As the Carolinas continue to experience dynamic growth and demographic shifts, what does the future hold for real estate across the region? This opening session brings together visionary leaders to explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping our built environment. From emerging technologies and sustainability imperatives to economic development and community resilience, our panelists will share insights on how public and private sectors can collaborate to create thriving places.

A pragmatic, place-led strategy rooted in small-scale, incremental projects to unlock variety, gentle density, and local economic strength—without sacrificing a bigger vision. Through case studies and actionable steps, learn how the Building Small approach leverages rapidly changing zoning, new forms of capital, and a locally rooted entrepreneurial ethos to build trust and more authentic places. Whether revitalizing main streets or suburban steps, adding infill housing, or reusing existing assets, this session equips you to move from idea to implementation, and start thinking about measuring success by outcomes, not square feet.