Last week, two dozen real estate industry VIPs strapped in for a thrilling afternoon of supercar racing and networking south of the Vegas Strip.
Hosted by The Real Deal and Amazon Key, the private event at Speed Vegas brought commercial real estate execs together to talk shop and rev the engines of some of the fastest cars outside of a formula one track. The executives turned drivers represented major brands including Papa Johns, Tide Cleaners, Tropical Smoothie, Phillips Edison, Zeal Development, Katz Retail, The Learning Experience, Dhanani Private Equity Group and more, commanding millions of square feet of CRE across their portfolios.
“What does racing supercars with a group of shopping center owners, brokers, and retailers have to do with commercial real estate?” asked Hue Chen, President of Saglo Companies. “Everything. Experience is the cutting edge of retail—and increasingly, of business itself. It’s what builds communities, creates lasting memories, and drives engagement.”
In between laps on Speed Vegas’s 1.3-mile racetrack, where drivers reached speeds of 140 miles per hour, the VIPs discussed the challenges and opportunities coming down the pike, from the realities of the volatile retail environment to the benefits of integrating cutting-edge technology into their businesses.
“Real estate is so often about the intersection of people, power and technology,” explained Seth Rogin, Chief Commercial Officer of The Real Deal. “Thanks to Amazon Key, this event brought us all together with VIP access to supercars and a great shared experience. What a thrill!”
When it comes to power and technology, very few cars in the world can compete with a The Real Deal-branded green Lamborghini Huracan and Amazon Key-branded white Porsche 911 GT3 RS that VIPs took turns whipping around the Speed Vegas track. The unique experience was a bonding opportunity for a group of execs who value access to other leading minds in their space.
“Twenty-seven of us raced, laughed, and connected. Now we’re a micro-community with a shared memory tied to The Real Deal and Amazon Key,” said Chen. “The Real Deal has always understood the power of in-person. This just proved it again.”
For more from The Real Deal in partnership with Amazon Key, download the Multifamily Market Index, which presents unique insights into the state of the multifamily market gleaned from conversations with industry leaders. And, if you’re a real estate player who wants to join the community of executives and experts that Amazon Key and The Real Deal are bringing together, reach out to Ross Fox rf@therealdeal.com.