Each year, commercial real estate leaders gather for three days of networking, dealmaking and investment opportunities at the C5 + CCIM Global Summit. This year, the event will be held at the Hilton Chicago on Michigan Avenue from Sept.16-18 with brokers, principals and developers from more than 225 companies, including Colliers, SVN, JLL, Avison Young and CBRE.

Baum Realty Group principal Deena Zimmerman has attended the event for the last four years. She said what keeps bringing her back each year is the conference’s unique combination of offerings.

“I’ve been a CRE practitioner for 17 years, and a large part of the job is attending networking events,” Zimmerman said. “What sets C5 + CCIM apart is that it's not only great for networking and connecting, but it's also educational. This is why I go every year, because it's unlike any other conference. You’re getting an education on a much higher level, thanks to the CCIM influence.”

She added that she has found herself calling and texting clients in between sessions to fill them in on the important insights into the state of the industry that are shared at C5 + CCIM.

Incoming 2026 CCIM Global President Adam Palmer said he was drawn to C5 + CCIM because of the diverse attendee list, which has included not only brokers he collaborates with but also “heavy-hitting” international investors looking for opportunities in the U.S. and decision-makers who run nine-figure family office portfolios.

“Between those business development opportunities and the prestige of the speakers that are presenting, C5 + CCIM has become a must-attend for me,” Palmer said.

Zimmerman said that she also appreciates the wide diversity of attendees at C5, from brokers and developers to CEOs and major players in the tech space who can highlight different ways of approaching CRE operations. She added that while C5 + CCIM commands a large audience, she enjoyed that the number stays closer to 1,000 versus 50,000 attendees, which allows people to connect on a more personal level. She has developed several long-term business relationships as a result of attending C5.

“There are several people whom I have admired from afar, either by following their careers or from social media, who I had the opportunity to meet at C5 + CCIM,” she said. “I have absolutely made friends, connections and gotten business done from this conference that I can guarantee you I wouldn't have gotten otherwise.”

Palmer said that these types of connections are what C5+ CCIM is all about — networking and getting deals done. People who want to get the most out of the event, however, need to make sure they take those connections to the next level once they return home.

“Follow-up is critical to maximize the return on your investment in attending any conference or meeting any opportune contact,” he said. “If that’s something that you may need reminders on, don’t worry, I am sure there will be plenty of business development tips on full display at some of the C5 presentations.”

This year, Zimmerman is especially looking forward to hearing speakers discuss interest rates, tariffs and other economy-related topics that are top-of-mind for her colleagues and clients, she said. She added that she is also particularly excited that the conference is happening in her hometown.

“I tell people to go to C5 + CCIM every year, and this year I can add that they should make a special effort to come to Chicago because it is the best city to host a convention,” she said.

Visit here to learn more about the schedule, speakers and location for this year’s C5 + CCIM conference or to register for your chance to be a part of this unique learning and networking opportunity.

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