About this episode
The Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference (MREIC) is back April 27–28, 2026 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and this year's theme is Thrive. This quick special announcement features Erika Farley, Executive Director of the Rental Property Owners Association of Michigan (RPOAM), breaking down what's new, who it's for, and why you should lock in your ticket now. (Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference) You'll hear how the 2026 agenda is built around systems, real-world strategy, and operating resilience, including major focus on AI integration and a grounded economic outlook for 2026 that investors can actually use. (Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference) Conference Theme Thrive, with a clear emphasis on "Where Strategy Meets Systems" and building portfolios that can perform in changing market cycles. (Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference) What we cover in this conversation Why "Thrive" matters right now and what attendees should expect to walk away with AI keynote with Steve Brown (former executive at Google DeepMind and Intel) and what practical AI strategy looks like for investors and operators Economic forecast keynote with Dr. Paul Isely (GVSU) and why it's consistently one of the most packed sessions Featured speakers and what they're known for (private equity, tax and legal, multifamily, commercial, missing middle housing) Networking, kickoff reception, vendors, and sponsor support that make the event worth showing up for Featured speakers mentioned Steve Brown (AI keynote) Dr. Paul Isely (2026 economic outlook keynote) John Burley, Mark Kohler, Anthony Chara, Paul Moore, Nathan Biller Key agenda focus areas (2026 "Thrive" framework) Smart Systems and AI Integration Market Outlook and Economic Data Operational Risk and Compliance Capital and Acquisitions Strategy Sustainable Growth and Scaling Advanced Portfolio Management Networking and Add-on Experiences MREIC Kickoff Reception: Sunday, April 26, 2026 (5:00–7:00 PM). Included with registration, RSVP required, space limited. Private Keynote Strategy Forum: limited capacity add-on for deeper discussion (conference registration required). Hotels and L
