By Joshua Burd
The Newark Summit for Real Estate, Economic Development & Placemaking is set to return after making its high-profile debut last year in the state’s largest city.
Slated for Dec. 9, the conference is slated to bring more than 1,000 attendees to 80 Park Plaza for a daylong program of networking and panel discussions by developers, government officials and other key stakeholders in Newark. That includes Mayor Ras Baraka, who will once again keynote the event with a fireside chat with Genova Burns Chairman Angelo Genova, whose firm is returning as the conference chair.
Last year’s gathering, an offshoot of the popular Jersey City Summit, also drew some 1,000 attendees.
“There are so many wonderful growth stories — projects and initiatives being announced across Newark led by the mayor, governor and all of the wonderful public and private leaders invested in Newark,” said Sherif M. Abouzied, founding principal of the Newark Summit. “We’re excited to now annually bring all of those leaders together to help accelerate it and celebrate the accomplishments, milestones and breakthroughs these leaders are making.
“We’re privileged to add to the tapestry of initiatives already happening by Newark by its anchor and servant leaders. We’re glad our convening platform for principals can help make the best site selection, investment and inclusive growth case for Newark.”
The program, which will take place across the 23rd and 24th floors of 80 Park Plaza, will cover everything from arts and innovation to office, affordable housing and capital markets. Other confirmed speakers for this year include:
- John Schreiber, CEO and president, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
- Talia Young, CEO and president, Newark Symphony Hall
- Linda Harrison, CEO and president, Newark Museum
- Steve Williams, CEO and president, WBGO
- Julia Murphy, partner, Skidmore, Owners & Merrill
- Kerri Levine, managing principal, Fidelco Group
- Teik Lim, CEO and president, New Jersey Institute Technology
- Jonathan Schultz, cofounder and managing principal, Onyx Equities
- Adenah Bayoh, CEO and president, Adenah Bayoh & Cos./Cornbread/Brick City Vegan
- Samer Hanini, managing principal, Hanini Group
- Wasseem Boraie, managing principal, Boraie Development
- David Dishy, co-founder and CEO, LMXD
- Woody Bolton, founder and principal, Bolton Development
- Jay Biggins, founder and executive managing director, BLS & Co.
- Ron Beit, CEO and president, RBH Group
- Marcus Randolph, CEO and president, Invest Newark
- Calvin Souder, founding partner, Souder Law Group
- Leslie Anderson, CEO and president, New Jersey Redevelopment Authority
- Bernel Hall, CEO and president, New Jersey Community Capital
- Melanie Walter, executive director, New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency
- Larry Davis, CEO and president, Shorewood Real Estate Group
- Gabriel Lopez, managing principal, J&L Cos.
- Vaughn Crowe, managing partner, Newark Venture Partners
“We continue to be extremely excited for Newark’s future which has been anchored and enriched by its role as New Jersey’s innovation, human capital and cultural sweet spot,” Abouzied added. “There are so many public and private leaders collaborating — innovating and accelerating Newark’s innovation ecosystem. A national model for inclusiveness and its appeal across the corporate, cultural and investment sectors.”
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