This month, API Global, a global real estate services organization in over 150 markets, held its US conference in DC. Serten Advisors, API Global’s DC office, hosted the conference at the Carlyle Hotel.

Serten managing principal Steve Hubberman tells Bisnow that API’s strength is in its international brand, which means big potential here in the States. That's Steve second from left, in between colleagues Kathy Lesiuk and Paul Schweitzer.

“They’re building their brand domestically,” Steve says. “To get everyone together and to talk about the success overseas and what it means to US organizations were the highlights of the conference.”

Many of API’s lessons highlight the importance of tenant-only advocacy because the dynamic between tenants and landlords overseas is so different than in the US and Canada. In Europe and Asia, tenants pay advisor fees directly and build their own offices. Landlords provide the shell, and tenants are expected to return the office to shell when they vacate.

“We have all these resources in international markets for design-build and construction,” Steve says. “Tenants don’t have to worry about hiring an architect or planning for tenant improvements. API uses a process-centric model that integrates tenant representation with turnkey consulting, transaction and project management.”

The conference kicked off quite the stretch for Serten Advisors. Last week, at the annual CREBA awards, Paul and Adam Schindler took home the Top Leasing Agent awards for Maryland, thanks to their part in the 2U lease in Prince George’s County, Shulman Rogers Gandal Pordy & Ecker expanding and extending their lease in Foulger-Pratt's Park Potomac and a build-to-suit for US Pharmacopia in Frederick, delivering in early summer.