Connect Retail West 2025

The most active and expert industry names explore how they are navigating the complexities of today’s retail environment while positioning for tomorrow’s opportunities. Find out which markets are testing new formats, embracing adaptive reuse, and rethinking what successful retail looks like in high-cost, high-density, and innovation-driven regions. Hear how the experts are approaching growth, managing risk, and aligning capital and operational strategies with long-term market realities.

• Alex J. Caruso (Moderator)
  Cox Castle
• Jim Dillavou
  Paragon Commercial Group
• Joseph Miller
  Runyon Group
• Andrew Turf
  Newmark
• Kevork Zoryan
  Arselle Investments

Industry experts break down how evolving tenant needs, changing consumer behaviors, and new retail formats are reshaping leasing strategies on the West Coast. Hear how landlords are attracting and retaining tenants, rethinking space configurations, and adapting lease terms to keep properties vibrant and income flowing—despite rising rates and shifting market dynamics.

• Barry Edwards   (Moderator)
  Greenberg Glusker
• Mitra Esfandiari
  RDC
• Michael Pakravan
  Matthews
• Matt Sebree
  Simon Property Group
• Justin Weiss
  KWP Real Estate

As the capital markets environment shifts, retail dealmaking demands greater creativity and flexibility. Industry experts discuss how buyers, sellers, and lenders are structuring transactions in the face of higher interest rates, tighter underwriting, and evolving retail fundamentals. Learn how investors are securing financing, bridging valuation gaps, and navigating lender expectations to close deals successfully in today’s market.

• Shaunt M. Kodaverdian (Moderator)
  Allen Matkins
• Cody Charfauros
  Slatt Capital
• David Chasin
  Pegasus
• Shauna Smith
  Chicago Title

• Clifford C. Cheng
  Sustainable Capital Finance

Retail’s leaders unpack how supply chain disruptions, escalating tariffs, shifting trade routes, and geopolitical shifts are reshaping retail location strategy, development timelines, tenant operations, and more. Get the experts’ long-term outlook for import-dependent retail formats, warehouse-retail integration, and how West Coast markets can adapt to an increasingly volatile trade environment.

• Mark Baxa (Moderator)
  Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)
• Jacqueline M. Moore 
  Pacific Merchant Shipping Association
• Erin Poulson Morris
  Wonderful Real Estate