By Joshua Burd
I.CON, the annual mass gathering of industrial real estate professionals, is going virtual.
NAIOP, which organizes the multiday conference, announced Monday that I.CON Virtual will take place online from June 23 to 25. The format will feature afternoon sessions over three days, with video networking between each session that will allow attendees to connect via small groups, roundtable discussions and participation in panels.
I.CON, a national event that has taken place in Jersey City in recent years, has drawn sold-out crowds of more than 800 attendees.
“This online conference, focused specifically on industrial real estate, will provide the critical knowledge you need — now more than ever — to keep you ahead of the curve and prepared for the post COVID-19 environment,” NAIOP wrote in its announcement. “While the delivery method has changed, the quality content and caliber of speakers are the same.”
With the industrial market booming, the event has grown so popular in recent years that NAIOP, which had been rotating the conference between the East and West Coasts, was set to host two editions of the gathering this year. I.CON Spring was set for April 2 to 3 in Huntington Beach, California, while I.CON Summer was scheduled for June 4 to 5 in Jersey City.
But the industry association is pivoting to the online format in response to the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing requirements. According to NAIOP, this year’s virtual sessions will explore industrial demand, the continued growth of e-commerce, investing in the post-COVID-19 environment and industrial amenities and tenant requirements.
CBRE’s Spencer Levy, the firm’s chairman of Americas research and senior economic adviser, will keynote the event. NAIOP expects to share details about event sessions and the full schedule shortly.
