THE NEXT PHASE OF GROWTH

LEVEL UP

DDC26: Emerging Developers Conference

Where developers, capital, and deals move forward

November 18th - 19th, 2026 | University of Chicago

Gleacher Center

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Driving Development. Continuous Results.

DDC26 Conference | November 18th - 19th
Level Up: The Next Phase of Growth

Join the year’s most important gathering where emerging developers meet leading capital sources. This event brings innovators and investors together to unlock new opportunities in a changing economy.

Founded in 2023 with Midwest roots, DDC has grown into a coast-to-coast network connecting markets, sectors, and institutions to strengthen communities and expand opportunity.

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Sustainability Tours at the Obama Presidential Center

Join us for DDC26 Sustainability Tours at the Obama Presidential Center on November 18th, 2026. One-hour guided tours will be provided beginning at 2:00 PM. Capacity is limited and separate registration is required.

REGISTER FOR TOURS

Capital Development Exchange

Leadership & Capital Day brings developers, capital providers, and ecosystem partners together the day before DDC26 for two focused convenings: a hands-on readiness workshop for developers, and the Capital Matching Event — where developers and capital providers meet directly.

Capital Matching Event

The Capital Matching Event is the centerpiece of Leadership & Capital Day — a curated luncheon connecting developers and capital providers for structured, relationship-focused conversations, including Developer Project Spotlights. (Executive Introductions are being planned as part of the program; details to follow.)

Leadership & Capital Day

Featured Speakers

Commissioner Lafayette L. Crump, JD

Department of City Development, City of Milwaukee

Commissioner Lissette Castañeda

Department of Housing, City of Chicago

Robert Aguilar, MBA

President, Cabrera Capital Markets

Vamsi Bonthala, JD

CEO & Co-Founder, The Arbor Lodging

Kemena Brooks

Chief of Staff, Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)

Angela D. Brooks

Chief Housing and Urban Development Officer
City of Philadelphia

William Towns, PhD, MBA

Kellogg School of Management

Mary Ludgin, PhD

Senior Advisor & Global Investment Committee Member, Heitman

Erika Poethig

EVP for Strategy and Planning, Civic Committee and Commercial Club of Chicago

Ben Evans

Federal Legislative Director,
U.S. Green Building Council

LaVon M. Johns

Partner, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP

Amin Irving

President & CEO, Ginosko Development Company

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Four Strategic Track Sessions for Real Results

Reimagining Capital

New approaches to funding and financing. Innovative strategies and financing tools that align mission goals with institutional risk–return expectations.

Rethinking Neighborhoods & Communities

Sessions highlight adaptive land use, zoning, planning frameworks, and partnerships that balance market opportunity with long-term community goals.

Reinventing the Model

Business model transformations and operational pivots that are redefining development in today’s landscape.

Emerging Developers Track

A practical roadmap for new developers—from market analysis and partnerships to financing, execution, and asset management—with middle-market housing and infill projects as key entry points.

95% Of Past Attendees Recommend Attending

DDC has engineered this conference with clear purpose: connecting vision with financing. Every session, every speaker, every networking opportunity is designed to help you navigate from concept to capital in today's shifting economic and policy environment.

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October 3-7  |  Starting at $500

Who Should Attend?

Register

Emerging and established developers seeking capital partnerships and strategic growth opportunities
Finance, lending, and investment professionals actively deploying capital in real estate projects
Institutional investors, CDFIs, and impact funds looking for quality deal flow
Policy leaders and municipal decision-makers shaping the regulatory and development landscape