Past Events

On June 26th, our chapter hosted a virtual networking breakfast in conjunction with the Traveler's Championship. We featured a special video from Traveler's Tournament Director Nathan Grube, before breaking out in small discussion rooms led by chapter leaders.

On June 23rd, our chapter hosted a conversation moderated by David Hawkins, Executive Managing Director of Cushman & Wakefield with Rachel Casanova, Senior Managing Director of Workplace Innovation at Cushman & Wakefield and Sanjiv Awasthi, Vice President of Global Real Estate at Cigna.The discussion focused on looking toward the future, and reflecting on what early lessons we have learned that will assist in making informed decisions moving forward.

On May 28th, Board Member Jeff Randolph, Managing Partner at Bluecup Ventures LLC moderated a discussion with Dr. Davide Schaumann, CEO and Founder of Spacemate, and Peter Holland, CEO of BenchCoRe a RefineRE company. They discussed resources to be used by facilities managers in the coming weeks as businesses reopen. The focus was on tools, technology and data, and leveraging information to make informed CRE decisions.

On May 14th, our chapter hosted a conversation with Kibibi Springs, Workplace Wellbeing Knowledge Lead for Herman Miller. We discussed ergonomic hack recommendations while working from home and considerations for maintaining the psychological health of employees’ as we begin to return to the office. We were also joined by Rebecca J. Pardoe, President of Results HR, LLC on maintaining psychological wellbeing as employees return to the workplace. 

On April 15th, our chapter held our first Webinar.The Covid-19 virus shutdown has impacted all of us in different ways. Moderator, Scott Kosswig, from Stanley Black and Decker led a conversation with David Griggs, CEO MetroHartford Alliance and Garrett Sheehan, CEO New Haven Chamber of Commerce. They discussed  how two of our states leading business and economic development organizations, are responding to the needs of the business community needs in their respective regions.

Chapter Hold Panel: Best Practices for Outsourced Corporate Real Estate

On February 20, over 50 guests joined us for a Panel Discussion on Best Practices for Outsourced Corporate Real Estate. Jim Scannell of Travelers moderated the discussion at the Bushnell. Our panelists, Scott Tibbo (JLL), Peter Olson (CBRE) and Dave Hawkins (Cushman & Wakefield) delved into hot topics in outsourced corporate real estate. Discussion points included emerging trends in outsourcing, insight into working for a global outsourcing firm, and common approaches for clients considering outsourcing. The panelists also spoke to technologies role in strategic value for outsource firms, and new approaches for partnerships

Chapter Members and Guests Celebrate the New Year

Over 70 Members and Guests gathered at OFI in Stamford on January 23rd to celebrate the New Year. Chapter President, Scott Tibbo addressed the crowd and Membership Chair Rebecca Nolan spoke to the value of Membership. This networking event was energizing. The chapter looks forward to more events in the area in 2020.

The chapter held the first of a planned series of educational events targeted to Connecticut and Massachusetts area college students and Young Leaders. Chapter Vice President Scott Tibbo, JLL (slated to succeed Mark Nisbett, People, Places and Spaces, as chapter President in 2020), hosted the session at UConn’s downtown Hartford facility. The Nov. 18 event was designed for those interested in gaining insight into the project management, construction and workplace professions and in learning of career opportunities from some of Connecticut's top professionals. The event featured presenters Gerry Holland, Bartlett Brainard Eacott, far left; Marcia Fowler, Herman Miller, far right: Cynthia Sanstrom, Sanstrom Design/Project Management, second from right; and Hugh Schweitzer, Clohessy Harris & Kaiser, inset.

After a highly successful run as chapter President (two-time Chapter of the Year winner), Mark Nisbett, President & CEO, People, Places and Spaces, will hand the reins to Scott Tibbo, Global Partnership Director, JLL, in January 2020. Congratulations to Mark, and best of luck to Scott!

John Vazquez, at a Sept. 19 chapter event at Mastercard’s headquarters in Purchase, N.Y., discussed Verizon’s approach to managing a 107-million square-foot global real estate portfolio. Vazquez’s presentation covered Verizon’s diverse asset mix, the company's growth and consolidation strategies and its methods for monetizing unused assets. Vazquez also highlighted the various uses for which the company designs its spaces, including “talent hubs,” “technology hubs” and co-working. Vazquez is Verizon’s Senior Vice President & Chief Supply Chain Officer and Head of Global Supply Chain and Global Real Estate. He was named CoreNet Global Corporate Real Estate Executive of the Year in 2016. Inset, the leadership and programming team behind the event. From left, Dan Elman, chapter Executive Director; Mark Nisbett, People, Places and Spaces (chapter President); Vazquez; Ken Lowell, Mastercard (host and event lead); Dave Jackson, Red Thread (Program committee chair).

Panelists present technology strategies to optimize portfolios

Peter Holland, CEO, BenchCoRE, center; Patrick Lapiene, Real Estate Senior Information Management Consultant, Aetna, far right; and Darlene Pope, Vice President and Global Lead for Smart Buildings and Digital Workplace Experience, WeWork (not shown); discussed a variety of analytical tools and integrated technology strategies to support end users’ portfolio decisions. Katy Redmond, National Director, Digital Solutions, JLL, far left, moderated the discussion. Aetna hosted the Sept. 12 event. Thanks to Patrick Lapiene for taking the lead in organizing the event.

Annual chapter golf outing raises the bar with a new attendance record

The 2019 annual golf outing set a new attendance record, with 129 golfers signed up to play at the New Haven Country Club in Hamden, Conn. Members and friends had the added bonus of the golf ball cannon shot on the 10th tee. The August 19 outing raised money for The Village, which provides health, youth development, substance-abuse treatment and other support services for children and families in the Greater Hartford region. 

Members and friends gather to salute the summer of 2019

Chapter members and friends celebrated midsummer at Sign of the Whale in Stamford. All seemed to agree at the August 8 gathering that 12 more weeks of summer (or more) would be welcome.

Speakers at Travelers Championship breakfast  tee up opportunities for economic development

David Griggs, President & CEO of the MetroHartford Alliance, far left, and Scott Kosswig, Director of Real Estate, Stanley Black & Decker, center, shared perspectives on rebranding the Greater Hartford region -- and promoting its skilled workforce and quality of life -- as a means to expand economic-development opportunities both locally and internationally. Griggs is marking his one-year anniversary leading the Alliance. Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer, Travelers, far right, spoke of the continued growth of the Travelers Championship and its power as an economic driver for the region and the state. The three executives spoke at the chapter’s annual Travelers Championship breakfast on June 21. Stanley Black & Decker hosted the event in its lounge overlooking the 18^th fairway.

UConn Hartford hosts chapter's third Women's Networking Evening

The chapter held its third annual Women’s Networking Evening, this time at UConn’s downtown Hartford campus. The event, organized jointly with CREW CT – The Real Estate Exchange, attracted about 100 people. The CoreNet Global organizing team included Terri Frink, SLAM (chapter Special Events chair), far right; Debbie Laviero, OFI, far left; Stephanie Fulbright, The Hartford, second from left; Rita Joy, Interscape Commercial Environments, second from right; and Becky Nolan, MetroHartford Alliance, third from right. Other committee members (not shown) who coordinated the event were Robyn Abbate, Wiggin and Dana LLP; Marcia Fowler, Herman Miller; and Maureen Funke, greenbox-is. The May 15 event featured presentations from some of the UConn leaders responsible for the redeveloped Hartford Times building: Robert Corbett; Executive Director & Director of Real Estate and Regional Projects; Laura Cruickshank, AVP, Master Planner and Chief Architect; and Mark Overmeyer-Velázquez, University Campus Director, Hartford. Please click here for more photos.

Stamford panelists discuss integrating CRE and corporate strategies

A diverse panel explored the keys to linking CRE strategies to corporate strategies. Panelists discussed the challenges of maintaining communication channels with business unit leaders whose needs and objectives aren’t always in alignment with one another. The group covered outsourcing strategies and a broad range of tactical subjects, including mobile workforces and co-working space. From left, Dave Jackson of Red Thread (moderator); Patti Vreeland, who leads the Corporate Real Estate, Procurement and Security departments at USI Insurance Services; John Pursell, who’s responsible for the CRE program at Newell Brands; and Pay Wu, who leads Cushman & Wakefield’s TriState Consulting practice. Thanks to Colin Blair of Cushman & Wakefield (far right in inset) and Jason Chapman of Red Thread (far left in inset) for organizing the event. UConn hosted the May 10 program at its Stamford facility.

End user panel considers the many aspects of real estate portfolio agility

A panel of end users discussed “portfolio agility” and its many ramifications. The group covered co-working, leasing strategies, work-at-home, partnerships with HR and methods to track occupancy, among other subjects. Left photo, from left, Jim Ryan, Director, EMEA Real Estate & Global Workplace Strategy, Pitney Bowes; Cindy Leary, Vice President, Lead Strategic Planner, Citizens Bank; and John Matos, Real Estate Manager, Stanley Black & Decker. Right photo, Dave Hawkins, Executive Managing Director in Cushman & Wakefield’s Corporate Services practice, moderated the discussion. The UConn School of Business hosted the April 30 session. Special thanks to Craig Lapinski, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager, Fuss & O’Neill, for taking the lead in organizing the event.

CRE leaders discuss intersection of corporate and CRE strategy

Panelists discussed their varied experiences in trying to marry corporate and corporate real estate strategies. They talked candidly of both their successful projects and those that had less-than-perfect outcomes. The latter, they agreed, proved to be valuable learning experiences. From left, Mike Walling, Vice President, Corporate Real Estate, Travelers; Jordan Haynes, AVP and Head of Real Estate and Facilities, Hartford Steam Boiler; and Scott Kosswig, Director of Real Estate, Stanley Black & Decker. Jordan Haynes hosted the March 7 event at Hartford Steam Boiler’s ON20 restaurant. Thanks to Dave Jackson of Red Thread for moderating the discussion, and especially to Stevanie Demko, Principal, id3A, for taking the lead in organizing the event.

Fairfield / Westchester members and guests welcome the New Year

Chapter President Mark Nisbett of People, Places and Spaces, bottom right, and Immediate Past President Scott Kosswig of Stanley Black and Decker, bottom left, presented highlights of 2018 to more than 50 chapter members and guests at the Fairfield / Westchester New Year’s party on Jan. 31. OFI hosted the event at its Stamford showroom.

Members toast a successful 2018 and Chapter of the Year award

Members of the CoreNet Global Connecticut Westchester board of directors and advisory board toasted a successful 2018, including a high renewal rate, additional sponsorship growth and the Chapter of the Year award for 2018, at the annual Year in Review Holiday party. From left, Robyn Abbate, Wiggin and Dana LLP; Pete Olson, CBRE; Scott Tibbo, JLL; Stephanie Fulbright, The Hartford; Scott Kosswig, Stanley Black & Decker; Mark Nisbett, People, Places and Spaces (and Chapter President), holding the Chapter of the Year trophy; Marcia Fowler, Herman Miller; Wade Godin, CVS; Bill Clegg, STV/DPM; John Putnam, Cushman & Wakefield; Dave Jackson, Red Thread; and Dan Elman, Elman Consulting (and chapter Executive Director). Fowler was named 2018 Outstanding Volunteer of the Year for her work chairing the Sponsorship committee (and growing sponsorship). Red Thread hosted the Dec. 11 event in East Hartford. Inset, Robyn Abbate presents toys collected at the party to Jennifer Meligonis DeJohn, Development Officer at The Village. Click here for more party photos.

Skip Weisman provides counsel on workplace communication

Skip Weisman, business coach and workplace communication consultant, discussed the “Seven Deadly Communication Mistakes – and How to Avoid Them” at the chapter’s annual joint breakfast with the Connecticut Valley chapter of the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS). Nearly 100 members and friends attended the Nov. 14 event, which Stanley Black & Decker hosted once again at its New Britain, Conn., world headquarters campus. After his talk, Weisman, a former professional baseball executive, signed copies of his book, Overcoming the 7 Deadliest Communication Sins.

University-outreach event draws from UConn and U. of Hartford

Students from the University of Connecticut and the University of Hartford joined chapter Young Leaders, chapter board members and other chapter members at a university-outreach networking event at Bear’s Smokehouse in downtown Hartford. Some 40 people attended the Nov. 8 event, making this the largest university-outreach program that the chapter has ever organized. The event followed a visit to UConn in Storrs, at which Scott Tibbo of JLL, Chapter President Mark Nisbett of People, Places and Spaces, and Leo Pupim of VisionPoint introduced UConn real estate students to CoreNet Global and the various moving parts of a corporate real estate career. Special thanks to Scott Tibbo leading this important effort.

Chapter named Chapter of the Year for second time in five years

The chapter was excited to be named Chapter of the Year in the Small-to-Medium Chapter category. The award was announced at the 2018 Boston Summit. It was the second time in five years that the chapter was considered the best chapter in the world, and the sixth straight year in which the chapter was a finalist for the award. From left, Leo Pupim, VisionPoint; Pete Olson, CBRE; Rosalind Dos Santos, who attended the Summit from Johannesburg, South Africa; Dave Jackson, Red Thread; Mark Nisbett, People, Places and Spaces (and chapter President); Becky Nolan (front), MetroHartford Alliance; Jan McKenzie, ASSA ABLOY; Scott Tibbo, JLL; and Dan Elman, chapter Executive Director. Dos Santos serendipitously joined the Connecticut Westchester table at the Global Awards & Recognition Dinner, and her former company, Liberty Financial Services, which she was representing, received the Global Innovation Award (she didn’t know she was receiving the award until it was announced). She celebrated with the chapter and was welcomed as a “forever friend” of the Connecticut Westchester chapter.