March 27, 2025
Bank of America Plaza
600 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA

This year's Keynote Speaker is Strategic Solutions Manager for Georgia Power's Community and Economic Development group, Jennifer Zeller.

Zeller will discuss how Georgia Power supports real estate development deals, address the strain on infrastructure, and point out ways data center deals affect other real estate developments. 

Formerly Vice President of Research for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Zeller’s role focuses on location decisions, data, and helping communities prepare for growth.

The Development, Operation, and Support of Data Centers 

Data centers are at the intersection of real estate development and technological innovation. How is their power supplied? How complex is the development process? What are users of data centers seeking? What are the construction hurdles? 

This panel will highlight the opportunities and challenges inherent in data center development. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the specialization required for successful development of this product type and how data centers are mission-critical to economic development. 

Panelists:

Moderator: Charlene Ellis, Chief of Staff, Data Center Operations, Microsoft, and Georgia Tech School of Building Construction alumna.
Utility Perspective Panelist: Taylor Fairey, Project Manager, Business Development, Georgia Power; will discuss the power/electrical/technical perspective as it supports data centers and other developments.
Development Expertise Panelist: Jay DiMaggio, Data Center Services, Trammell Crow; will bring a national data center development perspective.
Contractor Perspective Panelist: Paxton Herrin, Division Manager of Critical Facilities, Brasfield & Gorrie; will discuss builder challenges with data centers and similarities/differences to institutional construction.

 

Shifting Trends in Asset Classes and Workforce Dynamics:
The Implications for Real Estate Investment 

Join a dynamic panel of experts at the forefront of real estate innovation as they explore how shifting trends in asset classes and workforce dynamics are shaping the future of the industry. Featuring leaders across diverse sectors, the conversation will dive into how student housing, life sciences, office, and retail spaces are evolving to meet new demands in a rapidly changing landscape. 

This panel will highlight the latest strategies and innovations driving the industry, from urban densification and office reimagining to emerging technologies in healthcare and life sciences. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the future of real estate assets, talent, and industry trends. 

Panelists: 

Moderator: Alex Demestihas, Managing Director, Project and Development Services, JLL and Georgia Tech alum will offer a cross-sector perspective on the future of real estate development
Retail: Edie Weintraub, Founder, Terra Alma will discuss the intersection of retail, densification, and changing consumer behaviors, as well as innovations in retail partnerships.
Life Sciences: Kim Allonce, Ph.D., Economic Development Director, City of Johns Creek, GA., will discuss how Johns Creek is the first bio-ready community in the state of Georgia.
Overall Development Lens: Charles Pinkham, Executive Vice President, Industrial at Portman Holdings, will lead conversations on student housing and multi-use developments. 
Overall Investment Lens: Scott Cullen, Broker with OnPace Partners.

Atlanta’s Real Estate Talent Pipeline: What Industry Wants 

Successful real estate development and investment depend on talented practitioners. What types of talent does the next generation of real estate development and investment require? What are the skills needed for success? 

Panelists: 

Moderator: KK Loy, an architect and current student in Georgia Tech's Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) program.
Georgia Tech Real Estate Club: Current members and alumni will discuss career paths. 
     Dylan Fader, Investment Analyst, Peachtree Group, past president of GTRE Club 
     Javen Johnson, current president of GTRE Club
Industry Perspective: Chase Powell, Senior Director of Development at Landmark Properties will discuss the talent pipeline and which skills the industry is seeking from academia.