IAMC Insider: LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

Your Renewable Resource For a New Year

Ihope everyone had a fantastic holiday season and ended 2025 on a high note. As we usher in 2026, the new year brings fresh opportunities and challenges for industrial real estate and site selection. I am excited to be a part of the Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC) as we navigate the challenges ahead. IAMC is truly the best resource I have when facing new challenges or new markets. I know I can reach out to the IAMC network and get a response from someone who’s been there or done that.

Reflecting on the past year, it is clear that adaptability and innovation have become the cornerstones of success in our industry. The ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing, supply chain resilience, reshoring and sustainability has prompted us all to rethink strategies and embrace new technologies. At IAMC, we are committed to helping our members and partners navigate these changes and seize emerging opportunities.

In 2026, IAMC will continue to champion best practices, foster meaningful connections and provide valuable education through our locals, forums, international events, Corporate Connect webinars and new education programs. I encourage you to engage, share your insights and participate in our upcoming events. Together, we can shape the future of industrial development and create sustainable value for communities and businesses alike. The Spring Forum will be in Little Rock, Arkansas, April 19-22. I hope to see you there.

Looking into my crystal ball for 2026 I see continued need to find adequate power for users, continued adoption of artificial intelligence into our lives and plenty of opportunities to network and help each other out. While none of my predictions are earth-shattering to any of you, I hope you are adapting and thriving. I look forward to sharing my AI insights and hearing about your innovations as well.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. I hope you have a fantastic 2026 professionally and personally. Life’s a garden. Dig it!

— Matt M. Boehlke

Manufacturing Day 2025, Meet IAMC

As you whiteboard and calendar for the year ahead, mark these opportunities to learn, connect and grow through IAMC. And be sure to bookmark www.iamc.org/Calendar for updates and further information about meetings as well as the continuing series of Corporate Connect webinars.

Local Events

IAMC Local events have become an essential part of the organization’s focus on education, leadership development, relationship building and resources for professional development. Among the dates and communities on the docket for 2026:

International Events

Increasingly popular IAMC International events continue to bring required global perspectives to a membership with global responsibilities.

Conferences

April 18-22, 2026: IAMC Professional Forum, Little Rock, Arkansas, Little Rock Marriott
“Opportunity in Action: Harnessing Corporate Real Estate’s Competitive Advantage”: From AI-driven portfolio optimization and sustainable workplace transformation to global site selection strategies and the future of industrial operations, we’ll tackle the critical trends shaping corporate real estate today.

June 10-11, 2026, IAMC International Forum, London, England, United Kingdom, Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars
Corporate real estate is entering a period of profound transformation. Economic shifts, evolving workplace expectations, sustainability imperatives and AI-powered decision-making are reshaping the landscape — demanding agility, innovation and a forward-thinking strategy.
IAMC’s International Forum will bring together industry leaders, disruptors and visionaries to explore how organizations can adapt, thrive and unlock new opportunities in an increasingly complex environment. We’ll tackle market volatility, emerging regulations, portfolio resilience and the technologies redefining the sector, delivering real-world insights and actionable strategies to help businesses stay ahead. Join us as we chart the future of corporate real estate … because in a world of uncertainty, those who navigate change with confidence will lead the way.

October 17-21, 2026: IAMC Professional Forum, Columbus, Ohio, venue TBD
“The Innovation Imperative: Agile Real Estate Strategies for the Future”: Registration opens in spring 2026.

Photo by Denis Tangney, Jr.: Getty Images

Seen on the far right, the Little Rock Marriott, host site for the spring 2026 IAMC Professional Forum, is a prominent part of the state capital’s skyline along the Arkansas River. River Lights in the Rock lights up the Main Street, Junction and Clinton Presidential Park bridges with LED lights. The project was funded in large part by IAMC member organization Entergy Arkansas as a way to give back for 100 years of service to the State of Arkansas and the City of Little Rock.

Photo courtesy of Chicago Department of Aviation

The Westin O’Hare, host site for an August 2026 IAMC Local event, is located next door to O’Hare International Airport, ranked in September 2025 as the No. 1 most connected airport in the United States by the 2025 Official Aviation Guide (OAG) Megahubs Index. “On the busiest travel day of the year,” a release from the Chicago Department of Aviation and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office said, “O’Hare offered potential connections to 214 domestic destinations — more than any other U.S. airport.” The airport welcomed more than 8.26 million travelers in July 2025 — its busiest month in history.

Photos courtesy of Grand Hotel Birmingham

The Grand Hotel Birmingham, which will host an IAMC International event March 11-12 in Birmingham, England, originally opened in 1879 and has hosted luminaries including King George VI, Winston Churchill, the Beatles in 1965 at the height of their fame and Tom Cruise in 2021 while filming “Mission: Impossible 7.” The hotel reopened in 2021 following a £45 million restoration and refurbishment after being closed for nearly 20 years.

Photos courtesy of Grand Hotel Birmingham