Inaugural
Friday, February 20, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Reynolds Hall, Morgantown
Campus
Friday, February 20, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Reynolds Hall, Morgantown Campus
about
The John Chambers College of Business and Economics is proud to host the Real Estate Trends Conference, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and students to explore what’s shaping the future of real estate, from housing and development to investment and innovation.
This one-day event will feature expert speakers from across the country, offering insights and practical perspectives on both residential and commercial real estate markets.
Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, student, or educator, this conference will provide an opportunity to:
- Learn about emerging market trends and research.
- Network with peers and industry experts.
- Gain valuable perspectives on regional and national real estate issues.
agenda
- 5:30-7:00 p.m. – VIP Sponsors Dinner, Sponsored by Steptoe & Johnson (SOLD OUT!)
- 8:15-9:00 a.m. – Check-in and Coffee, Lewis Atrium
- 9:00-9:15 a.m. – Welcome
- Dr. Josh Hall, Milan Puskar Dean, John Chambers College of Business and Economics
- 9:15-10:00 a.m. – Trends in Real Estate Development
- Jeff Neely, VP of Corporate & WV, Franklin (Moderator)
- Scott DiGuglielmo, SIOR, Executive Vice President – Brokerage, NAI Burns Scalo
- Chip Desmone, CEO, Desmone Architects
- Brian Walker, President, NAI Burns Scalo
- 10:00-10:15 a.m. – Break/Transition
- 10:15-11:00 a.m. – Residential Real Estate: Building Your Book of Business in a Relationship-Driven Industry
- Alisa Jackson, President, WV Association of Realtors
- C'Anna Keffer, Real Estate Agent, The Agency - Morgantown
- Zack Pell, Associate Broker, The Agency - Morgantown
- Matt Veith, Real Estate Agent, Howard Hanna
- 11:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – The Growth of Data Center Real Estate
- Dan Adamski, Executive Managing Director, JLL
- Michael Garcia, Manager, Business Development, WV Division of Economic Development
- Ross Langford, Vice President, JLL
- Samantha Smith, Manager, Business Development, WV Division of Economic Development
- 11:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Meet the Sponsors
- 12:00-12:15 p.m. – Break/Transition
- 12:15-1:15 p.m. – Keynote and Lunch, Russell Mills, Regional Executive, Pittsburgh, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
- 1:15-1:30 p.m. – Break/Transition
- 1:30-2:15 p.m. – Personal Branding and Promotion using Canva
- Katie Willard, Founder and CEO, The Social Bee
- 1:30-2:15 p.m. – The Lender Perspective Panel
- George Petroplus, Market President and Senior Commercial Banker, WesBanco, Inc
- Michael Epperley, EVP of Commercial Banking, WesBanco Bank, Inc.
- Annette Amtower, Sr. Mortgage Loan Officer, WesBanco Bank, Inc.
- 2:15-2:30 p.m. – Break/Transition
- 2:30-3:15 p.m. – Real Estate Law Panel
- Tammie Alexander, Executive Committee and Member, Steptoe & Johnson
- Brian Gallagher, Chair, Business Department and Member, Steptoe & Johnson
- Hampton Rose, Member, Steptoe & Johnson
- Steven Royce, Member, Steptoe & Johnson
- Heather Gentile, Of Counsel, Steptoe & Johnson
- 2:30-3:15 p.m. – Student Leadership and Engagement in Real Estate
- Maria Lombardi, Senior Associate, Industrial Services, Foundry Commercial
- 3:15-3:30 p.m. – Break/Transition
- 3:30-5:00 p.m. – Reception
Conference questions and Sponsorships
Sponsorships:
- Presenting Sponsor: exclusive to one sponsor at $5,000
- VIP Dinner: exclusive to one sponsor at $1,500 (Sold out)
- Food and Beverage: $1,000 each (Sold out)
- Reception: $1,00 each (Sold out)
- Registration: $500 each (Sold out)
thanks to our Sponsors!
VIP Dinner:
Food and Beverage Sponsors:
Networking Reception Sponsors:
Registration Sponsor: