Boston, MA On the evening of Monday, November 25th, REFA hosted its Annual Holiday Party at Central Wharf Co. Over 100 members of the industry reflected on another great year, networked with colleagues, and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres in a relaxed and festive setting. Attendees donated gift cards which will benefit FamilyAid Boston, an organization committed to helping end homelessness within the Boston area. Directly before the happy hour, REFA hosted a wrap up event for its annual Mentor-Mentee program. These pairs meet regularly throughout the year, giving mentees the opportunity to gain knowledge from seasoned members of the industry. REFA’s next Mentor-Mentee program will begin in early 2020.
invited members of the Real Estate Finance Association to join them for a panel discussion presentation at the
offices of Mintz, Boston. The topic was “CBA Women in Commercial Brokerage: Creating Legacy without Borders.”
Shown (from left) are panelists: Peter Evans of Hunneman (moderator); Tom Hynes of Colliers
International; Kristin Blount of Colliers International; Debra Gould of Newman Knight Frank and Tim Bianchi of Newmark Knight Frank.
On December 3rd, REFA hosted its last event, “A Conversation with Influential Developers.” Amanda Strong, MITIMCo, moderated a panel discussion with Jessica Hughes, Tishman Speyer, Kristen Binck, Oxford Properties, and Melissa Schrock, Boston Properties. The speakers, all members of REFA’s board, led a discussion on how they each perceive matters such as the state of the retail market in this day and age, co-working in their different developments, and how they are preparing for the changing market going into 2020.
As they wrap up another remarkable year for REFA, they look to some of its highlights:
• Over 30 educational programs and special events featuring over 40 industry leaders from the commercial real estate finance community. These programs and events included REFA’s annual forecasting luncheon, annual governor’s luncheon, golf & tennis tournament, summer panel, fall conference, gala, women’s series and community service initiatives.
• 700 members, including 250 emerging leaders, 100 corporate sponsors, and over 200 committee members
• Highest revenue producing Annual Gala: $317,000
REFA would like to thank all of the speakers, members, and corporate sponsors for their help and support in making 2019 another wonderful year! We look forward to working together in 2020!
Save the Date: REFA’s first program of 2020 will be the Annual Forecasting Luncheon. The program will be held at WilmerHale, 60 State St. on Tuesday, January 28th. Speakers to be announced shortly.
For more information about REFA and upcoming events, please visit our website www.refa.org and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn @REFABoston.