REIA September Breakfast Meeting
REIA/DePaul Summit on Multifamily

September 18, 2025 at Maggianos

What is the Real Estate Investment Association?

The Real Estate Investment Association (REIA) was formed in 1987 by a group of entrepreneurial real estate professionals. The industry had just been decimated by the 1986 tax act and these professionals banded together to form an organization that would identify new business opportunities, share information that could benefit their survival and future growth, and promote networking that would not only provide introductions but lead to collaboration on new business ventures between members. REIA members not only survived but thrived.

Today, REIA continues its collaborative spirit through breakfast meetings focused on topics that are timely, relevant, and provide potential opportunities for many of its members. In addition, case studies are presented each year that celebrate the success of a project and provide insights as to the lessons learned, so that everyone can understand the application to their own business. REIA also holds several networking events in various locations to initiate, develop and enhance relationships amongst its members and guests. Our goal is to build long lasting business relationships in a social setting, not just add to a contact manager, email list or LinkedIn.

If you value a real estate organization that focuses on middle market real estate businesses and places a high value on relationship building, with an end goal of enhancing and growing our businesses together, join us at one of our events and consider becoming a member.

Are You or a Team Member Age 32 or Younger?

REIA Emerging Leaders provides an outlet for real estate professionals age 32 or younger to leverage the benefits of REIA membership and gain exposure among industry leaders. REIA Emerging Leaders are individuals who are highly ambitious and driven to distinguish themselves as true leaders in their respective fields.

As a REIA Emerging Leader, you will strengthen your career growth with the development of lasting REIA member relationships. This is accomplished through the CEN Program:

Career: create opportunities to grow your career through jobs, internships, and business transactions
Education: keep current on industry trends and develop new skills through our monthly programming
Networking: build relationships with professionals, peers, and mentors

Benefits to becoming a member of REIA Emerging Leaders include:

Discounted annual membership fees
Member pricing for all REIA events
Access to members only and Emerging Leaders events
Create a path for future REIA officers and directors
Interaction with REIA Directors and other experienced REIA members

Become a REIA Emerging Leader today and enjoy all of these benefits for a reduced membership fee of $75 per year.

Join Today

Testimonials

Ron DeVries, MAI, SRA, Senior Managing Director, Integra Realty Resources
"This is a great group for networking and I count many in the room as friends."

Alissa Adler, Managing Principal, Podolsky|Circle CORFAC International
"REIA has provided me with an opportunity to make new and valuable industry connections through their well-attended and informative events."

Greg Jones, CRA, CLCS, Risk Architect, One Digital
"Since I started working in real estate back in 2012, I have joined and participated in numerous real estate associations and organizations. Over the years, I have always found REIA to be one of the best places to connect with high quality real estate professionals that want to work together. I have established relationships through REIA that have helped me grow my practice and my network of strategic partners."

Michelle Koclanis, Marketing Director, Cullen Construction Management
"Joining REIA has been a great experience—both personally and professionally. The connections and insight I’ve gained have directly impacted how I support our clients. REIA is a broad community of real estate professionals who genuinely want to share knowledge. Serving on the Programming Committee has given me a chance to contribute, get to know members more personally, and keep learning from some of the best in the business."

Nick Ryan, Managing Director, Marquette Companies
"I have participated in REIA for many years and have built several strong business relationships and friendships over the years. REIA also provides several informative real estate events throughout the year."