Industry experts gathered in Costa Mesa on January 30 to discuss the evolving landscape of commercial real estate, offering insights into the industrial, retail, office, and multifamily sectors. The annual Commercial Real Estate Forum, hosted by Cal State Fullerton’s Center for Real Estate, provided a platform for professionals to analyze current trends and future projections.
A central panel discussion featured prominent figures from CoStar and CBRE Inc., who detailed the significant shifts impacting property markets. The conversation, moderated by a representative from the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR), addressed the challenges and opportunities facing investors, developers, and tenants in a dynamic economic environment.
Key Takeaways
- Real estate experts convened at the 2026 Commercial Real Estate Forum to analyze market trends.
- The panel focused on the industrial, retail, office, and multifamily sectors.
- Key speakers included analysts from CoStar and senior executives from CBRE Inc.
- The event highlighted the growing influence of data analytics in real estate decision-making.
- Cal State Fullerton's real estate program's growth and impact were also presented.
A Confluence of Expertise in Costa Mesa
The 2026 Commercial Real Estate Forum brought together a diverse group of real estate professionals, investors, academics, and students. Held in Costa Mesa, the event served as a critical touchpoint for understanding the forces shaping property markets across Southern California and beyond.
The forum is an annual initiative by the Center for Real Estate at Cal State Fullerton, designed to bridge the gap between academic research and practical industry application. This year's gathering focused on providing actionable intelligence for navigating an increasingly complex market.
About the Forum
The Commercial Real Estate Forum is a flagship event for Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics. It aims to foster dialogue among industry leaders and the next generation of real estate professionals, providing a comprehensive overview of market dynamics across key sectors.
Dissecting the Four Pillars of Commercial Real Estate
The core of the event was a detailed panel discussion that explored four primary real estate sectors. Moderated by Gary Martinez, president of the Inland Empire and Orange County chapter of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors, the conversation provided a granular look at market performance and future outlooks.
The Industrial Sector's Continued Evolution
Panelists examined the industrial real estate market, a sector that has undergone significant transformation due to e-commerce growth and supply chain restructuring. Discussions likely touched upon vacancy rates, rental growth, and the demand for modern logistics facilities. The insights provided would be crucial for developers and investors looking to capitalize on this robust sector.
Retail's Adaptation in a Digital Age
The retail sector was another key topic. Experts analyzed how brick-and-mortar stores are adapting to the rise of online shopping. The conversation probably focused on the success of experience-based retail, the repurposing of underutilized shopping centers, and the types of tenants that are thriving in the current environment. This analysis is vital for landlords and retailers alike as they refine their strategies.
Expert Panelists
- Jesse Gundarsheim: Senior Director of Market Analytics at CoStar, providing data-driven market insights.
- John Ellis: Executive Vice President at CBRE Inc., offering a brokerage and investment perspective.
- Kurt Strasmann: Executive Managing Director at CBRE Inc., contributing leadership and strategic oversight.
Navigating the Uncertain Office Market
The future of the office sector remains a primary concern for the industry. The panel addressed the ongoing impact of remote and hybrid work models on office occupancy and property values. Discussions would have explored the "flight to quality," where companies are prioritizing modern, amenity-rich buildings, leaving older properties struggling. Understanding these trends is essential for building owners and corporate tenants making long-term decisions.
The Multifamily Market's New Realities
Finally, the multifamily housing sector was analyzed. With affordability and housing supply being major public concerns, the experts likely discussed development trends, rent growth projections, and the factors influencing investment in apartment buildings. This segment provided attendees with a clearer picture of the residential investment landscape.
The Role of Data and Academia
The forum underscored the increasing importance of data analytics in real estate. Jesse Gundarsheim, Senior Director of Market Analytics at CoStar, brought a data-centric perspective to the discussion. His contributions highlighted how sophisticated market data is now essential for making informed investment and development decisions, moving the industry away from reliance on intuition alone.
The inclusion of a senior analyst from a major data firm like CoStar signifies a broader industry shift towards quantitative analysis. Decisions are no longer just about location; they are about deep, predictive insights derived from vast datasets.
Beyond the market analysis, the event also showcased the academic side of the industry. Jia Xie, an associate professor of finance at Cal State Fullerton, presented a research update on the university’s real estate program. She discussed the program's growth and its impact on preparing students for careers in the field, emphasizing the university's commitment to producing well-equipped graduates who can meet the industry's evolving demands.
This academic component reinforces the forum's mission: to create a symbiotic relationship where industry informs academia and, in turn, academia supplies the industry with fresh talent and cutting-edge research. The event successfully created a space for this crucial exchange of ideas and perspectives, leaving attendees better prepared for the year ahead.
