Registration Questions

Call: 202-684-2034
Email: eventregistration@bisnow.com

Request Speaker Information

Speaker Topics

Tell us a Little More

Event Host

600 W. Fulton

600 W. Fulton

The original home to Sears and Roebuck’s warehouse, 600 W. Fulton is the original Fulton Market timber loft premier office building. We have over 2 plus floors available for a contiguous block of 56,867 RSF as well as smaller spec suites from 4,700 RSF. 600 West Fulton led the loft office movement in the Fulton Market area in the last century. And we’re still leading today, with creative workspaces, great amenities, and an experienced ownership team that moves ahead of change. It’s all here where the Fulton boom started.

Speakers and Panels

Financing & Investing in a Volatile Economy

What you need to know about inflation, capital market conditions and financing alternatives

Michael Episcope

Michael Episcope

Co-CEO

Origin Investments

Bart Johnson

Bart Johnson

President & Commercial Real Estate Head

Wintrust Financial

Bob Wislow

Bob Wislow

Chairman & CEO

Parkside Realty

Andy Davidson

Andy Davidson

Executive Vice President/Managing Director

Transwestern

JC Griffin, Sr.
Moderator

JC Griffin, Sr.

CEO

Griffin Venture Group

Michael Episcope

Co-CEO

Origin Investments

In 2007, Michael Episcope co-founded Origin Investments, a top-decile fund manager that helps high-net-worth investors, family offices and registered investment advisors grow and preserve wealth by providing best-in-class real estate solutions. With Michael’s leadership, Origin has $1 billion in equity under management and has executed more than $2.6 billion in real estate transactions in fast-growing markets throughout the U.S. He is co-CEO, co-chairs the investment committee and oversees investor relations and capital raising.

Prior to Origin, Michael had a prolific trading career and twice was named one of the top 100 traders in the world by Trader Monthly Magazine. Michael earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees from DePaul University. He has more

than 30 years of investment and risk management experience and has been an integral contributor to Origin’s innovative practices and investment success.

Bart Johnson

President & Commercial Real Estate Head

Wintrust Financial

Bart Johnson is the Commercial Real Estate Market Head for Wintrust Financial. He has over 25 years of banking and commercial real estate lending experience and works with the bankers across all Wintrust charters in the management of the Company’s nearly $7 billion real estate loan portfolio.

Bart is a member of the Wintrust Credit Committee and has extensive working knowledge in the construction and ownership of office developments, industrial and warehouse spaces, multifamily properties, self-storage and senior housing. Bart and his Wintrust Peers are financing projects across the country, supporting their clients’ growth and diversification efforts.

Andy Davidson

Executive Vice President/Managing Director

Transwestern

For over 30 years, Andrew has built a solid reputation as a corporate tenant representative proficient in strategic planning, GAAP accounting treatment, state and municipal incentives, build-to-suit transactions, and major headquarter relocations. Andrew has led teams that have worked with distinguished tenants across several industries, including legal, logistics, non-profit, government, healthcare, and pharmaceutical.

City Update

The impact of the Invest South/West initiative and what current building data means for the future of the city

Matthew Beaudet

Matthew Beaudet

Commissioner

City of Chicago, Dept. of Buildings

Grant Ullrich

Grant Ullrich

Deputy Building Commissioner

City of Chicago, Dept. of Buildings

AJ Patton

AJ Patton

Founder & CEO

548 Enterprise

Torrey Barrett

Torrey Barrett

Principal

Imagine Development Group

Molly Phelan

Molly Phelan

Partner

Siegel Jennings

Damian Eallonardo
Moderator

Damian Eallonardo

SVP, Operations

W.E. O'Neil

Heather Morrison
Moderator

Heather Morrison

Founder & President

MAP Strategies

Matthew Beaudet

Commissioner

City of Chicago, Dept. of Buildings

Matthew Beaudet was appointed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot on July 31, 2020, and confirmed

by City Council on October 7, 2020, to serve as Commissioner of the Chicago Department

of Buildings (DOB), a 295‐person department with an annual budget of $37 million. DOB

enhances the safety and quality of life for residents and visitors of the City of Chicago

through permitting, inspections, trade licensing, and enforcement of the Chicago

Construction Codes.

Prior to his appointment, Beaudet served as the First Deputy Commissioner of the

Department since 2011 where he worked to implement multiple reforms that have

streamlined the permit process for all building projects. From single-family-home

renovations to large-scale developments, the reforms make it quicker and more efficient to

obtain a permit than ever before. Beaudet was integral in the move to electronic plan review

in 2012, establishing Chicago as the first city to implement an electronic processing for all

permit applications requiring architectural drawings. In 2019, Beaudet worked on the team

that led the City’s adoption of the first full rewrite of the Chicago Building Code in 70 years,

making Chicago was one of the first major jurisdictions in the U.S. to align with the 2018

International Building Code.

Beaudet also served as the First Deputy Commissioner for the Chicago Department of

Public Health, the Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Central Management

Services, the Chief of Electronic Tolling at the Illinois Tollway, and the Assistant Director of

the Chicago Department of Administrative Hearings.

The first Native-American appointed to serve as a City Commissioner, Beaudet is a citizen

of the Montauk Tribe, active in local and national civil rights issues and co-founder and first

president of the Illinois Native American Bar Association. He was appointed by the Illinois

Supreme Court to serve on the Committee on Character and Fitness from 2000 to 2009 and

is a past recipient of the Illinois Bar Association’s Community Service Award. Beaudet is

also a fifth-generation Chicagoan and active in volunteer work with the Chicago Public

Schools.

Beaudet holds a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University of Chicago, a law degree from

the John Marshall Law School, and was admitted to the practice of law in Illinois in 1989.

Born in Logan Square he resides in Irving Park with wife and children.

Commissioner Beaudet, and the entire Department of Buildings team, look forward to

providing quality service as we commit to the equitable strengthening of investment and

quality of life for all 77 communities of the City of Chicago.

Torrey Barrett

Principal

Imagine Development Group

Torrey L. Barrett is a native of Chicago and the principal of Imagine Development Group, a minority-owned and certified leading boutique real estate development firm with significant local experience in market-rate, mixed-income and affordable housing. Prior to starting Imagine Development Group, Torrey has a long history of running a social justice organization to improve the quality of life for thousands of youth.

In 2004, Torrey’s reputation for providing quality service and his efforts for bringing about peace received international recognition. Torrey was appointed U.S. Chapter President of Youth Federation for World Peace International. In that capacity, Torrey facilitated bringing large groups of youth from America to foreign countries to engage the youth of those countries in peaceful negotiations. Torrey’s work in the Middle East earned him an Ambassador for Peace title by the State of Israel. As U.S. Chapter President for YFWP, Torrey has partnered with Martin Luther King, III and the Realizing the Dream organization to work with citizen of Nairobi Kenya after the post-election violence that took place.

Torrey continues to dedicate his time boards and committees representing various important causes such as Chicago’s Business Leadership Council, Associate Board of Make A Wish Foundation, and Advisory Board for Chicago Fire Department, and Board of Directors for Youth Freedom for World Peace International, Advisory Board for University of Chicago Medical, and Founding Board Member of Emerald South (Obama Foundation CDC).

Molly Phelan

Partner

Siegel Jennings

Molly is a partner in the Chicago Office of Siegel Jennings, a national property tax law firm. As a litigator and trusted advisor, she collaborates with Owners, Asset Managers, Acquisition teams and Tax Departments to identify, create and execute property tax reduction strategies. She becomes a member of her clients’ management team. Her goal is to maximize and protect the full potential of real estate assets, minimize related tax liabilities, and resolve disputes with tax authorities and government entities.

Molly’s client experience ranges from family owned 1031 portfolios to national commercial investment funds, including special use properties such as hospital campuses to multi-million-dollar manufacturing facilities.

Her comprehensive understanding of the commercial real estate market was developed in part through her time as a real estate broker in the Chicago area prior to starting her legal career. Molly regularly represents clients in hearings before review boards, local assessors’ offices, the

Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board, and the circuit courts.

Damian Eallonardo

Moderator

W.E. O'Neil

Damian joined the W.E. O’Neil with extensive experience leading several large Chicago construction firms, overseeing more than $1 billion in construction over the course of his career, implementing strategic initiatives and delivering on long-term growth goals. He is a 33-year veteran of the commercial construction industry and has worked with clients such as Sterling Bay, Draper & Kramer and Convexity Properties. He is a LEED Accredited Professional, Director of the Chicagoland Associated General Contractors as well as a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and Society for Marketing Professional Services.

Heather Morrison

Moderator

MAP Strategies

Heather Morrison is the Founder and CEO of Morrison Architectural Planning Strategies, LLC, and

MAP Studio LLC, a WBE-licensed architecture firm. She is an architectural strategist and project

manager with a twenty-five year record of successfully managing large-scale architecture and

construction projects.

After working in the field of architecture for several years, and especially while project managing with

ZGF Architects for the Lurie Children's Hospital, she often observed significant inefficiencies in how

entitlement processes for permitting, code review, and licensing were managed. Changes in the

design often have to occur after the fact within this process, exacerbating inefficiencies. Heather

found a hole in the market, which quickly became a passion for helping all sides of a development

team streamline the compliance process.

Heather started MAP Strategies (MAPS) to bring accountability to her clients, and the discipline to be

informed, organized, and prepared for the governmental regulatory process. Similar to the law,

building codes exist to systematize how architects design buildings for the safety of the public.

As a compliance partner, Heather and her team focus on editing architectural designs during

pre-construction and strategically plan the path for permitting and licensing, creating better design

outcomes while saving time, money, and resources.

Heather’s then-startup began in 2014 in the West Loop with the dream of turning compliance on its

head. Fortunately, notable developers gave her a chance early on to prove MAPS’s value–and she

and her team delivered. These early successes and a reputation for high-level service paved the way

for consistent growth in the years to follow.

Notable developments overseen by Heather and her team include: 400 North Lakeshore Drive,

Lincoln Yards, 727 West Madison, the Tribune Tower renovation, and 900 West Randolph, the tallest

building in Chicago’s West Loop.

Beyond Heather’s professional achievements, she is passionate about her civic engagement and

contributions. After a long battle with cancer, her father Michael Morrison, a prominent real estate

attorney in Chicago, passed away in 2010. To honor his legacy and commitment to giving back and

lifting up underserved populations in Chicago, Heather gathered together a fundraising committee

which eventually raised over 100 thousand dollars to endow a scholarship in Michael’s name at the

Chicago Jesuit Academy, a full-scholarship college preparatory middle school located on Chicago’s

west side. Distinguished by small classes, an extended academic day, and a longer school year, CJA

makes it possible for young men from modest economic backgrounds to find their way to outstanding

high schools and colleges which they would otherwise not be able to attend.

January 11, 2023

Heather and her team regularly volunteer as pro-bono consultants, performing zoning assessments,

code consulting, permit management and other entitlement services for affordable housing

developments.

Fireside Chat

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi joins us to discuss property tax assessments and answer your questions!

Fritz Kaegi
Fireside Chat

Fritz Kaegi

Cook County Assessor

Cook County

Angela Azmitia
Moderator

Angela Azmitia

Master of Science in Real Estate candidate

Roosevelt University

Fritz Kaegi

Fireside Chat

Cook County

Prior to beginning his career in Cook County government, Fritz spent more than 20 years valuing assets as a mutual fund portfolio manager and analyst. In his 13 years at Columbia Wanger Asset Management, Fritz served as a financial steward, helping average families save for retirement and focusing on small companies operating around the world. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Illinois Assessment Officer designations. He is also a member of the IAAO, the International Association of Assessing Officers.

Since assuming office in 2018, Fritz has brought fairness, ethics and transparency to the Cook County Assessor’s Office with a vision focused on operational changes, technological upgrades, and the elimination of favoritism. These changes have increased predictability in the assessment system and spurred investment in Chicago and Cook County.

Fritz was born and raised in the Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago and still maintains close ties to the community. He attended Hyde Park’s Kenwood Academy for high school, completed his undergraduate studies at Haverford College, and received his MBA from Stanford University.

In 2020 Fritz received the A. Philip Randolph Change Agent Award from the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum and in 2021 the Adlai Stevenson Award for Public Service from the Chicago chapter of the American Society for Public Administration.

Fritz’s wife Rebecca is a teacher; they live in Oak Park, with their three children, where Fritz is a member of First United Methodist Church of Oak Park.

Angela Azmitia

Moderator

Roosevelt University

Angela is a Master of Science in Real Estate candidate at Roosevelt University (RU). She is currently the Director of Leasing (Affordable) for Related Management. Angela is committed to discovering ways in which affordable housing and community resources can be further built into for-profit development and private-sector negotiations. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Printmedia from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and is the recipient of the Teresa Hipolito Roldan Scholarship for Tomorrow's Hispanic Leaders in Real Estate, a NAIOP Chicago University Scholar, Eisenberg Scholar, and a 2022-23 Goldie Scholar.

Changes in Chicago

What lies ahead for Chicago? Hear from industry experts about new local developments and city initiatives

Samir Mayekar

Samir Mayekar

Managing Director

Polsky Center

Michael Edwards

Michael Edwards

President & CEO

Chicago Loop Alliance

Barbara Schenberg

Barbara Schenberg

Executive Vice-President of Leasing

Parkside Realty

Chuck Hurchalla
Moderator

Chuck Hurchalla

Founder and CEO

Evolution Sustainability Group

Collete English Dixon
Moderator

Collete English Dixon

Executive Director

Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate, Roosevelt University

Michael Edwards

President & CEO

Chicago Loop Alliance

Michael M. Edwards is the President & CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance. Since joining the organization in 2012, he has overseen CLA’s historic strategic planning process. Edwards is also a founding member of the International Business District Alliance.

Barbara Schenberg

Executive Vice-President of Leasing

Parkside Realty

Barbara Schenberg joined Cushman & Wakefield in 2011 and recently was Executive Director with C&W responsible for over 2 million RSF of leasing downtown Chicago. An industry veteran with over 28 years experience, she was previously with Capital Properties where she served as Senior Vice President and Director of Midwest Region where she was responsible for the leasing and re-positioning of the historic Inland Steel Building. Previously, Ms. Schenberg was a Senior Vice President with The John Buck Company for 13 years. During her tenure with the firm, Ms. Schenberg was responsible for leasing a portfolio of over 5.2 million square feet in downtown Chicago.

Chuck Hurchalla

Moderator

Evolution Sustainability Group

Chuck Hurchalla is the president of Evolution Sustainability Group. He has over 30 years of experience in the deregulated energy markets, including natural gas, electricity and petroleum products. He is considered a subject matter expert on hedging strategies and the fundamental and technical drivers of movements in the energy markets, including renewable products. In addition, he has been instrumental in helping clients develop comprehensive energy management solutions that meet or exceed energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

Collete English Dixon

Moderator

Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate, Roosevelt University

Collete English Dixon has more than 30 years in investment management with a focus on commercial

real estate investing. Prior to her current role at Roosevelt University, she was Executive Director -

Transactions for PGIM Real Estate (formerly known as PREI), a business unit of Prudential Financial,

and co-leader of PREI’s national investment dispositions program. In that role, she oversaw the sale of

more than 200 investment properties located throughout the US, with a total value of more than $8.7

Billion, on behalf of PREI’s investment funds. Prior to her role in dispositions, English Dixon was

responsible for sourcing more than $2.75B of wholly-owned and joint venture real estate investment

opportunities in the Midwest markets covering all property types, including office, rental and for-sale

multi-family, hotel, industrial and retail properties. Collete’s experience also includes property

development and asset management.

In her current role, English Dixon is the Executive Director of the Marshall Bennett Institute of Real

Estate at Roosevelt University where she is oversees all aspects of the undergraduate real estate

major and the MSRE/MBA-RE degree programs. She is the first African American woman leader of a

higher-education real estate program in the US. She is a member of the administrative team for the

Heller College of Business and is also the program director for the university’s Hospitality and Tourism

Management undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

She is a member of the Board of Directors and a member of the Nominating Committee for Marcus

Millichap, Inc., a member of the Board of Directors for Broadstone Real Estate Access Fund and a

member of its Audit and Governance committees, a member of the Advisory Board for Waterton

Associates, LLC and a member of the Board of Directors for Community Investment CorporationChicago and the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation. She is a Past President of CREW Network, a Past

Chair of the CREW Network Foundation, and a Past President of CREW Chicago. She is also a

Global Governing Trustee and member of the Americas Executive Committee of ULI.

Why This Matters

What You'll Learn:

  • How are rising inflation rates impacting capital markets?

  • With the possibility of lenders pulling back on financing real estate developments, which alternatives can the industry turn to?

  • As Google moves to the Thompson Center and the City of Chicago rolls out its Lasalle Street Initiative, the Loop is undergoing a transformation. What does this mean for the CRE industry? How can they capitalize on these opportunities?

  • How is INVEST South/West expected to impact its communities?

  • What challenges is the CRE industry facing in the city? How does this compare to the rest of the nation? 

How You'll Do More Business:

Right now, 2023 is shrouded in uncertainty. A recent Deloitte study showed that 48% of real estate professionals are predicting a decrease in revenue in 2023, while 40% believe that revenue will actually rise next year. But what do Chicago's top developers, investors, and owners think? Enhance your business by gaining insight into real estate financing, new innovations, regulations and city revitalization efforts. Join us and the region's top players as we dive deep into the market and the trends impacting its growth.

Who Attends:

Brokers, owners, developers, investors, construction, designers, architects, financial institutions, government officials and more!

Why You Should Attend:

Bisnow events bring together the biggest power players in the industry to identify opportunities, build your network and expand your business. With the largest audience of commercial real estate professionals in the world, no one knows how to help your business more than us. Join Bisnow as we jump into the Chicago market to analyze its strengths and strategize on areas of opportunity.

For questions, recommendations, comments, or press inquiries please email our Event Producer, Erika Eringis at erika.eringis@bisnow.com.

Venue

600 West Fulton
600 W Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60661


Ride share or public transportation recommended. Limited street parking available.

Close by Parking Garages:

650 W. Fulton Market

353 N. Desplaines St.

607 W. Lake St.

Get Directions

Agenda

Time Activity
2:00 PM
3:00 PM
Breakfast & Networking
3:00 PM
3:45 PM
Financing and Investing in a Volatile Economy

What you need to know about inflation, capital market conditions and financing alternatives

3:45 PM
4:15 PM
City Update

The impact of the Invest South/West initiative and what current building data means for the future of the city

4:15 PM
4:25 PM
Networking Break
4:25 PM
4:45 PM
Fireside Chat

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi joins us to discuss property tax assessments and answer your questions!

4:45 PM
5:30 PM
Changes in Chicago

What lies ahead for Chicago? Hear from industry experts about new local developments and city initiatives

5:30 PM
6:00 PM
Post-Event Networking

What You Need to Know