Boston, MA REFA hosted its Year-End Celebration and Holiday Party on Monday, November 21st at Bostonia Public House in downtown. Members had the chance to network with colleagues and friends and reflect on another successful year. In the spirit of giving, REFA hosted a gift card drive for its charitable partners: FamilyAid Boston, HomeStart, and Rosie’s Place. Immediately before the Holiday Party, REFA mentors and mentees gathered for the REFA Mentor Program Wrap-Up event. Participants heard from two mentor/mentee pairs about their unique experiences and insights from this year’s program.
REFA’s final education program of the year, 2023 Lodging Industry Outlook, was held on Tuesday, December 6th at PwC’s office. Larry Trabulsi, CHMWarnick, moderated the conversation with Kari Carr, Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, Nala Holmes, Pyramid Hotel Group, and Alan Suzuki, JLL. The panel of hotel owners, brokers, and management companies covered the latest trends and issues facing the lodging industry.
As we wrap up another remarkable year for REFA, we look to some of its highlights:
• REFA membership remained strong and engaged with 800+ members, including 300+ Emerging Leaders, 100+ Corporate Sponsors, and 200+ committee members.
• REFA held 10 timely virtual and in-person education events, including a property tour of NEMA Boston, featuring some of the industry’s most notable names.
• REFA hosted its 34th Annual REFA Gala at Westin Copley Place, honoring Paul Ayoub, chair, Nutter. This was REFA’s first in-person Gala since 2019 and drew support from 66 sponsors and 500+ attendees.
• Over 130 members participated in REFA’s Annual Charitable Golf & Tennis Tournament at Dedham Country & Polo Club.
• REFA’s Annual Mentor Program saw a record 52 mentor/mentee pairs, or 104 participants.
• The REFA Emerging Leaders hosted the first in-person Annual Summer Panel & Reception since 2019. They also hosted two Executive Insights Series events, as well as a property tour of 212 Stuart St.
• REFA members participated in GBREB’s first-ever Career Showcase with 80+ students from 30 colleges in attendance.
• REFA continued to elevate our focus on DEI within REFA and the broader CRE industry, including ample support from our 32 person DEI committee.
REFA would like to thank all the speakers, members, and corporate sponsors for their help and support of our organization in 2022! We look forward to working together in 2023!
Learn more about REFA, including membership, events, and ways to get involved, please visit us at www.refa.org. Follow REFA’s LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram @REFABoston.
