MEREDA Announces Keynote Speaker and New Interactive Afternoon Format for 2026 Forecast Conference

With the growing importance of AI in all aspects of business, the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) is pleased to announce that Steve Weikal, a nationally recognized thought leader on technology and innovation in real estate, will serve as the keynote speaker at MEREDA's 2025 Forecast Conference, taking place Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland.

Weikal will explore the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in real estate, examining how emerging technologies are reshaping the way properties are developed, transacted, and managed. As the Industry Chair of the Real Estate Transformation Lab at the MIT Center for Real Estate and Managing Partner of MET Fund II, Weikal brings a rare blend of academic insight, investment expertise, and real-world application. He is a frequent speaker at leading industry conferences across the globe and has been quoted by outlets including USA Today, the Boston Globe, and Harvard Real Estate Review.

New this year, MEREDA is introducing an updated afternoon format designed to encourage deeper conversation and cross-disciplinary insight. Attendees will choose from four breakout sessions at both 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., allowing participants to tailor their experience around the topics most relevant to their work. Following the breakouts, all attendees will reconvene for a featured panel discussion focused on artificial intelligence in real estate, moderated by Weikal, which will offer a deeper dive into how AI is influencing decision-making, development, and long-term strategy across the industry.

"Real progress depends on bringing the right people together around a shared purpose," says MEREDA President Shannon Richards. "The Forecast Conference does exactly that-connecting the leaders and problem-solvers shaping Maine's future and creating space for ideas that challenge how we think about development."

MEREDA's Annual Forecast Conference attracts builders, developers, brokers, attorneys, architects, engineers, municipal leaders, lenders, and other professionals from across the state. The day also includes a Member Showcase featuring more than 60 local businesses, providing attendees with opportunities to connect with industry partners and explore new services and solutions. Applications have been made for Continuing Education credits.

According to Shelly R. Clark, MEREDA's Executive Director, the conference will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Registration and additional event details are available at MEREDA.org. Event Gold sponsors include TD Bank and Perkins Thompson. Silver sponsors include the City of Bangor, Landry/French Construction, Maine Redevelopment Land Bank, Sebago Technics, M&R Development, and Bangor Savings Bank is the sponsor for the Keynote Speaker and Mainebiz is the Media Sponsor.

FMI & Register - https://mereda.ticketspice.com/2026-forecast-conference-member-showcase