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CREFC Conference: A Look Ahead to the 2026 Gathering

The CRE Finance Council (CREFC) is gearing up to host its much-anticipated High Yield, Distressed Assets, and Servicing Conference on March 10, 2026. Taking place at the New York Athletic Club, this event promises to gather key figures from the commercial real estate finance sector, including servicers, alternative lenders, investors, and all participants in capital markets focused on commercial real estate debt.

This one-day conference will mainly explore areas related to high yield strategies and the management of sub-performing and non-performing loans. The need to adapt to the evolving landscape of credit markets is clear as private capital makes its mark, asset classes show varied performance, and pressures from loan maturities prompt shifts in investment and servicing tactics.

Lisa Pendergast, CEO of CREFC, noted, "The commercial real estate market is progressing into a period where credit conditions, asset performance, and capital availability no longer align neatly. Private credit is increasingly influential in the lending spectrum, while traditional lenders face challenges amid a complex risk landscape. Additionally, the emergence of asset stress and opportunities is not uniform across property types."

The conference aims to unite servicers, alternative lenders, and high-yield investors involved in both commercial real estate debt and equity to discuss the market's real-time changes driven by these various factors. The agenda for 2026 includes specialized sessions designed to draw on the expertise of market professionals. Topics will cover the expansion of private credit, updates on New York City's office market recovery, and multifamily real estate opportunities and challenges.

Key Sessions to Anticipate

The following sessions are among the highlights planned for the event:
1. Private Credit Expansion: An Overview of Evolving Participants in the Debt Stack
2. NYC Office Trends: Distinguishing Significant Changes in the Recovery Phase
3. The NYC Multifamily Challenge: Navigating Opportunistic Scenarios
4. Hospitality Sector Insights: A Deep Dive into Asset Stress Management
5. Innovative Servicing Approaches: Focusing on Complex and Emerging Commercial Real Estate Assets
6. Urban Real Estate Insights: A One-on-One Discussion with GFP's Brian Steinwurtzel

CREFC extends gratitude to its conference sponsors, including Partner Sponsor Holland & Knight, whose support is vital for hosting such an impactful gathering.

Event Details

• - Date: March 10, 2026
• - Location: New York Athletic Club, 180 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019
• - Registration: Interested participants can find more information and register on the CREFC website.

About CREFC

The CRE Finance Council plays a major role in representing the interests of stakeholders in the more than $6 trillion commercial real estate finance industry. With a membership of around 400 companies and about 19,000 individuals, CREFC seeks to promote liquidity, transparency, and efficiency across the sector.

For over three decades, CREFC has been a strong advocate for the industry, engaging in legislative and regulatory matters while providing education and resources for its members. To learn more about CREFC and its initiatives, visit www.crefc.org.