Columbia Business School Real Estate Forum
The Columbia Real Estate Forum is an invitation-only group of senior industry leaders whose strategic insight, professional expertise, and philanthropic support advance the mission of the Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate.
Forum members convene throughout the year for candid, off-the-record discussions with Columbia Business School faculty and fellow executives on the issues shaping the future of real estate. These conversations strengthen the connection between academic research and industry practice while informing the Center's strategic priorities, faculty scholarship, and the MBA Real Estate Program.
Representing many of the world's leading real estate organizations, Forum members bring decades of experience across investment, development, capital markets, finance, operations, and emerging sectors. Their engagement ensures that Columbia's students benefit from current industry perspectives, meaningful access to industry leaders, and practical insights from leaders at the forefront of the field.
Forum members also provide essential philanthropic support that enables the Center to invest in its highest priorities. Annual contributions enhance the curriculum, expand faculty research, support the acquisition of proprietary data resources, provide students with advanced training in ARGUS and financial modeling, and create experiential learning opportunities through national case competitions, domestic career treks, and international study tours. Collectively, these investments strengthen the Center's educational programs, research initiatives, and industry engagement, ensuring that Columbia continues to prepare future real estate leaders while advancing the profession through research, innovation, and practice.
In addition to supporting the Center, Forum members gain access to a trusted council for candid, off-the-record dialogue with fellow industry leaders and Columbia faculty on the issues shaping global real estate. The academic setting creates a unique environment for thoughtful exchange, bringing together senior executives to explore emerging trends, challenge conventional thinking, and share perspectives that extend beyond the day-to-day demands of business.
While the core commitment centers on a few key engagements, members frequently engage in additional ways, including:
- Advise the Center’s leadership and faculty on emerging industry trends and strategic priorities.
- Contribute expertise, market data, and industry access that enrich classroom teaching and case development.
- Guest lecture, sponsor applied classroom projects, and provide students with exposure to real-world business challenges.
- Participate in executive lunches, panel discussions, site visits, and other student engagement opportunities.
- Speak at the Center's flagship conferences and industry programs.
- Join invitation-only discussions with faculty, policymakers, and industry peers on issues influencing the future of the built environment.
To view the full list of Real Estate Forum members, please visit the Members page here.