The Real Estate Finance Association (REFA) will kick off 2013 by hosting its annual Forecasting Luncheon on January 16th, at Bingham McCutchen LLP. The yearly members-only luncheon attracts well over 100 REFA members, and addresses a broad range of topics affecting the economic climate and investment outlook for the year ahead. Scott Tully, a principal at Novaya Ventures, will lead a panel featuring Paul Willen, senior economist and policy advisor for the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston; Doug Poutasse, executive vice president of Bentall Kennedy; and Steve Wendel, executive managing director of Berkeley Point Capital.
In addition to the panel, attendees are asked to personally forecast where various aspects of the market will stand at the end of 2013 - a highlight of the luncheon. The questions range from where the Dow Jones Industrial Average will be, to what average pricing will per s/f in the city/suburbs, to what the median home sale price will be in the Greater Boston area. Attendees were asked the same questions in 2012, and those who made the most accurate predictions will be recognized at this year's luncheon.
The REFA Emerging Leaders group is off to a great start in 2013, with three programs planned in the coming months.
On February 26th, they will be hosting a breakfast series featuring Anthony Crooks, a director at AEW Capital Management LP. The Emerging Leaders Breakfast series gives emerging leaders an opportunity to engage with senior level professionals in an intimate, interactive setting.
On March 20th, REFA Emerging Leaders will roll up their sleeves and help sort frozen food for an evening at the Greater Boston Food Bank. REFA Emerging Leaders typically these a few times throughout the year.
On March 21st, the Emerging Leaders will be hosting an evening to learn the popular sport of Curling at Broomstones Curling Club in Wayland.
For more information about the REFA Emerging Leaders and any other upcoming events, please visit their website at: www.refa.org.