KEY TAKEAWAYS: NOMAR’s Commercial Investment Division named Terry Watson keynote speaker for its 16th annual Economic and Real Estate Forecast Symposium. The symposium is scheduled for Oct. 8 at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center in Metairie. Watson will discuss how AI, technology and chan ging customer expectations are reshaping the real estate business. Economists and industry leaders will examine trends and opportunities affecting the Greater New Orleans real estate market. Terry Watson The New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors’ Commercial Investment Division has named national speaker Terry Watson as keynote speaker for its 16th annual Economic and Real Estate Forecast Symposium, scheduled for Oct. 8 in Metairie. The symposium, one of the region’s larger gatherings of real estate professionals, will be held at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center and will examine economic and industry trends expected to shape the Greater New Orleans real estate market in the coming year. Watson, a Certified Speaking Professional with more than two decades of experience, will deliver a presentation titled “Evolve or Evaporate,” focused on how real estate professionals and organizations can adapt as artificial intelligence, technology and changing customer expectations reshape business practices. His presentation will address how professionals can incorporate new technology while continuing to rely on industry expertise, judgment and client relationships, according to NOMAR. “Terry’s keynote fits exactly where the real estate industry is right now,” Cameron Lombardo, chairman of the 2026 Forecast Symposium, said in a statement. “Technology is changing quickly, but the fundamentals of making smart decisions and serving clients well have not changed. We want attendees to leave Forecast with a better understanding of what is happening in our market today and how they can prepare for what comes next.” Watson has delivered thousands of presentations during his career, with programs centered on managing disruption, adapting to changing business conditions and identifying opportunities during periods of change. The keynote will be part of a full day of programming under the theme “Building Market Momentum and Opportunity.” Economists and leaders in development, lending and real estate are expected to discuss current market conditions, emerging opportunities and issues affecting the regional economy and commercial real estate sector. The annual symposium also provides market research and networking opportunities for real estate professionals and others involved in the region’s development and investment sectors. NOMAR, established in 1915, is a professional trade association representing members of the real estate industry across a 10-parish region. Its Commercial Investment Division focuses on education and professional development for commercial real estate practitioners and promoting investment in the New Orleans region. The Economic and Real Estate Forecast Symposium will be held Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center in Metairie. Registration and additional program information are available at nolaforecast.org. ...read more read less