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Navigating Opportunity Zones: Insights from Novogradac Conference 2026

On October 29-30, 2026, market participants will convene in Washington, D.C. for the highly anticipated Novogradac 2026 Fall Opportunity Zones Conference. This year's conference is especially pertinent as the opportunity zones (OZ) incentive has been made permanent under the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Participants will delve into the evolving landscape of opportunity zones and discuss strategies to maximize their investments throughout this pivotal cycle.

What Awaits Attendees?

Investors, fund managers, developers, and advisors will gather to explore several critical areas. The conference will kick off with an update on the latest policies and legislative developments impacting opportunity zones. Notably, Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, is slated to address the audience. His insights will likely shed light on how government initiatives could impact economic activity in OZs.

In addition, sessions will touch on key topics such as:

• - The implications of regulatory changes on investments in OZs
• - Insights on interpreting OZ guidance accurately
• - Case studies highlighting challenges faced by stalled projects, capital gaps, and partner disputes
• - Approaches to restructuring projects in difficulty

A Key Moment for Stakeholders

The significance of this conference cannot be overstated, particularly as the filing deadlines for new OZ nominations approach and designations from the U.S. Department of the Treasury are expected in the fall. As Jason Watkins, a partner at Novogradac and conference chair, articulated, "OZ stakeholders are at a critical moment in the incentive's next cycle. This conference represents a key opportunity to connect with peers and prepare before investment activity accelerates and competition intensifies."

Pre-Conference Workshops

Before the main event, Novogradac will also offer two informative workshops on October 28. The Opportunity Zones Basics Workshop is designed for those new to the concepts of qualified opportunity funds and properties. The Beyond OZ Basics Workshop will dive deeper into the complexities of planning, financing, and ensuring compliance with OZ regulations. Both workshops require separate registrations and present a unique opportunity for tailored learning.

Conference Sponsors and Collaborations

This year, the conference is co-hosted by respected organizations including Bonaventure, Greenberg Traurig LLP, JTC Group, and OZfile. A number of prominent sponsors will also be present, including Ackman-Ziff, Argosy Capital, and Hogan Lovells, indicating the high level of interest and investment in opportunity zones.

Closing Remarks

The landscape for opportunity zones is changing rapidly, and those who attend the Novogradac 2026 Fall Conference will position themselves advantageously for the road ahead. By learning from peers and industry leaders, attendees will develop a clearer roadmap to navigate the complexities of opportunity zones in the coming years. For more information about the full agenda and registration, interested parties can visit Novogradac's official website.

As opportunity zones continue to evolve, the need for informed strategies has never been greater. The Novogradac conference serves not only as a platform for knowledge exchange but also as a harbinger of the opportunities that lie ahead for investors ready to engage with this incentive full force.