#United States #Chicago #Corporate Real Estate #Steve Wozniak #CoreNet Summit

Upcoming 2026 CoreNet Global North America Summit in Chicago

Corporate real estate professionals from all corners of the world are set to converge in Chicago from October 26 to 28 for the much-anticipated 2026 CoreNet Global North America Summit. Notably, the event will feature Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple, serving as the keynote speaker. This annual summit is recognized as a leading conference dedicated to the corporate real estate sector.

This year, the summit takes on the theme “Beyond the Horizon: From Complexity to Clarity.” Its goal is to assist corporate real estate leaders in navigating a rapidly changing business landscape influenced by economic volatility, technological advancements, and shifting workforce dynamics.

Steve Wozniak, affectionately known as "The Woz," will kick off the proceedings during the Opening General Session on October 27. As a key figure heralding the personal computing revolution, his address will delve into themes of innovation and creativity, exploring the technologies that are poised to shape the future of work and business practices. This keynote address is sponsored by the International Workplace Group (IWG), demonstrating the blending of technology with workspace optimization in today’s corporate environment.

Vicki Worden, the CEO of CoreNet Global, noted the pressing demands on corporate real estate leaders today, stating, “Corporate real estate leaders are being asked to make consequential decisions in an environment where complexity and change have become constant.” The summit aims to create a platform for global participants to share insights, learn from each other’s experiences, and clarify the paths they can take moving forward.

The programming at this year’s summit promises to be comprehensive, addressing a range of pressing topics, such as:

• - Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation: Exploring how AI is reshaping the corporate real estate landscape.
• - Business Resilience and Risk Management: Strategies to equip organizations to withstand economic challenges.
• - Economic and Geopolitical Trends: Understanding the external factors affecting the real estate market.
• - Leadership and Talent Development: Identifying and nurturing future leaders in the corporate real estate space.
• - Portfolio and Location Strategy: Best practices for optimizing workspace portfolios in the post-pandemic world.
• - Smart Buildings and Data Analytics: Leveraging technology for operational efficiency and improved workplace experiences.
• - Sustainability and Decarbonization: Balancing business objectives with environmental responsibility.
• - Workplace Strategy and Employee Experience: Rethinking workplace design to enhance productivity.
• - Cross-functional Partnerships: Collaborating across disciplines to foster innovation.
• - The Future of Corporate Real Estate: Insights into what lies ahead for the industry.

As the summit draws to a close, participants will also have the opportunity to engage with Vanessa Van Edwards, a behavioral researcher and the founder of Science of People. Her session will focus on research-backed techniques for improving connection, communication, and influence in professional settings—skills that are increasingly vital in a world that prioritizes emotional intelligence and interpersonal rapport.

Apart from the wealth of knowledge available, the summit is designed to foster peer-to-peer learning, encouraging open discussions and building valuable relationships among corporate real estate leaders and their industry counterparts. This community engagement is crucial for driving innovation and collaboration within the sector.

Registration for the 2026 CoreNet Global North America Summit is currently open. Those interested in attending—whether they are corporate real estate professionals or industry partners—can find registration options, program details, hotel information, and ongoing updates on the official summit website.

CoreNet Global is the premier association for corporate real estate professionals, boasting nearly 10,000 members across 50 countries. The organization is committed to providing education, networking opportunities, and research to aid industry participants in navigating the challenges within today’s workplace environments. For more insights, interested parties can visit corenetglobal.org.