The industrial outdoor storage (IOS) space has evolved significantly over the last 10-15 years, yet many are still unfamiliar with these unique sites. A panel of IOS investors shared their insights into the future of this sector, from the investment cycle to acquisition/disposition, and when it might be considered an institutionalized product class at I.CON East. Moderated by Justin Horowitz, debt and equity broker, Cooper Horowitz, LLC, panelists included Ryan Bain, vice chairman, CBRE; Ryan Kavanaugh, vice president, JP Morgan Asset Management; and Dan Schuchinsky, managing director, Jadian ..read more

Onshoring and nearshoring activity is spurring demand for manufacturing space as well as associated demand for logistics facilities, said Lisa DeNight, managing director, national industrial research, Newmark, at I.CON East this week in Jersey City, New Jersey. DeNight and Liz Berthelette, CRE, head of northeast research and national life science research, Newmark, co-authored a report for the NAIOP Research Foundation about the impact of manufacturing’s growth in North America and shared key takeaways during their session. “Monumental growth in manufacturing is underway and it’s an exci ..read more

“Labor availability trumps labor costs as a top concern in the Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey markets,” said David Hickey, global managing director at Hickey Associates. He led experts in a dynamic discussion at I.CON East this week in Jersey City, New Jersey. They drilled down on the region’s data and provided strategies to navigate the tight talent market. The War for Talent “Four out of five employers are concerned about the competitiveness of labor and if they can find it,” said Hickey, whose firm extensively studies labor markets for logistics and industrial customers. Businesses wa ..read more

When a catastrophe hits an area, nearly one-third of local businesses fail within two years; another third fail after that. Moderator Anne Strauss-Wieder, freight and public policy instructor at Rutger’s University, opened an expert panel discussion on why businesses and communities need supply chain resilience at the I.CON East conference this week in Jersey City, New Jersey. Fortifying the supply chain is essential to secure the long-term viability of a business and its surrounding community. Disruptions over the past few years like the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and cyberattacks ..read more

Rooftop and community solar projects can advance sustainability and ESG objectives, unlock a new revenue stream, enhance community relations, and boost property values. At I.CON East this week, NAIOP New Jersey CEO Dan Kennedy moderated a panel of speakers including Matt Schlindwein, P.E., managing partner for Greek Real Estate Partners; Mark Schottinger, president at Solar Landscape; and Kat West, LEED AP, director of sustainability at Turner & Townsend, to explore the transformative potential of rooftop and community solar projects for the industrial real estate sector. Schottinger was ..read more

Cold storage has a significant lack of existing inventory, and these buildings are traditionally located outside of major urban areas. Now, cold storage occupiers are turning to speculative buildings despite the higher price tag. A panel at I.CON East this week discussed cold storage fundamentals and how investors can maximize opportunities and minimize risks for cold storage investments. Chris Copenhaver, senior director with Cushman & Wakefield, led the discussion with Randy Thompson, vice president with Ryan Companies; Matt Wassel, principal at Saxum Real Estate; and Turner Wisehart, p ..read more

A powerhouse panel of industrial experts took to the stage at NAIOP’s I.CON East to discuss the state of East Coast industrial markets, what challenges are ahead, how macroeconomic factors could impact the sector, and what opportunities are on the horizon. Moderated by Stephanie Rodriguez, national director, industrial services, Colliers, the panel included Kate Nolan Bryden, LEED AP BD+C, senior vice president, MRP Industrial LLC; Emily Cannon, chief investment officer, Dogwood Industrial Properties; Brandi Hanback, executive vice president, co-head of development and head of FTZ, trade & ..read more

The industrial sector has seen incredible growth and appreciation over the last number of years, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet many of the positive market forces have recently shifted. How can investors, developers and service providers position themselves for the future in today’s environment? A panel discussion at I.CON East moderated by Erik Foster, principal, capital markets for Avison Young, addressed this question with the help of a powerhouse panel including Mike Brennan, chairman and managing principal at Brennan Investment Group; Matt Brodnik, chief investment officer at EQT ..read more

“As a student of cities and real estate, and understanding how they function, it’s great to be in a room full of people who actually make it happen,” opened futurist Greg Lindsay in a keynote address at NAIOP’s I.CON East conference this week in Jersey City, New Jersey. “What is artificial intelligence, and how do we talk about it now?” he posed. “It’s neither artificial – there is a lot of human knowledge that goes into the making of it – nor is it truly intelligent. The terms itself is suspect.” Firms are using AI, statistical analysis and machine learning every day to achieve things, Linds ..read more

ABCO Systems started as a pipe and rail provider in New York City’s Garment District over 30 years ago, but as automation and increasing consumer demands have increased the need for more efficient goods distribution, the company has evolved to build and integrate material handling solutions designed for the modern era. Attendees at I.CON East had the opportunity to tour the company’s facility in Carlstadt, New Jersey, which showcases the latest cutting-edge automation, storage and order fulfillment technologies transforming warehouse and distribution operations. Of the dozens of robotic, arti ..read more