The 18th annual Boulder Valley Real Estate Conference is scheduled for November 20 at the Limelight Hotel in Boulder. The event will bring together industry professionals to discuss significant challenges facing the regional market, including high office vacancies, housing affordability, and rising insurance costs. A final opportunity for discounted registration ends at midnight on October 7.
Key Takeaways
- The 18th annual Boulder Valley Real Estate Conference will take place on November 20, 2025, at the Limelight Hotel in Boulder.
- Key sessions will focus on commercial office vacancies, middle-income housing solutions, insurance challenges, and the retail sector's evolution.
- Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors, will deliver a national housing forecast for 2026.
- Attendees can earn seven continuing-education (CE) credits. Early-bird registration pricing of $80.35 ends at midnight, October 7.
Conference Overview and Professional Development
Real estate professionals in the Boulder Valley region are preparing for the 18th annual real estate conference, a full-day event set for Thursday, November 20. The gathering will run from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Limelight Hotel, located at 1295 University Avenue in Boulder.
A significant draw for attendees is the opportunity for professional development. The conference offers seven continuing-education credits, which have been approved by BoLo Realtors and the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. These credits are a valuable asset for professionals looking to maintain their licensing requirements.
The cost for the CE credits is an additional $20, which can be purchased separately through a link on the event's registration page. This is separate from the main conference admission fee.
Registration and Pricing Details
An early-bird registration fee of $80.35 is available until midnight on Tuesday, October 7. After this deadline, the price will increase by $10.50 to $90.85. Registration can be completed on the BizWest website, the event organizer.
Addressing Critical Commercial Real Estate Issues
The conference agenda is designed to confront the most pressing issues in the commercial real estate sector. Multiple panels will feature local experts who will analyze current market conditions and explore potential future trends.
Boulder's Challenging Office Market
One of the central topics will be the state of Boulder’s office market. A panel titled "Office at a Crossroads" will examine the significant headwinds the sector faces. Persistently high vacancy rates, coupled with upcoming lease and loan renewals, have created a challenging environment.
However, the discussion will also highlight potential opportunities. Panelists will explore how emerging industries, such as aerospace, quantum technology, and artificial intelligence, could become pivotal in driving future occupancy and stimulating growth in the office sector.
The Future of Retail and Restaurants
Another session, "Vacancies to Vibrancy: Retail & Restaurant Drivers," will focus on Boulder's evolving retail landscape. Industry leaders will discuss strategies for filling persistent vacancies and the role of redevelopment in revitalizing commercial areas.
The panel will also analyze the impact of major events, such as the Sundance Film Festival, on downtown vibrancy and tourism. The discussion aims to identify how these events can create long-term economic growth opportunities for local businesses.
"Join industry leaders as they explore Boulder’s evolving retail and restaurant landscape — highlighting national and local brands entering the market, strategies for filling persistent vacancies, and the role of redevelopment."
Navigating Residential and Insurance Challenges
The conference will also dedicate significant time to the residential market, with a focus on affordability and the increasing complexities of insurance coverage.
The Quest for Middle-Income Housing
Building on previous discussions from the Boulder Valley Middle-Income Housing Summit, a session titled "Advancing Middle-Income Housing" will present actionable strategies. The goal is to address the ongoing housing affordability crisis impacting the region's workforce.
Panelists will discuss a range of potential solutions, including:
- Policy tools to encourage development.
- Innovative financing mechanisms for new projects.
- Development opportunities for attainable housing.
- Fostering collaboration between public and private stakeholders.
This session aims to move beyond identifying the problem and toward implementing concrete solutions for the Boulder Valley community.
Insurance and Risk Management
The "Insuring the Future: Risk & Warrantability in Real Estate" panel will explore the complex insurance challenges affecting the local market. Experts will address rising costs, limitations on coverage, and strict lender requirements. The discussion will offer insights for buyers, developers, and investors on how to navigate these evolving risks while maintaining market confidence.
Expert Forecasts and Development Updates
Attendees will receive both a national economic outlook and a hyper-local view of projects currently underway in the Boulder Valley. These sessions are designed to provide a comprehensive perspective on the market's future.
National Outlook from Lawrence Yun
A highlight of the conference will be the keynote address on the national housing market by Lawrence Yun, the chief economist for the National Association of Realtors. Yun is a widely respected voice in the industry, known for his data-driven analysis.
His presentation will provide predictions for 2026 and beyond, covering key metrics such as housing starts, home sales figures, price trends, and mortgage rate forecasts. This national perspective is crucial for local professionals to understand the broader economic forces influencing their market.
Local Projects on the Horizon
The conference will conclude with a forward-looking panel called "Breaking Ground." This session will feature a rundown of the most significant commercial and residential construction projects in the Boulder Valley.
Development directors from across the region will provide updates on projects in various stages, from initial planning to active construction. This session will offer attendees a clear picture of the physical changes and growth shaping the community's future.
The event is supported by several key sponsors, including charter sponsor Re/Max of Boulder, title sponsor Elevations Credit Union, and associate sponsors Ent Credit Union, Longmont Economic Development Partnership, and Lyons Gaddis.
