The biggest names in the net lease industry gathered at the University Club of Chicago in downtown Chicago July 27 to discuss the state of the market and its bright future during the 12th annual National Net Lease Conference held by REjournals.
And the consensus from panelists at the event? Like all commercial real estate sectors, the net lease market faces challenges today. But the sector, despite these hurdles, remains fundamentally sound, and the future looks strong for this industry.
The event also provided plenty of time for networking, giving the CRE professionals in this field the opportunity to discuss pending deals and catch up with their peers.
In all? The event was another big success, and the optimistic tone from its speakers provided plenty of inspiration.
During the event’s first panel, Net Lease 2026: Market Momentum & Mid-Year Outlook, speakers outlined the challenges that the net lease market faces today in an uncertain economy. But panelists also praised the resilience of the net lease sector, highlighted the still-strong demand for commercial space and predicted better times ahead. Speaking on this panel were Tyler Swann, Managing Director, W. P. Carey; Thomas Gorman, Senior Managing Director / National Division Leader, Net Lease, Marcus & Millichap; Randy Blankstein, President, The Boulder Group (moderator); Richard Hurd, Founder & President, Hurd Real Estate; Max Jenkins, EVP & COO, Essential Properties Realty Trust; and Christian Blanke, Principal, TPG.
The speakers on the Capital Markets 2026: Financing Deals in a Competitive Environment panel focused on the many ways in which net lease deals can be funded. Participating in this key panel were Sean Keane, Senior Vice President, NNN Finance Director, First Merchants Bank; Joshua Zhang, Managing Director of Investments, Four Corners Property Trust; Caity McLaughlin, Senior Director, PGIM (moderator); Edward J. Isola, Partner, Isola & Associates, LLC; and Farhan Kabani, Executive Vice President, CBRE.
Industrial net lease assets remain solid choices for investors. Speaking on the Industrial Net Lease Leaders: Innovations and Investment in 2026 panel were Randy Blankstein, President, The Boulder Group (moderator); Robert Vanecko, Managing Principal & Head of Single-Tenant Net Lease, Brennan Investment Group; Anthony Walters, Senior Director, JLL Capital Markets; and Mac Dobbins, Managing Director, Bridge Investment Group.
The financial experts speaking on the Lunchtime 1031 Exchange and Tax Strategies Update panel focused on helping audience members understand how 1031 Exchanges and other financial strategies can help them reduce their tax bills. Speakers included Todd Phillips, CEO, Legacy Property Trust (moderator); Tracy Treger, Division Manager, Asset Preservation, Inc.; Spencer Lund, Chief Investment Officer, NAI Legacy; Justin Amos, National Sales Manager and Account Executive, JTC Group; and Jeff Peterson, President and Principal, CPEC1031 (not pictured).
Speaking on the Sale-Leasebacks in 2026: New Players, New Playbooks panel were Owen McNulty, Senior Associate, STREAM Capital Partners; Patrick Luther, Senior Managing Principal & Co-Head of National Net Lease, SRS Real Estate Partners; Elizabeth Randall, President, Randall Commercial Group, LLC (moderator); James Hanson, Principal, Capital Markets Group, Avison Young.
What does the future hold for the net lease sector? That was the topic of the event’s final panel, Net Lease Market Outlook: Opportunities & Risks for the Second Half of 2026. The consensus? The future looks bright. Sharing their analysis on this panel were Christian Tremblay, Vice President, Northmarq; Gavin Kam, Principal & Co-Founder, NNN Retail Advisors; Joel Staffilino, Senior Vice President, Head of Investments, Echo Realty; Guy Ponticiello, Vice Chairman, CBRE; and Evan Beeson, Vice President – Investment Advisor, Sands Investment Group.
