Shifting Ground: Developments & Opportunities In Central Mass Real Estate

This special forum produced by the Worcester Business Journal will bring together the key players shaping the region’s evolving real estate landscape. This high-impact event will feature local business leaders, real estate executives, developers, and industry professionals for insightful discussions on current projects, emerging market opportunities, and the forces driving growth across the Central Mass region.

Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on market trends, development challenges, and investment strategies, while building connections with the key stakeholders and leaders driving the region’s next wave of development.

AGENDA:

7:15AM Breakfast/Networking

8:15AM Welcome Remarks

8:30AM Panel l: Major Developments Shaping Central Massachusetts

Large-scale projects throughout Central Mass are redefining downtowns, revitalizing underutilized properties, and meeting growing demand for housing, mixed-use space, and modern commercial assets. Local CEO’s, developers, planners, and industry experts will explore the region’s most significant current and future projects, the challenges and opportunities they present and the economic impact on the region.

Moderator: Mark Borenstein, Partner, Prince Lobel

Panelists (to date):

• Ralph Crowley, President & CEO, Polar Beverages
• Brittany Gesner, Director of Land Development, Worcester, VHB
• Phil DeSimone, Executive Vice President, Kelleher & Sadowsky

9:25AM Panel ll: Unlocking Housing: Adaptive Reuse & Affordability

As housing demand continues across Central Mass, conversations about affordability, policy, and new development have taken center stage. This panel will explore the housing landscape through the lens of adaptive reuse, rent control and stabilization efforts, and the opportunities and challenges surrounding multifamily investment and apartment development. Industry leaders will share perspectives on how policy decisions are shaping the market and how developers are adapting to meet shifting community needs.

Panelists (to date):

• David Greaney, CEO, Synergy
• Joshua Lee Smith, Partner, Bowditch
• Nancy Niemi, President, Framingham State University

10:30AM Real Estate Awards & Fireside Chat

11:30AM Closing Remarks & Networking