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DDC26: Emerging Developers Conference

Where developers, capital, and deals move forward

October 14th - 15th, 2026 | Chicago, IL

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Driving Development. Continuous Results.

About the Conference

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Attendee Resources

The Emerging Developers Conference 2026 brings together the most innovative developers, investors, policymakers, and community leaders to rethink what’s possible and move projects from vision to financing to reality in commercial real estate development.

You'll experience a powerhouse morning of engaging main stage featured speakers where leaders and developers tackle market shifts and capital challenges. Enjoy an inspiring lunch keynote with Jonathan F.P. Rose, who recently closed a $660 million fund.

In the afternoon, dive into four strategic track sessions on innovative financing, adaptive community models, business pivots, and sustainability strategies in the afternoon.

Keynote Speaker

TBD

Name and Title of Speaker

Lunch Keynote

Join us for an exclusive conversation with Jonathan Rose, President of Jonathan Rose Companies, one of the nation's largest affordable housing acquisition firms with $4.6 billion in assets under management.

Jonathan Rose Companies has already led the modernization and preservation of nearly 20,000 homes, approximately 90% of which are dedicated to affordable housing.

Fresh off national headlines for closing a transformative $660 million fund, one of the largest ever, to acquire, preserve, and green affordable housing in high-demand cities nationwide, hear insights from this trailblazer whose projects deliver strong returns, measurable social impact, and climate-forward innovation perfectly timed for today’s market and policy shifts.

October 14, 2026 – pre-conference day of the 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

Small Coach™ Foundations Workshop

With Jim Heid, FASLA, Author of Building Small

Small-scale development requires clear judgment, an honest assessment of risk, and the ability to make sound decisions under changing conditions.

This interactive DDC26 pre-conference workshop helps developers strengthen those skills through facilitated coaching, peer discussion, a real-world development case study, and guided reflection. Participants will assess their own development practice and leave with clearer next steps.

October 14, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Chicago | Limited Availability

Learn more about Jim's work at Building Small.

REGISTER

Sustainability Tours at the Obama Presidential Center

Join us for DDC26 Sustainability Tours at the Obama Presidential Center on October 14th, 2026. One-hour guided tours will be provided beginning at 2:00 PM. Capacity is limited and separate registration is required.

REGISTER FOR TOURS

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