Where the real conversations happen: Beyond the panels

At IMN’s Real Estate Private Funds Summer, face‑to‑face networking proved why it has re‑emerged as one of the most valuable assets in a rapidly evolving real estate landscape. As digital communication becomes more transactional and market conditions demand sharper insight, in‑person conversations offer something the virtual world can’t replicate: trust, shared experiences, and the ability to read the room — quite literally.

Across the industry, the most meaningful exchanges happen when people step away from screens, shake hands, and engage in environments that encourage openness. In person conferences amplify this dynamic. With outdoor venues, experiential formats, and lighter programming, attendees gravitate toward settings where discussions feel more candid, more strategic, and more likely to translate into real deal flow.

A recent LinkedIn poll captured this shift clearly, revealing which summer networking formats industry stakeholders value most, and offering insight into how September’s conferences will continue to evolve.

What the poll reveals about summer networking behaviour

This month’s poll asked the preferred way to network at summer conferences. The results show a decisive preference for formats that blend environment, experience, and uninterrupted time:

This distribution reflects more than seasonal preference; it signals a broader shift in how attendees evaluate the value of conference networking. Attendees are choosing settings that encourage depth, not volume; quality, not speed; and connection, not convenience.

Sailboat excursions: The clear front‑runner

The sailboat’s commanding lead mirrors a trend seen across multiple real estate verticals: stakeholders want space to think, talk, and build relationships without interruption.

On the water, hierarchy softens. Conversations stretch. People open up. Deals begin in ways that feel organic rather than transactional. It’s no surprise this format dominated the poll. It reflects a growing preference for networking environments that create psychological ease and strategic clarity.

Hop aboard next June, 2027, at IMN’s Real Estate Private Funds Summer.

Cabana conversations: Relaxed spaces, and real dialogue

Poolside cabanas have become a defining feature of summer conferences because they strike the ideal balance between comfort and focus. Shaded seating, slower pacing, and informal conversation create an environment where attendees can dig into capital flows, operational hurdles, or partnership opportunities without the pressure of a crowded ballroom.

Their strong second‑place finish reflects a broader shift in conference culture: attendees want networking that feels human, not hurried.

Clambake receptions: Hospitality as a networking engine

Food‑driven networking remains one of the most effective ways to bring diverse stakeholders together. Clambake receptions encourage cross‑table dialogue, spontaneous introductions, and conversations that feel more communal than structured.

The 17% showing reflects a steady appetite for hospitality based formats that create shared experience; a powerful catalyst for relationship building across operators, lenders, developers, and investors.

Morning surf sessions: High energy networking for high‑energy markets

Though smaller in percentage, surf sessions attract a distinct type of attendee: those who thrive on momentum, challenge, and early‑morning clarity. These sessions build rapport quickly, creating a foundation for deeper conversations throughout the day.

In real estate markets where competition is intense, capital is mobile, and innovation is constant, this format resonates with attendees who want to start the day aligned, energised, and ready to make decisions. Surf‑session networking mirrors the pace of today’s deal environment: fast, focused, and built on shared experience.

Why experiential networking is outperforming traditional formats

The poll results reflect a broader industry truth: experiential networking is becoming a strategic differentiator. As conference agendas grow more complex and market conditions demand sharper insight, attendees are prioritising formats that deliver:

• Higher‑quality dialogue: relaxed settings encourage honesty and depth.
• Cross‑sector connectivity: experiential formats blend operators, lenders, developers, and capital providers more naturally.
• Better deal‑flow: conversations feel more intentional, leading to clearer opportunities.
• Memorable touchpoints: people remember where they met, not just what was discussed.
• Stronger follow‑through: relationships built in experiential settings tend to continue post‑event.

This shift mirrors what’s happening across real estate markets more broadly: precision matters. Just as investors are becoming more selective about geography, attendees are becoming more selective about how (and where) they network.

What this means for September’s conferences

As we move into September, these insights simply reinforce what attendees already value at real estate events: environments that support strategic thinking, candid dialogue, and relationship‑building beyond the traditional panel format. The experiential elements already planned for the season align perfectly with these preferences.

Whether it’s a sailboat, a cabana, a clambake, or a surf session, the message remains consistent: the real conversations (and the real deals) happen beyond the panels.

Upcoming events this September to amplify your networking

Build‑To‑Rent Fall | September 9–10, 2026 | Dallas, TXBank

Bank Special Assets Midwest | September 9–10, 2026 | Chicago, IL

Manufactured Housing East | September 9–10, 2026 | Nashville, TN

HELOCs & Second Liens | September 14–15, 2026 | Austin, TX

Southern California Middle‑Market Multifamily | September 15–16, 2026 | San Diego, CA

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) | September 15–16, 2026 | San Diego, CA

Real Estate CFO & COO East | September 17, 2026 | New York, NY

Real Estate GP/LP Summit for Emerging Managers | September 23, 2026 | New York, NY