Inside My First ULI Conference: MSRE Candidate Brian Graezer shares his experience

Walking into the Moscone Convention Center in downtown San Francisco, I was immediately taken aback by the sheer energy of the place. More than 5,000 ULI members filled the halls for the annual fall conference, their conversations buzzing with market predictions and strategies to navigate the challenges ahead for the 2026 real estate sector.

For me, this event marked a milestone. Just three months into the University of San Diego’s real estate program, showing up to one of the industry’s biggest conferences felt like a bold move. I half expected to be overwhelmed by technical jargon and conversations beyond my depth.

Instead, the experience was eye-opening. I found myself not only keeping up with the discussions but connecting the dots, linking what I’d been learning in class to the real-world issues being debated on stage. It was the moment I realized that my education was already preparing me to engage meaningfully in the larger conversation shaping the industry’s future.

Ongoing Developments in San Francisco

One of the best parts of the conference was getting to tour some incredible project sites that offered a real sense of what downtown San Francisco will look like in the coming decade.

I had the chance to visit the Mission Rock development, right across from Oracle Park, home of the SF Giants. The 28-acre site was impressive, with new buildings blending retail, residential, and office spaces surrounded by inviting public areas. An urban beach and a vibrant plaza filled with greenery tie everything together, transforming what used to be a plain parking lot into a lively new extension of the city.

Perspectives on the Future from Top Leaders

The Mayor of San Francisco spoke passionately about his administration’s efforts to revitalize the city, emphasizing initiatives designed to enhance public safety, attract new businesses, and reenergize the Central Business District. His remarks reflected a clear commitment to transforming San Francisco into a model for sustainable urban renewal, with policies that balance economic growth, community well-being, and long-term resilience.

A retired General followed with a thought-provoking discussion on the current geopolitical landscape, offering a strategic lens shaped by decades of leadership and experience. He stressed the importance of understanding the human dimension in decision-making—how empathy, adaptability, and moral clarity are essential to navigating global uncertainty and achieving lasting stability.

Finally, the CEO of Marcus & Millichap delivered an engaging presentation on Emerging Trends in Real Estate for 2026, sharing forward-looking insights into market behavior, investment opportunities, and demographic shifts. His analysis highlighted the sectors poised for growth, the impact of shifting capital flows, and the increasing importance of sustainability and technology integration across all asset classes.

Reflections on My ULI Experience

Attending the ULI Fall Conference was more than just an opportunity to observe the real estate industry at scale; it was a chance to see how ideas, leadership, and innovation come together to shape cities and communities. From the forward-looking insights of industry leaders to the tangible transformations at Mission Rock, the experience reinforced that real estate is not just about buildings and transactions; it’s about people, vision, and strategy. 

Walking away, I felt inspired and more confident in my own path, seeing firsthand how the lessons I’m learning in the classroom translate directly into the conversations, decisions, and developments defining the future of the built environment. It was a reminder that being engaged early, asking questions, and immersing myself in these experiences will be key to contributing meaningfully to the industry’s next chapter.

Story written by: Brian Graezer, MSRE Candidate 

USD MBA/Master of Science in Real Estate Candidate (MSRE) ’26 | Former U.S Navy Aircrewman | Aspiring Developer