The Smith Family in Lisbon, Portugal – 03/2026
With Q2 now underway, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress AIR CRE made in the first quarter of 2026 and share several important updates on the initiatives shaping the year ahead.
From the continued development of AIR CRE Contracts to strong engagement with AIR CRE Research & Listings and expanded leadership opportunities through AIR CRE>Next, Q1 reflected the steady progress being made across the organization by our Board, committees, staff, Members, and strategic partners.
AIR CRE Contracts: Technology, Expansion, and Scale
The new AIR CRE Contracts platform continues to move through beta testing as we work through final fixes, refinements, and system updates. Once this phase is complete, we will move into the rollout phase.
Early feedback from beta testers has been positive, and their input is helping ensure the system is practical, intuitive, and aligned with how brokers and transaction teams use AIR CRE Contracts in real-world dealmaking. I would especially like to thank Charles Carmichael, Executive Vice President at NAI, and his team for their time, effort, and thoughtful feedback during the beta testing process.
AIR CRE Research & Listings: Building on Momentum
AIR CRE Research & Listings continues to build on the upgrades launched in 2025 through Moody’s Pro, with strong Member engagement and continued input from our Research & Listings Advisory Board. In Q1, Advisory Board meetings were held and provided productive feedback as we continue to refine the platform and strengthen the value of AIR CRE’s research resources.
We also completed the Q4 2025 Research Insights presentation, led by Monique Ebel, AIR CRE’s Director of Research. The Q1 2026 Research Insights Town Hall has also been completed, and the Q1 SoCal Research Report and all Submarket Reports are now available for download on the AIR CRE News page.
We encourage all Members to follow AIR CRE on LinkedIn for event updates, news, research releases, and AIR CRE listing activity.
AIR CRE>Next: Developing Future Leaders
AIR CRE>Next continues to be an important part of the organization’s long-term investment in leadership development.
This year, AIR CRE established a non-voting Board position for an AIR CRE>Next graduate, further integrating next-generation leaders into the organization’s governance and long-term planning. Adam Stout, AIR CRE Associate Director, will serve in this advisory role and act as a conduit between AIR CRE>Next and the Board of Directors. Adam will participate in both groups and provide quarterly updates to the Board regarding AIR CRE>Next goals, conversations, and program priorities.
In Q1, we also launched the inaugural Board of Directors/AIR CRE>Next Mentor Program. Each Board Member has been paired with two mentees from the AIR CRE>Next group, with the goal of connecting twice per quarter. Initial meetings have already taken place, creating opportunities for younger brokers to discuss business planning, career development, relationship building, referrals, and practical lessons from experienced industry leaders.
Q1 Event Highlights and Q2 Preview
AIR CRE began the year with a strong calendar of Member programming, leadership meetings, research updates, and AIR CRE>Next events. Q1 highlights included the Board Leadership Conference, AIR CRE>Next Orientation, the Q4 2025 Research Insights Town Hall, Research & Listings Advisory Board meetings, the AIR CRE>Next Prologis Lunch & Learn, and the AIR CRE>Next Meet and Greet at El Dorado with Casey Mungo and Adam Deierling.
Q2 is also off to a strong start, with several programs already completed and additional Member education, industry events, and AIR CRE>Next opportunities scheduled throughout the quarter.
Q2 AIR CRE>Next Events
- April 30: Dedeaux Lunch & Learn
- May 14: AIR CRE>Next Day of Learning
- June 18: AIR CRE>Next Lawn Bowling – All Classes
Q2 Member Events, Research, and Contracts Programming
- April 23: Q1 2026 Research Insights – Watch the Video & Download Reports
- May 28: Connect LA Partner Event – Register Now Use code AIRCRE20 at checkout for 20% off
- June 3: Half-Day Purchase and Sale Contracts Seminar, Los Angeles – Register Now
- June 10: Half-Day Lease Contracts Seminar, Los Angeles – Register Now
- June 16, 18, 23, and 25: Research & Listings Advisory Board Meetings
In Closing
Q1 was a productive start to the year, and I am grateful to everyone contributing to AIR CRE’s momentum — our Board, AIR CRE>Next participants, Advisory Board members, event sponsors, staff, and Members.
AIR CRE’s strength comes from Member participation. Whether you are using AIR CRE Contracts, contributing to AIR CRE Research & Listings, attending events, mentoring a younger broker, or sharing feedback, your engagement helps move the organization forward.
I look forward to continuing this work with you throughout the year.
Warm regards,
Rusty Smith
President/Executive Chair, AIR CRE