2014 chairman of NAIOP, a 27-year NAIOP member and CEO of Welsh & Colliers International | Minneapolis-St. Paul—to discuss what the event has to offer and why attendance is so crucial.

GlobeSt.com: Why is the time right to attend NAIOP's conference?

Kane: When the industry is hot, NAIOP conferences are where the dealmakers and decision-makers gather to talk business. You see the conversations everywhere—in the exhibits, in groups congregated around the speakers at the end of sessions, during social hours at the hotel bars. There's a buzz in the air, and it's electrifying to know that deals and connections are happening throughout the event. It really is a can't-miss conference.

GlobeSt.com: What can the industry expect at Development '14?

Kane: The slate of sessions and keynotes has never been stronger. From sessions on capital sources, succession planning and changing office demands to trends and more, there's something for every industry professional—developers, owners, brokers and everyone in between. Three sessions stand out to me as exceptional events not found anywhere else: the Interior/Build-out of the Future design competition presentations that showcase cutting-edge and creative looks at the office interior of 2020; “The Heavy Lifting of Industrial Real Estate,” featuring four of industrial's biggest power-player CEOs; and a keynote session on the influence of social trends, workforce issues and population growth by renowned demographer Joel Kotkin and Mark Stapp of Arizona State University. These are three unique events that are forward-looking and really carry us into what's next for the industry.

GlobeSt.com: What's unique about Denver?

Kane: Denver is constantly reinventing itself by revitalizing old neighborhoods, rejuvenating historical properties and launching new development. It's rapidly growing and changing with a new life-sciences district, the evolution of LoDo and extraordinary examples of adaptive reuse in creative neighborhoods. Development '14 attendees have the opportunity to see this growth first-hand during tours led by project developers and local guides. Beyond the tours, Denver's Union Station has been transformed from an abandoned rail yard into a bustling urban environment, and the NAIOP Colorado chapter is hosting a phenomenal social event during the conference. It's an exciting time to be in Denver.

GlobeSt.com: You recognize rising young professionals at the event. What makes this special?

Kane: We are recognizing 10 up-and-coming leaders with our annual Developing Leaders award, and it's always incredible to connect with these young stars. They have a contagious excitement and optimism for our industry, and it's fascinating to learn why they've gotten into the business and how they see it changing. These new voices and new perspectives are driving the future of both the industry and the association.

As GlobeSt.com Thought Leader, NAIOP will provide insight into topics impacting the commercial real estate industry as a build-up to Development '14. To register for the conference, visit www.naiop.org/development14.