About the 2025 Forecast Symposium
On October 16, 2025, leading voices in economics, development, lending, and real estate will convene at the beautiful, modern Jefferson Performing Arts Center in Metairie to explore the theme Breaking Ground: the Emergence of a New Economy.
At the 2025 Forecast, you can expect this topic to be examined from multiple angles. We'll answer the "Who," "What," "Where," "Why" and "How," shedding light on our local and regional market current conditions and future trajectory. This year's program features six sessions, a keynote delivered by the inimitable Newell Normand of WWL's the Newell Normand Show, and up to 8 hours of high-quality continuing education*, with opportunities for networking across the commercial and residential real estate sectors. Over the last 15 years, the Forecast Symposium has emerged as the premier economic and real estate forum for our region. We are offering two ticket types at this year's event. You may opt to purchase a full-day ticket or a half-day ticket. Focus on economics and regional market activity during our 4-hour Morning block with a slate of experts in economics, development, and lending, or hear an overview from our keynote speaker, a panel discussion highlighting infrastructure and construction projects, and commercial sector updates from leading real estate voices during our 4-hour Afternoon session—or stay for the full 8 hours of continuing education. *The program is approved for 8 hours of Real Estate license CE by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission, Vendor #8970/136, and pending approval for 8 hours of Appraiser's license CE by the Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board, Vendor #5017. As the premier economic and real estate forecasting conference for the New Orleans region, the Forecast Symposium connects the real estate community. Our goal is to offer top-notch continuing education and deliver a comprehensive overview of local, regional and national market conditions, along with actionable insights that will equip you for success. Our carefully curated agenda covers a wide range of topics and a diverse array of speakers, empowering attendees to meet the needs of consumers in a dynamic and evolving marketplace.
2025 Agenda
Tickets on sale September 7, 2025. The program is approved for 8 hours of Real Estate license CE by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission, Vendor #8970/136, and pending approval for 8 hours of Appraiser's license CE by the Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board, Vendor #5017.
Breakfast & Networking
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Registration
Welcome to the 15th Annual Economic & Real Estate Forecast Symposium. Enjoy light refreshments and visit our exhibit hall.
Speakers
Committee Chair Mignon Richard Diaz, Co-Chair David Keller, Co-Chair Shannon Corrigan
Sponsored by
How is the economy emerging?
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Session One
Explore the current state of the regional economy through two expert perspectives. Dr. Gary Wagner of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette will analyze residential real estate trends using GNO region data, examining inventory levels, market outlook, and the impact of insurance costs and interest rates. Bret Swango of Colliers will discuss how labor market dynamics are shaping corporate site selection, the effects of federal policy changes on industrial investment, and the role of onshoring in Gulf South manufacturing growth.
Speakers
Gary Wagner, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Bret Swango, Colliers
Sponsored by
Why break ground in the GNO and Louisiana?
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Session Two
This panel discussion will welcome economic development leaders examining Louisiana's competitive advantages for business expansion. Topics include regional strategies for attracting investment, infrastructure readiness, major pipeline projects, demographic trends, and how real estate professionals can align with broader economic development goals to serve their communities better.
Speakers
Stephanie Riegel (moderator), Times-Picayune/Nola.com;
Michael Hecht, GNO Inc.;
Ileana Ledet, Louisiana Economic Development
Sponsored by
Break
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Morning
The mission of the Louisiana Commercial Database (LACDB.com) is to empower the commercial real estate community in Louisiana by providing an innovative suite of tools designed to manage, share, and access critical information seamlessly. Built “For Brokers by Brokers,” LACDB fosters stronger connections among industry professionals, streamlining collaboration and driving economic growth across the state. By prioritizing data integrity and reliability, we aim to enhance decision-making, promote transparency, and support the continued success of Louisiana’s commercial real estate market.
Speakers
LACDB.com
Sponsored by
What do the lenders say?
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Session Three
In this panel moderated by Bob Bergeron of Crescent Title, banking professionals will share insights on the current lending environment, discussing credit conditions, asset class preferences, regulatory impacts, and practical financing strategies. The panel will address appraisal conditions, loan structuring trends, and provide guidance on positioning deals successfully in today's often-cautious lending climate.
Speakers
Bob Bergeron, Crescent Title (moderator)
Percy Manson, Hope Federal Credit Union
Thomas Ogg, Gulf Coast Bank
Drew Remson, First Horizon Bank
Richard Ziegler, Bonvenu Bank
Sponsored by
Lunch
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Mid-day
A break for lunch and networking.
Speakers
N/A
Sponsored by
Newell Normand
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Keynote Speaker
Former Jefferson Parish Sheriff and WWL Radio host Newell Normand addresses key local real estate market issues, including development trends, affordable housing challenges, demographic shifts, and housing supply dynamics affecting the metro region.
Speakers
Newell Normand, The Newell Normand Show
Sponsored by
Where are we breaking ground?
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Session Four
Development and construction professionals will discuss active projects in the New Orleans region, examining market forces driving new construction. The panel covers navigation of rising costs and financing challenges, permitting hurdles, design adaptations, tenant demand trends, and lessons from recent project successes and challenges.
Speakers
Paul Richard, NAI Rampart (moderator)
Richard Albert, Albert Architecture
Lauren Gibbs, Gibbs Construction
Michael Merideth, Verius Property Group
Mike Sherman, Sherman Strategies
Sponsored by
Break
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Afternoon
Founded in 2009 by Betsie Gambel, Gambel Communications has established itself as a leading public relations agency with a proven track record of success.
We believe in the power of local connections, the importance of trust, and the value of strong relationships. At Gambel Communications, results always matter.
Speakers
Gambel Communications
Sponsored by
Who are the deal makers?
3:00 PM - 4:40 PM
Session Five
Four market specialists will provide sector-specific insights across retail, multifamily, industrial, and office markets. Each speaker addresses current demand drivers, market trends, financing challenges, active submarkets, and near-term forecasts for their respective property types in the GNO region.
Speakers
Kirsten Early, SRSA (Retail);
Saban Sellers, Stirling (Multifamily);
Bryce French, CBRE (Industrial);
Cres Gardner, Beau Box (Office)
Sponsored by
Closing Remarks on Artificial Intelligence
4:40 PM - 5:10 PM
Session Six
Guy Williams will speak on the growing role of artificial intelligence in the real estate & financial services industries, including how it is shaping decision-making, marketing, and transaction processes.
Speakers
Guy Williams, Gulf Coast Bank and Trust Company
Sponsored by
Cocktail Reception
5:10 PM - 6:30 PM
Post-Event
Since Crescent Title, LLC was founded in March, 2003 by Bob Bergeron and a staff of five, it has led the title industry in the New Orleans Metropolitan area, serving all Parishes in Louisiana. With seven fully operational offices, each of which is managed by a highly skilled real estate attorney, Crescent Title is able to offer extensive experience in seamless and timely residential and commercial real estate closings, as well as creations of servitude agreements, abstract analysis, condominium conversions, resolving curative issues, estate planning and succession proceedings.
Speakers
Crescent Title
Sponsored by
