After more than two years of turmoil, real estate markets the world over continue to present both challenges and opportunities. In the U.S., government funding has started to move through banks into the real estate sector, while in emerging markets such as China and India, overall economic growth has helped to spur increased investment activity. Against this backdrop, the Second Annual Real Estate Forum focuses on how property markets around the globe are staging a gradual recovery -- even though they remain far below the heights reached during the boom years. The Forum will bring together investors, academics and developers in real estate and finance for sessions on investing in distressed property, emerging sources of funding, and niche opportunities in housing and commercial markets, among other topics.

2009 Venue

The New York Stock Exchange

Few locations inspire and embody the spirit of business thought leadership more than the venue for this year's Real Estate Forum: The New York Stock Exchange. Built in 1903, the Exchange building at 18 Broad Street -- in the heart of the financial district -- was designated a national historic landmark in 1978.

2009 Forum Organizers

Knowledge@Wharton

Since its launch in 1999, Knowledge@Wharton, the Wharton School's award-winning online journal of business research and analysis, has evolved from a single website into a network of sites that provide cutting-edge knowledge to more than 1.31 million registered users in 200 countries. Recognized among its peers and outside experts as the premier online business school publication, Knowledge@Wharton uses innovative technology, including podcasts, videocasts and mobile channels, to engage its audience.

The Knowledge@Wharton Network includes three regional editions: Universia Knowledge@Wharton, launched in January 2003, is published in Spanish, Portuguese and English. China Knowledge@Wharton, launched in March 2005, offers articles in simplified and traditional Chinese as well as English. India Knowledge@Wharton was launched in November 2006.

Knowledge@Wharton is expanding its network to include an Arabic language edition in partnership with the Abu Dhabi-based Centre of Excellence for Applied Research & Training (CERT) in 2010.

InterConnect Events

The coordination of world-class conferences and other VIP gatherings is a highly specialized business. InterConnect Events develops discussion topics, chooses speakers and manages the production process for events worldwide that include high-ranking members of the business community, government and academia, among others.

Testimonials

"Outstanding speakers, candid discussion, insightful current issues. I would attend again."

"The program was entertaining and educational."

"Terrific! Knowledgeable panels, intellect and humor, and a fresh look at the world today."

"Outstanding forum and an opportunity for gaining knowledge about trends in emerging markets and relationship building."

"I anticipated a good program, and it was better than I anticipated."

2009 Premiere Sponsors

2009 Signature Sponsors

2009 Supporting Partners