BOMA Southern Connecticut hosts Middle Atlantic Conference

Southern Connecticut BOMA was proud to host the 2015 Mid-Atlantic Conference in late April at the Stamford Marriott in Stamford. Members from BOMAs in the Mid-Atlantic Region attended educational sessions, took part in a trade show, visited area commercial real estate, congratulated the winners of a Regional TOBY (The Outstanding Building of the Year) and networked with old friends and made some new ones at the three-day conference. On Wednesday night, the attendees walked to the building next door to the Marriott at 263 Tresser Blvd., a local TOBY winner, to enjoy a networking social hosted by RFR Realty. This was a great way to welcome in the start of the conference. On Thursday, over 90 full delegates and 35 one-day only registrants heard from Paul Landino, president and CEO of Subway talk about the past and the future of Subway, from starting as a small sandwich shop to an International franchise. Following Landino's presentation, the Economic Development Directors from Hartford (Thom Deller), New Haven (Matthew Nemerson), Bridgeport (David Kooris), and Stamford (Tom Madden) spoke about the growth in their city. Joe McGee of the Business Council of Fairfield County moderated this lively discussion about the health of Connecticut's large cities. One of the afternoon sessions was a panel discussion on the new growth in Stamford. Cory Gubner of RHYS moderated this discussion and was joined by Dana Pike of George Comfort & Sons and Ted Ferrarone of Harbor Point (BLT). Graham Wyatt of Robert A. Sterns Architects closed out the afternoon with a talk about the impact of universities on the growth of cities. On Thursday evening, the registrants were shuttled to Trump Parc, a luxury, high-rise residential building in Stamford, to take in the views of Stamford from the party room and to view Manhattan from the rooftop of the building. Friday morning, we all headed over to Chelsea Piers for a tour of that huge sports complex, followed by lunch in their dining room. After lunch, we boarded shuttles to see all that Stamford has to offer...with stops at UBS, 3001 Summer St., and Harbor Point. Thanks to our very informative tour guides, Jeff Gage and Tom Pajolek of CBRE. Friday night's TOBY Awards dinner and reception was a great way to end this conference. Awards were given to 11 winners, from Boston to Washington, D.C. These regional award winners will now be entered into the judging on the International level. Congratulations and good luck... the MAC Region will be in LA to cheer you on!!!! Many thanks to my committee for putting together such a great conference and our many sponsors who helped make this conference such a huge success! Victor DeCicco is the president of BOMA Southern Connecticut, and is with HB Nitkin Group, Greenwich, Conn.Victor DeCicco, The HB Nitkin Group