Connecticut CCIM Chapter hosts successful annual symposium featuring keynote speaker Knakal

Cromwell, CT The Connecticut CCIM Chapter welcomed over 100 commercial real estate professionals from across the region to its 2026 Annual Symposium last month at TPC River Highlands, bringing together industry practitioners for a morning of networking, professional development, and market insight.

The premier industry event featured an anticipated keynote address by Bob Knakal, one of New York’s most prominent and successful commercial real estate brokers. Knakal shared lessons from his career and discussed the principles that have contributed to his long-term success in the industry. His presentation focused on professional discipline, expertise, and continuous improvement, providing attendees with practical strategies applicable to commercial real estate professionals at every stage of their careers.

Each attendee received a complimentary copy of Knakal’s book, $elling Building$, and had the opportunity to meet him following the program during a book signing.

Feedback from attendees reflected the value of the program. Participants described the presentation as motivational, authentic, and thought-provoking, with many highlighting Knakal’s emphasis on discipline, passion, expertise, and the “Pound the Rock” philosophy as memorable takeaways. Others noted that the presentation stood apart because it focused on the habits and mindset required for long-term professional success rather than transactional sales techniques.

“The success of this year’s Annual Symposium reflects our chapter’s commitment to delivering meaningful educational opportunities for our members and to Connecticut’s commercial real estate practitioners,” said Jennifer Lynne, president of the Connecticut CCIM Chapter. “We are deeply grateful to Bob Knakal for sharing his keen insights, wisdom and thought-provoking message.”

The Connecticut CCIM Chapter also recognized the organizations whose support helped make the symposium possible, including annual sponsors BL Companies, Upscale Construction CT, Ascend Bank, Cohn Reznick, H. Kulak & Son Commercial Roofing, Northwest Community Bank, R.D. Scinto, Inc., and Coldwell Banker Commercial. 

Since 1969, Chicago-based, The CCIM Institute, has conferred the Certified Commercial Investment member designation to commercial real estate and allied professionals through an extensive curriculum of 200 classroom hours and professional experiential requirements. Currently, there are more than 9,000 CCIMs in 1,000 markets throughout the United States, Canada, and 30 additional countries. An additional 4,000 practitioners are pursuing the designation, making The CCIM Institute the governing body of one of the largest commercial real estate networks in the world. An affiliate of the National Association of Realtors, The CCIM Institute’s recognized Designation curriculum along with the Robert L. Ward Center for Commercial Real Estate Studies, powerful technology tools, and networking programs impact and influence the commercial real estate industry. 

Visit www.ccim.com for more information or locally, www.ctccim.com