Panel discussions focused on renovations to the city’s airports and issues concerning Astoria will be the highlights of the QNS Real Estate Conference scheduled for Nov. 19 at Terrace on the Park in Flushing.
MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas Prendergast will also serve as keynote speaker for the breakfast networking event presented by the Star Network and The Queens Courier, in association with the Real Estate Board of New York.
Industry experts will participate in a panel discussion from 9 to 10 a.m. addressing the potential impact of the multibillion-dollar investment in NYC airports on the Queens real estate market. Scheduled speakers include Stephen Sigmund, executive director of the Global Gateway Alliance; Tyler Morse, CEO and managing partner of MCR Development; Thomas Grech, executive director of the Queens Chamber of Commerce; Kevin Costello, director of properties and corporate real estate for JetBlue; and Robert Walsh, senior managing director at CPEX Real Estate.
The other panel discussion, from 10 to 11 a.m., is called “An Insider’s Perspective: Astoria,” which will center around the ever-changing northwest Queens neighborhood. Those scheduled to participate include Eric Benaim, CEO and president of Modern Spaces; Joseph Pistilli, chairman and CEO of the Pistilli Realty Group; and George Karnoupakis, associate with Vanbarton Group LLC. A representative of the Durst Organization will also be on the panel.
The discussions are preceded by breakfast and networking from 8 to 8:45 a.m. and Prendergast’s speech from 8:45 to 9 a.m.
“The Queens real estate market has tremendous opportunity and projects underway changing the landscape of many neighborhoods,” said Schneps Communications Co-Publisher Joshua Schneps. “This event will bring together experts in the industry to share insight and network with others working or interested in the Queens real estate industry.”
“The QNS Real Estate Conference is a great showcase for the increasingly important Queens residential and commercial markets,” said REBNY President John Banks. “REBNY members are deeply involved with a growing number of game-changing projects throughout Queens, our largest borough and top tourist destination.”
Tickets are $75 per person, but REBNY members can get a ticket for $60; tables of 10 are available for $700 each.
Register online at qns.com/reconference. For sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities, contact Amy Amato by calling 718-224-5863, ext. 201, or emailing aamato@queenscourier.com.
