INDUSTRY CONFERENCES & INVOLVEMENT
Students regularly receive scholarships or discounted access to high-impact commercial real estate conferences and professional events, offering valuable exposure to key sectors across the industry. Notable events include the ULI Fall Meeting (a three-day national conference), ICSC Las Vegas and ICSC Red River (retail-focused), the NIC Fall Conference (senior housing and care), the NAIOP Capital Markets Update, and the ULI Capital Markets Forecast.
In addition to providing knowledge and skill-building opportunities, the Institute places a strong emphasis on applied learning and professional networking. To support student engagement with the industry, the Institute offers complimentary ICSC memberships and facilitates access to discounted memberships with NAIOP, TREC, and ULI.
FEATURED CONFERENCES
2025 ULI FALL CONFERENCE
The Folsom Institute supported 20 SMU students at the 2025 Fall ULI Conference in San Francisco, providing them with direct access to industry leaders and peers from universities across the country. Through engaging seminars, panel discussions, and guided site tours, students explored timely topics such as capital markets, housing innovation, the role of AI and technology, and urban revitalization.
This immersive experience allowed students to gain real-world insights, build meaningful professional relationships, and deepen their understanding of today’s most pressing real estate challenges.
2025 ICSC CONFERENCE
Students from the SMU Real Estate Undergraduate Club recently participated in the 2025 ICSC Las Vegas Conference, gaining valuable exposure to the commercial real estate industry. Through networking events, panel discussions, and mentoring opportunities, students connected with industry leaders, explored career paths, and engaged with top firms and retailers. The experience provided a firsthand look at the dynamic world of retail real estate and helped students build professional relationships while developing key industry insights.
2024 ULI LAS VEGAS CONFERENCE
The Folsom Institute awarded 21 students scholarships to attend the 2024 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Fall Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, held from October 28th-30th. This premier industry event brought together 5,000-6,000 professionals from around the world, featuring 20+ city showcase tours, 45+ insightful sessions, and 100+ distinguished speakers.
Over three days, our students immersed themselves in high-impact networking, interactive sessions, roundtable discussions, and exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours of award-winning projects in Las Vegas. We’re thrilled that they had the chance to connect with a vast international network of industry leaders, gaining knowledge and insights that will propel their expertise and future careers.
INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT
The Folsom Institute for Real Estate is committed to bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practice. Throughout the year, the Institute actively partners with leading organizations and professional associations to host and participate in a variety of high-impact events—ranging from economic outlook panels and professional certification programs to industry award ceremonies and student-focused networking receptions.
Through events such as the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce Real Estate & Economic Outlook, NCREIF’s Professional Certificate Program in Institutional Real Estate, the NTCAR Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame Awards, and the Texas CREF Panel Discussion and Recruiting Reception in partnership with the Mortgage Bankers Association, and many more, students gain direct exposure to industry trends, insights, and career opportunities.
FOLSOM BOARD MEETINGS
Each year, the Folsom Institute for Real Estate hosts both fall and spring board meetings that bring together board members, industry professionals, SMU faculty, students, and special guests. These gatherings serve as a platform to share Institute updates, highlight student accomplishments, and explore timely topics shaping the commercial real estate industry.
Events typically include networking receptions, campus tours, and formal dinners, offering a dynamic setting for connection and collaboration. The program often features panel discussions with leading experts who provide valuable insights into current trends and challenges across various sectors of real estate, such as capital markets, data infrastructure, and emerging investment strategies.
These meetings underscore the Institute’s mission to foster industry engagement, recognize academic excellence, and support the professional development of future real estate leaders.
