Commercial Real Estate Speakers

A commercial real estate speaker is someone who shares expertise, insights, and trends related to the commercial property industry-on stages, podcasts, webinars, or panels. These professionals are typically seasoned investors, brokers, developers, analysts, or consultants who've spent years navigating the complexities of commercial real estate.

They might speak on topics like:
- Market cycles and economic indicators
- Investment strategies for office, retail, or industrial assets
- Leasing trends and tenant behavior
- Proptech innovations and their impact on CRE
- Regulatory shifts and zoning updates

Unlike general business speakers, commercial real estate speakers focus specifically on the built environment-how properties are developed, financed, leased, and sold. Their audience often includes investors, asset managers, architects, city planners, and even startup founders in the real estate tech space.

Some speakers are known for their data-driven approach, like those from JLL or CBRE who bring market reports to life. Others might be entrepreneurs who've scaled portfolios or launched REITs. What unites them is their ability to translate industry knowledge into digestible, engaging content for a live or virtual audience.

Whether they're keynoting a global summit or joining a niche webinar, their role is to educate, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations around commercial real estate.

When you're organizing an event focused on property, finance, or urban development, the right commercial real estate speaker can elevate the entire experience. Here's why their presence matters more than you might think.

First, they bring clarity to complexity. Commercial real estate is packed with jargon, acronyms, and shifting market variables. A strong speaker can break down NOI, IRR, and leaseback strategies in a way that even a first-time investor can follow. That kind of clarity builds trust and keeps your audience engaged.

Second, they offer timely insights. Real estate is hyper-local and constantly evolving. A speaker who's active in the field can share what's happening in real time-like how remote work is reshaping office demand in Tokyo or why industrial space is booming in the Midwest. These insights help your audience make smarter decisions.

Third, they add credibility to your event. Featuring a recognized name-say, someone who's been quoted in The Real Deal or spoken at MIPIM-signals to attendees that your show is worth their time. It also boosts media coverage and sponsor interest.

Finally, they create connection. Great speakers don't just lecture-they spark dialogue. Whether it's a live Q&A or a post-talk networking session, they help your audience engage more deeply with the content and with each other.

So if you're building a summit, podcast, or panel series, don't treat the speaker as an afterthought. They're a strategic asset that can shape the tone, depth, and impact of your entire event.

Commercial real estate speakers do more than just talk-they educate, influence, and connect. Here's a breakdown of their key roles and activities:

1. Share Market Intelligence
- They present data-driven insights on trends like vacancy rates, cap rates, and construction pipelines.
- Example: A speaker might explain how inflation is impacting multifamily development in Latin America.

2. Translate Complex Concepts
- They simplify topics like debt structuring, 1031 exchanges, or REIT performance for a broad audience.
- This is especially valuable for mixed audiences that include both seasoned pros and newcomers.

3. Inspire Strategic Thinking
- They challenge assumptions and encourage long-term thinking.
- For instance, a speaker might explore how climate risk is influencing coastal commercial investments.

4. Facilitate Industry Conversations
- On panels or in fireside chats, they help surface diverse perspectives-from urban planners to tech founders.
- This cross-pollination leads to richer discussions and unexpected insights.

5. Represent Brands and Ideas
- Many speakers are also thought leaders for their firms or platforms.
- They might represent a brokerage, a proptech startup, or an investment fund, using the stage to build visibility and trust.

In short, commercial real estate speakers act as bridges between knowledge and action. They help audiences understand not just what's happening in the market-but what to do about it.

Ready to step onto the stage and share your commercial real estate expertise? Here's a step-by-step guide to becoming a commercial real estate speaker who gets invited, gets noticed, and gets booked.

1. Define Your Niche and Message.
- Commercial real estate is a broad field. Are you focused on multifamily investing, industrial development, retail trends, or financing strategies?
- Craft a signature talk that solves a specific problem or delivers a unique insight. For example, 'How to Attract Institutional Capital for Mid-Sized CRE Projects' or 'The Future of Office Space in a Remote-First World'.

2. Build Credibility.
- You don't need to be a billionaire developer, but you do need a track record. Share your deals, your lessons, and your data.
- Publish articles on LinkedIn or Medium, appear on podcasts, or host webinars to build authority.

3. Create a Speaker Page.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to build a professional speaker profile. Include your bio, topics, testimonials, and a high-quality headshot.
- Add a short video reel or clips from past talks. If you're just starting, record a 3-minute pitch video explaining your topic and value.

4. Start Small, Then Scale.
- Reach out to local real estate meetups, virtual summits, or industry podcasts. These are great places to test your content and get feedback.
- Use those appearances to build momentum and social proof. Then pitch yourself to larger events like IMN, NAIOP, or CREtech.

5. Connect with Hosts and Organizers.
- Use Talks.co to connect directly with event hosts looking for speakers in your niche.
- Personalize your outreach. Mention why your talk fits their audience and how it adds value.

6. Keep Improving.
- Ask for feedback after every talk. Watch your recordings. Tweak your delivery, your slides, and your stories.
- Stay updated on market trends so your content stays fresh and relevant.

Becoming a commercial real estate speaker isn't about being the loudest voice. It's about being the most useful one. Start with value, and the invites will follow.

Being a commercial real estate speaker isn't just about knowing the market. It's about translating that knowledge into something audiences can use. So what exactly do you need?

First, you need domain expertise. Whether you're a broker, investor, developer, or analyst, your insights must be grounded in real-world experience. Audiences want actionable takeaways, not just theory. If you've closed deals, navigated zoning laws, or raised capital, you've got stories worth sharing.

Second, you need a clear message. A good speaker doesn't just talk - they teach. Define your core topic and how it helps your audience. For example, 'How to Underwrite Value-Add Multifamily Deals in Secondary Markets' is far more compelling than 'Trends in Real Estate'.

Third, you need presentation skills. You don't need to be a TED Talk veteran, but you should be able to speak clearly, structure your ideas, and engage an audience. Practice helps. So does feedback. Record yourself. Join a local Toastmasters group. Watch top speakers in other industries and study their delivery.

Fourth, you need visibility. A speaker page on Talks.co helps you showcase your topics, bio, and testimonials. It also connects you with event hosts looking for experts like you. Think of it as your digital business card for the speaking world.

Finally, you need a network. Relationships with event organizers, podcast hosts, and fellow speakers can open doors. Attend events, comment on industry posts, and don't be afraid to pitch yourself. The more visible you are, the more opportunities come your way.

In short: expertise, clarity, delivery, visibility, and connection. Nail those five, and you're on your way to becoming a sought-after commercial real estate speaker.

Yes, commercial real estate speakers do get paid - but how much and how often depends on several factors. Let's break it down.
At the high end, keynote speakers at large industry conferences like CREtech, NAIOP, or ICSC can earn between $5,000 and $25,000 per appearance. These are typically well-known figures with decades of experience or a strong media presence.
Mid-tier speakers, such as successful investors or brokers with niche expertise, often earn between $1,000 and $5,000 per talk. These engagements might include panel discussions, breakout sessions, or virtual summits.
However, many commercial real estate speakers start by speaking for free - especially when building their brand. These unpaid gigs can still be valuable for:
- Building credibility and authority.
- Generating leads for consulting, coaching, or deals.
- Getting footage for a speaker reel.
Here's a quick comparison:

Speaker Type	Typical Fee Range	Common Venues
Industry Keynote	$10,000 - $25,000	National CRE conferences
Niche Expert	$1,000 - $5,000	Regional events, summits, webinars
Emerging Speaker	Free or honorarium	Local meetups, podcasts, virtual panels

So yes, commercial real estate speakers get paid - but the path to paid gigs often starts with proving your value first. As mentioned in 'How to become a commercial real estate speaker', building a speaker page on Talks.co and showcasing your expertise is a great way to start attracting paid opportunities.

Commercial real estate speakers don't just rely on speaking fees. In fact, the most successful ones treat speaking as a gateway to multiple income streams. Here's how they do it:

1. Speaking Fees.
- Paid keynotes, panels, and workshops at industry events.
- Virtual summits and webinars, especially those with corporate sponsors.

2. Lead Generation for Services.
- Many speakers are also consultants, brokers, or investors. Speaking puts them in front of potential clients, partners, or investors.
- Example: A speaker discussing '1031 Exchange Strategies' might attract high-net-worth individuals looking for help.

3. Courses and Digital Products.
- Some speakers package their expertise into online courses, templates, or eBooks.
- Platforms like Kajabi or Teachable make it easy to monetize knowledge.

4. Sponsorships and Affiliate Deals.
- If you've built a following, companies may pay to sponsor your talks or webinars.
- Example: A proptech firm might sponsor a talk on 'Smart Building Trends'.

5. Event Hosting and Summits.
- Hosting your own virtual summit allows you to monetize through ticket sales, sponsorships, or upsells.
- You can also invite other speakers and create a revenue-sharing model.

6. Books and Publications.
- Publishing a book can boost your credibility and generate passive income.
- It also opens doors to higher-paying speaking gigs and media appearances.

In short, commercial real estate speakers make money through a mix of direct fees and indirect opportunities. The key is to treat speaking as a platform - not just a paycheck.

The income of commercial real estate speakers varies widely based on experience, niche, and business model. Let's look at the numbers and what influences them.

Typical Income Ranges:
- Emerging Speakers: $0 to $1,000 per event. Often unpaid or compensated with travel and exposure.
- Mid-Level Experts: $1,000 to $5,000 per event. These speakers usually have a niche and a track record.
- Top-Tier Professionals: $5,000 to $25,000+ per keynote. These are often authors, CEOs, or media personalities.

Annual Income Potential:
- A speaker doing 2-3 paid gigs per month at $3,000 each could earn $72,000 to $100,000 annually.
- Add in consulting, online courses, or sponsorships, and that number can double or triple.

Factors That Influence Earnings:
- Niche Demand: Topics like real estate tech, ESG in CRE, or institutional investing tend to command higher fees.
- Audience Size: Speaking to a room of 1,000 developers at a national conference pays more than a local meetup.
- Personal Brand: Speakers with books, podcasts, or large LinkedIn followings often earn more.

Case Study Snapshot:
- A U.S.-based CRE speaker with a focus on industrial development charges $4,500 per talk and supplements income with a $997 online course. With 20 talks and 500 course sales per year, that's over $200,000 in revenue.

So while some commercial real estate speakers make modest side income, others turn it into a six- or even seven-figure business. As mentioned in 'How do commercial real estate speakers make money', diversification is key.

Hiring a commercial real estate speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on several variables. Here's a breakdown to help you budget smartly.
Cost Tiers:
- Local Experts or New Speakers: $0 to $1,000.
- Ideal for meetups, real estate clubs, or internal corporate training.
- Often willing to speak for free in exchange for exposure or lead generation.
- Mid-Level Professionals: $1,000 to $5,000.
- These speakers bring niche expertise and some speaking experience.
- Common at regional conferences, virtual summits, and association events.
- High-Profile Speakers: $5,000 to $25,000+.
- Includes bestselling authors, CEOs, or nationally recognized investors.
- Typically headline major events or deliver keynote addresses.
Additional Costs to Consider:
- Travel and Accommodation: If in-person, expect to cover flights, hotels, and per diem.
- Customization Fees: Some speakers charge extra to tailor content to your audience.
- Recording Rights: Want to record and distribute the talk? That might cost more.
Sample Budget Table:

Speaker Type	Fee Range	Use Case
Local Broker	$0 - $500	Meetup or lunch-and-learn
CRE Consultant	$1,000 - $3,000	Virtual summit or workshop
Industry Keynote	$10,000+	National conference or expo

If you're booking through a platform like Talks.co, you can filter by budget and speaker type, making it easier to find someone who fits your event and price point. Ultimately, the cost reflects the speaker's value, not just their time.

Here's a list of standout commercial real estate speakers who've made a lasting impact on the industry through their insights, influence, and stage presence.

1. Barbara Corcoran
- Founder of The Corcoran Group and Shark Tank investor.
- Known for her rags-to-riches story and sharp real estate instincts.

2. Sam Zell (1941-2023)
- Legendary investor and founder of Equity Group Investments.
- Often called the 'Grave Dancer' for his contrarian investment style.

3. Robert Kiyosaki
- Author of 'Rich Dad Poor Dad'.
- While not strictly CRE-focused, his talks on real estate investing have influenced millions.

4. Grant Cardone
- Real estate investor and motivational speaker.
- Known for high-energy presentations and 10X-style branding.

5. Spencer Levy
- Global Chief Client Officer at CBRE.
- A frequent keynote speaker with deep market knowledge and data-driven insights.

6. Beth Azor
- 'The Canvassing Queen' and retail leasing expert.
- Popular for her tactical, boots-on-the-ground approach to CRE.

7. Ken McElroy
- Partner at MC Companies and frequent speaker on multifamily investing.
- Known for simplifying complex investment strategies.

8. Jonathan Rose
- Urban planner and real estate developer focused on sustainable communities.
- Brings a socially conscious angle to CRE discussions.

These speakers have shaped how we think about commercial real estate - not just through deals, but through ideas.

Looking for global voices in commercial real estate? These speakers bring international experience, cross-border insights, and serious stage presence.

1. Dror Poleg (Global)
- Author of 'Rethinking Real Estate'.
- Former tech executive turned futurist speaker on CRE and innovation.
- Speaks at events across the US, Europe, and Asia.

2. Chris Marlin (USA/Global)
- Founder of Lennar International.
- Known for bridging U.S. real estate with global capital markets.

3. Kirsty Bashforth (UK)
- Former BP executive and real estate board advisor.
- Focuses on organizational culture and property strategy.

4. Ronen Journo (France/UK)
- Former SVP at WeWork and Tishman Speyer.
- Speaks on flexible workspace, urban design, and innovation.

5. Sanjay Dutt (India)
- CEO of Tata Realty & Infrastructure.
- A frequent speaker on commercial development in emerging markets.

6. Debra Yudovin (USA/Global)
- Managing Director at Eastdil Secured.
- Known for capital markets expertise and global investor relations.

7. James Dearsley (UK)
- Co-founder of Unissu, a global proptech platform.
- Speaks on the intersection of technology and real estate.

8. Sophie Chick (Australia/Global)
- Head of Research at Urban Land Institute Asia Pacific.
- Brings data-driven insights to global CRE trends.

9. Richard Barkham (Global)
- Global Chief Economist at CBRE.
- Regularly speaks at global economic forums and real estate summits.

10. Liam Bailey (UK)
- Global Head of Research at Knight Frank.
- Offers macro-level insights on global property markets.

These speakers don't just understand commercial real estate - they understand how it moves across borders, cultures, and economies.

Myth 1: Commercial real estate speakers are just salespeople in disguise.

This one's common, especially among those new to the space. The assumption is that if you're speaking about commercial real estate, you're just pitching properties or trying to close deals. But the truth is, the most respected commercial real estate speakers are educators first. They break down market trends, zoning laws, financing strategies, and investment models. Take someone like Barbara Corcoran, who's known more for her insights and storytelling than for pushing listings. Her talks focus on mindset, market cycles, and negotiation tactics-not selling buildings.

Myth 2: You need to own a massive portfolio to be credible.

Not true. While experience helps, many commercial real estate speakers build authority through research, consulting, or niche expertise. For example, someone who specializes in adaptive reuse of industrial spaces might not own dozens of properties, but they've advised on hundreds of redevelopment projects. Their value comes from pattern recognition and strategic insight, not just personal holdings.

Myth 3: It's a male-dominated speaking circuit.

Historically, yes. But that's changing fast. Women like Beth Azor and Dottie Herman are not only dominating the stage but also mentoring the next wave of speakers. And globally, we're seeing more diverse voices emerge, especially in regions like Southeast Asia and the Middle East, where urban development is accelerating and local experts are stepping up to share their perspectives.

Myth 4: Speaking in commercial real estate is only for big-city professionals.

This myth overlooks the power of regional expertise. A speaker from a mid-sized city like Boise or Des Moines might have deep insights into secondary markets, which are often more dynamic and accessible than coastal metros. In fact, many investors are shifting focus to these areas, making local speakers even more relevant.

Myth 5: You have to be a full-time speaker to make an impact.

Plenty of commercial real estate speakers balance speaking with consulting, brokerage, or development. Speaking becomes a platform to share knowledge, build trust, and attract new business-not necessarily a full-time gig. Hybrid professionals often bring the most up-to-date insights because they're still in the trenches.

When you think of a commercial real estate speaker making waves, Josh Altman might come to mind. While best known from reality TV, his speaking engagements are packed with tactical advice on deal structuring, negotiation, and branding. He didn't start on stage. He built a reputation in high-end real estate, then used that credibility to speak at conferences like Inman Connect and NAR events. His talks blend entertainment with sharp strategy, making him a go-to speaker for both agents and investors.

Then there's Beth Azor, often called the 'Canvassing Queen.' She turned her deep knowledge of retail leasing into a speaking career that's taken her across the U.S. and beyond. What sets her apart? She teaches what she practices. Her sessions often include live role-plays, cold-call demos, and real-time leasing strategies. She's especially popular with leasing agents in suburban markets who want practical, repeatable systems.

In Australia, Chris Gray has carved out a niche by combining property investment with financial literacy. His speaking style is more analytical, often backed by data and case studies. He's spoken at wealth expos and real estate summits, showing how to build passive income through commercial property. His success lies in simplifying complex financial models for everyday investors.

One of the more unconventional paths comes from speakers who started as urban planners or architects. In Canada, Jennifer Keesmaat, former Chief Planner of Toronto, transitioned into speaking about sustainable urban development and commercial zoning. Her talks attract not just investors but also policymakers and developers looking to understand the future of mixed-use spaces.

These stories show there's no single path. Whether you're a broker, developer, consultant, or strategist, if you've got insights and a clear message, there's room for your voice on the stage.

As the commercial real estate landscape shifts, so does the role of the speaker. We're seeing a surge in demand for speakers who can bridge the gap between traditional real estate and emerging tech, sustainability, and global investment trends. Here's what to watch:

- Hybrid expertise is rising. Audiences want more than just market updates. They're looking for speakers who can connect real estate with AI, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), and fintech. For example, speakers who can unpack how blockchain is affecting title transfers or how AI is reshaping tenant screening are getting booked more frequently.

- Localized insights are gaining traction. While global trends matter, there's a growing appetite for hyper-local knowledge. Speakers who can explain how zoning changes in Austin or infrastructure projects in Nairobi impact commercial opportunities are in demand. Regional conferences are leaning into this by featuring local experts with boots-on-the-ground experience.

- Virtual and hybrid events are here to stay. Even as in-person events return, many organizers are keeping a digital component. This means speakers need to be comfortable presenting on camera, engaging remote audiences, and adapting their delivery for different formats. Tools like virtual whiteboards and interactive polling are becoming standard.

- Diversity of voices is expanding. There's a conscious effort to feature speakers from underrepresented backgrounds. This includes not just gender and ethnicity, but also professional background-think data scientists, community organizers, or sustainability consultants stepping into the commercial real estate spotlight.

- Short-form content is influencing long-form speaking. With platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn video gaining traction, speakers are learning to distill their insights into bite-sized, high-impact segments. This is influencing how keynotes are structured-more modular, more visual, and more story-driven.

In short, the future belongs to those who can adapt. If you're thinking about stepping into this space, now's the time to sharpen your message, broaden your lens, and embrace new formats.

Talks.co. A smart platform that matches speakers with podcast hosts. If you're just starting out, this is a great way to build your speaking resume, get comfortable on mic, and reach niche audiences in real estate, investing, or entrepreneurship.

CREtech. Stay ahead of the curve with this resource hub focused on technology in commercial real estate. Their events and webinars are goldmines for content ideas and networking with forward-thinking professionals.

SpeakerHub. A platform to list your speaker profile, find gigs, and connect with event organizers. You can filter by industry, region, and event type-perfect for targeting real estate-specific opportunities.

LoopNet. Not just for listings. Use it to research market trends and build data-backed presentations. Want to show how cap rates are shifting in secondary markets? LoopNet's data can help you tell that story.

Canva. For slide design that doesn't look like it came from 2003. Use templates tailored for business presentations, and add charts, maps, and visuals to make your message pop.

Toastmasters International. Old-school but still effective. If you're new to public speaking, this is a low-pressure way to build confidence, get feedback, and practice your delivery in a structured setting.

LinkedIn Learning. Offers courses on public speaking, storytelling, and real estate finance. Great for brushing up on skills or learning how to structure a compelling keynote.

Eventbrite. Use it to scout upcoming real estate events, both virtual and in-person. Reach out to organizers with a tailored pitch once you've built up a few speaking credits.