Connecting Visions: Highlights from GRI Club Events in the First Half of 2024
Publication date: September 2024.
We revisit the GRI Club events from the first half of 2024, where key players from Central America and the Caribbean gathered to strengthen business ties and share insights on regional real estate development. GRI Club continues to establish itself as a premier global platform for knowledge exchange, shaping the future of the Real Estate industry.
Reading time: 4 minutes.
Central America & The Caribbean
On March 20-21, the Central America & The Caribbean GRI Real Estate meeting took place at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Carlos Sanchez Pelayo, Business Development Manager for Mexico at the Studio, attended the fourth edition of this event, which underscored the importance of regional integration in real estate investments across Central America and the Caribbean. The event highlighted the growing appeal of the Dominican Republic, which attracted over $4 billion in foreign direct investment in 2023, solidifying its status as a key destination for international capital.
The event brought together banks, funds, investors, and operators, who emphasized the positive impact of the booming Dominican tourism industry, a vital driver of the local economy. Discussions also covered initiatives in the Northern Triangle and Costa Rica’s semiconductor sector, with a focus on strengthening value chains to enhance competitiveness in the U.S. market. These topics reflect the region's dynamism and emerging opportunities, while also highlighting the need for deeper, more coordinated integration among countries to maximize economic growth.
Institutional Investment and Bank Financing
On April 18, in Bogotá, Colombia, GRI Club members gathered under the theme "Institutional Investment and Bank Financing" to explore the current landscape of Colombia’s real estate sector.
Julián Dos Santos, Business Development Manager for Colombia at the Studio, participated in this informal, interactive event, which provided a platform to discuss key topics such as alternative financing sources and high-potential assets. The impact of interest rates was also examined, along with projects that could invigorate the Colombian real estate market.
Latin America
The eighth edition of the GRI Club Latin America took place on May 16-17 at the New York Marriott Downtown, New York, USA. Recognized as the most exclusive real estate event in the region, this gathering was far more than just a conference. Gómez Platero Architecture and Urbanism was represented by Ricardo Fernandez, Americas Business Developer Manager.
In addition to high-level discussions, the event featured guided tours by developers and architects, as well as various social activities designed to foster connections among market leaders.
This year’s GRI Club focused on iconic projects, offering participants unique experiences and social engagements, culminating in two days of exclusive discussions on real estate development in Latin America.
Day two began with a session on innovations in the hospitality sector, highlighting shifts in consumer habits, the impact of technology, and the growing demand for leisure and travel experiences.
Closed-door sessions covered key topics such as alternative investment and financing, capital markets, and opportunities in sectors like industrial, logistics, multifamily, and data centers.
The event concluded with a plenary session, bringing all participants together for a comprehensive discussion on integrating foreign capital with local businesses, exploring perspectives from both international and local investors.
GRI Club Bogotá: Housing and Multifamily
On August 20, GRI Club Latam members convened in Bogotá, Colombia, to explore housing and multifamily investment opportunities in Colombia. Julián Dos Santos, Business Development Manager for Colombia, participated in a closed-door discussion that provided valuable insights into investment prospects and financial structures for both sectors. The conversation also covered challenges and the crucial role of public policy in driving sector growth.
