Portland, ME On February 29 leaders from across Maine’s real estate industry will gather for the Maine Real Estate & Development Association’s (MEREDA’s) Forecast Conference and Member Showcase. This annual event will take place at the Holiday Inn By the Bay. This year, the conference has a new afternoon format to go beyond just reporting the numbers and instead provide a forum for discussions on Maine’s economy and the responsible development opportunities in the state.

“MEREDA’s Forecast Conference provides an opportunity to connect with people and ideas,” said MEREDA president Craig Young. “It’s a day where we get to see colleagues from around the state and across various industries and also learn about the innovative ways people are pursuing responsible development. I’m looking forward to our new afternoon format which I think will help facilitate deeper conversations among our members.”

MEREDA’s Forecast Conference is geared towards builders, developers, brokers, attorneys, architects, engineers, municipal leaders, bankers, and accountants. Continuing Education credits will be available. Along with presentations from real estate leaders across various sectors and remarks on Innovating Maine’s Future with Dr. Habib Dagher, executive director of the advanced structures and composites center at the University of Maine, the conference will also include a member showcase with exhibitions from over 60 local businesses.

According to Shelly Clark, MEREDA’s executive director, MEREDA’s Forecast Conference will be held from 8am to 5pm, with the program beginning at 10am. Event sponsors include, TD Bank, Landry/French, Mainebiz, The Downs managed by Maine Properties LLC, Ready Capital, Perkins Thompson, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Belfor Property Restoration, the City of Bangor, Pierce Atwood, Sebago Technics, St. Germain, and United Insurance.