DDC25: Emerging Developers Conference – Rethinking What’s Possible at David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago – Chicago, IL

Overview

Emerging Developers Conference 2025

Rethinking What’s Possible: From Vision to Financing in a Shifting Landscape

In today’s evolving economic and policy environment, success requires more than vision — it demands bold strategies, new models, and the right capital connections. The Emerging Developers Conference 2025 brings together developers, investors, policymakers, and community leaders to rethink what’s possible and move projects from vision to financing to reality.

What You’ll Experience

• Main Stage Conversations with elected officials, national leaders, and developers on market realities, shifting policies, and capital access.
• Morning Fireside Chat with Jonathan F.P. Rose, President of Jonathan Rose Companies — a national leader in sustainable, affordable, and community-centered real estate development.
• Track Sessions spanning:
• Reimagine Capital – fresh approaches to financing, gap-closing tools, and live case studies in our Capital Innovation Lab.
• Rethink Neighborhoods & Communities – from adaptive reuse and cultural hubs to data-driven planning and HBCU and church partnerships.
• Reinvent the Model – business pivots, infrastructure investment, and sustainability strategies shaping the future of development.
• Emerging Developer Track – practical roadmaps, joint venture strategies, and small-scale housing models tailored to new and mid-career developers.
• Networking Built for Impact — curated introductions, sponsor-hosted sessions, and a closing reception that connects you directly with decision-makers who can fund and partner on your deals.

Who Should Attend

• Emerging and established developers
• Finance, brokerage, construction, and design professionals
• Institutional investors, CDFIs, and impact funds
• Policy leaders and municipal decision-makers