Urban Land Institute (ULI) or others worth it?

Hey guys,

Anyone working in RE (specifically in NYC) and a member of ULI or another group like it?

What do you think of it? Pros/cons? I'm trying to decide if it will be worth joining.

Thanks

 

I'm in ULI SF and it's been nothing but helpful. They have a 'Young Leaders' goup for people under 35 with discounted rates as well. Lots of contacts, interesting events, and great exposure.

It can be a little bit awkward at first if you don't know a lot of people in the industry. It's kind of like rushing a fraternity or joining a university club. You're in a room with 100 different people, everyone is talking, and you have to work your way into conversations. After going a few events though the faces start to look a lot more familiar. Like anything, you get out what you put in. Get involved with YLG and try to get on a committee if possible.

Afer 18 months I've met a ton of people through ULI. Contacts that help at work and as well as a good network of people if you're trying to make moves. Do it.

 

I can't speak enough about how much ULI has helped my network, my resume, and my transition toward development. NAIOP or whatever is fine for brokerage, but ULI has urban planner, financiers, developers, architects, engineers, public health people, brokers, investors, and every other profession tied into real estate. Best group to be in.

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

I've joined a wide variety of real estate related groups over the past 4 years (TREC, ULI, CCIM, ICSC, NAIOP) and I have found ULI to have the best content, most diverse membership, and the most "heavy hitters"

 

NAIOP if industrial or office focused. ULI for all asset types. NMHC for multi-fam (I think these are just national conferences). ICSC if retail focused. CCIM/SIOR if you're a broker.

These are all worthwhile depending on you're place in the industry. I am in NAIOP / ULI, both young leaders groups - a mentorship group in ULI and hoping to get into a 30 under 35 group for NAIOP this month. Both are strong in my location, and are the best way to network.

 

ULI is a fantastic networking tool. Albeit, the senior members usually control the discussions (at least in my market). However, we have a separate "junior members" meeting every now and then. This group is comprised of brokers, lenders/ bankers, developers, government workers, etc. Everyone is friendly and simply looking to make connections and move up in the world.

I'd say give it a shot and see if you feel like it. In my market, we allow prospective members to go to a few meetings before paying the membership fee.

 

Im in a pretty similar situation and would have to agree with everyone above, Uli is an excellent resource. The member email list is great for getting in contact with more senior people and networking purposes

 
Squeegee:

Im in a pretty similar situation and would have to agree with everyone above, Uli is an excellent resource. The member email list is great for getting in contact with more senior people and networking purposes

Can't believe I forgot this one. The member list is so unbelievably key when finding a job or internship. Executives who NEVER provide their contact info anywhere have it listed fully on the site and are usually impressed, in my experience, that you even found them.

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 
Best Response

I'm a massive proponent of ULI. Not only is it great for networking with people in the industry (real estate attorneys, civil engineer, architects, designers, developers, brokers, city planners, etc.) but it is a great source of knowledge with the Urban Land magazine and all of the case studies and a great resume booster. I was a co-chairman of an action council and got nominated to a regional young leaders council. A lot of hiring managers are also ULI members and really seem to care about both of these. Also, you get to experience some seriously cool stuff. I went to San Francisco this fall and got to meet with the developers of 181 Fremont, Salesforce Tower, and "City Park" in the Transbay district and also see all of those projects first hand.

If you are a broker, there are a ton of other groups you should ALSO join, but if you're anything else in the industry, ULI is the best IMO.

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

Check out the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) institute as well known for its networking and commercial investment curriculum. Real Estate professionals include brokers, asset managers, appraisers, developers, etc. I would recommend pursuing the designation as well but you need a portfolio of work experience covering 5 years and the completing the core and elective courses.

 
madman91:

Hey all,

I'm attending my first ULI conference/ event next week; it is a round-table discussion where a group of current/ recently graduated university students and 1st/ 2nd year CRE professionals are paired with 3 industry leaders.

Anyone who has attended ULI events, could you please chime in with any of your experiences/ advice? There is a cash bar networking opportunity after the event, so I'm guessing it would be a good idea to bring my resume and network?

All of my ULI experiences have been overwhelmingly positive with a terrific mix of people/professionals. Let me know how it goes

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

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