FAQs

NAREIM^™ (the National Association of Real Estate Investment Managers^™) is a membership-based association for real estate investment managers. We provide a forum for leaders in the industry to share knowledge, address challenges, and shape best practices. Our mission is to foster collaboration, innovation, and thoughtful discussion that advances real estate investment management as both a profession and an industry.

NAREIM members are primarily investment management firms that oversee institutional real estate portfolios. Our membership includes CEOs, CIOs, portfolio managers, asset managers, HR leaders, and other senior executives. The common denominator is a focus on institutional real estate investing and a commitment to improving the practice of investment management. Click here to see a full list of our membership.

NAREIM is unique because of its focus on real estate investment management specifically, rather than the broader commercial real estate industry. Our meetings and research are designed to address the complexities of managing institutional capital, from governance and compliance to technology and talent. Members value NAREIM for its candid, closed-door discussions and its emphasis on peer-to-peer exchange.

Membership is by firm, not by individual. To apply, firms complete a membership application, provide details on their investment management activities, and agree to NAREIM’s membership criteria. Once approved, all employees of the firm gain access to NAREIM programming and resources. To apply for membership, contact Reesa Fischer, CEO.

Benefits include access to exclusive NAREIM meetings, benchmarking research, and a network of senior real estate investment professionals. Members gain the opportunity to participate in highly interactive discussions, share ideas confidentially, and influence the direction of the industry. To learn more about member benefits, click here.

Membership dues are based on firm size and funds under management. Dues are structured to reflect the breadth of a firm’s engagement and ensure value for organizations of all sizes. For specific information on dues, please contact Reesa Fischer, CEO.

No. Membership is limited to firms, which ensures that our programming serves the entire organization. However, once a firm is a member, all employees can participate.

NAREIM hosts a variety of in-person and virtual meetings throughout the year. Each meeting is designed to be interactive and focused on candid discussion among peers. We cover the following functional groups: Architecture, Engineering & Development; Asset Management; Capital Raising & Investor Relations; Data & Information Management; Executive Officer; Hispanic Real Estate Roundtable; Legal, Compliance & Risk; Portfolio Management; Sustainability; Talent Management.

Most of our programs are exclusive to members. However, on occasion, NAREIM will invite non-members to participate in select meetings or initiatives to broaden industry dialogue. These opportunities are limited and typically by invitation only.

NAREIM meetings are deliberately intimate and discussion-based, not large-scale conferences. Sessions are structured to encourage open dialogue and the sharing of experiences among peers. We emphasize quality of interaction over quantity of attendees, which members say creates real value and trust.

Yes. While much of our programming is in-person to encourage face-to-face dialogue, we also host virtual meetings. These provide members with flexibility and allow for timely discussions on emerging topics.

NAREIM provides members with original benchmarking and best-practices research. This includes studies on compensation, organizational structures, ESG strategies, technology adoption, and more. Our research is designed to provide actionable insights and help members make informed business decisions. Click here for more details on our benchmarking reports.

Select highlights are shared publicly, but the majority of our research is exclusive to members. This ensures that our community has access to unique, candid insights not available elsewhere in the market.

Most studies are updated annually, though some special-topic reports are released more frequently in response to industry needs. Members are also invited to shape the research agenda by sharing their priorities and challenges.

NAREIM is governed by a Board of Directors composed of senior leaders from member firms. The board provides strategic direction, ensures the organization’s mission is upheld, and represents the voice of the membership.

Members can engage by attending meetings, serving on planning committees, and contributing to benchmarking research. NAREIM is a member-led association, and active participation helps shape both the content and impact of our work.

Yes. NAREIM meetings often feature member-led case studies, best-practice presentations, or moderated discussions. We encourage members to propose topics and share expertise. Our team works closely with members of our planning committees to ensure sessions remain interactive and practical.

NAREIM encourages members to share their expertise by speaking at our meetings. To become a speaker, members can propose a topic to the NAREIM team, often tied to a case study, best practice, or emerging industry challenge. Our staff then work with each meeting’s planning committee to ensure presentations are interactive and discussion-driven, rather than lecture-based. Non-members are encouraged to reach out to members of a meeting’s planning committee to pitch session topics.

Planning committees are composed of member volunteers who help shape the content and agendas for specific meetings. Members interested in serving on a committee can contact the NAREIM staff to express their interest. Participation is on a first come, first served basis. Click here to see a full list of current committee members.

Planning committees start meeting 6 months in advance of the NAREIM functional group meeting. The planning calls are virtual and take place every 2-3 weeks leading up to the event. Committee members also have the opportunity to be a session leader, which means they take ownership over a specific topic and craft the format, invite speakers, share case studies and more dependent on the subject. All committee members are required to attend the meeting.

No. NAREIM does not currently offer formal continuing education credits (such as CPE or CLE).

Yes. We offer 2 student programs. The Jeff Barclay Fellows program is for graduate students and the Resume Book is for both graduate and undergraduate students. Click here for more details on both.

Yes. NAREIM members can submit open employment or internship opportunities for inclusion on our Job Board. To submit, please contact Meeting Producer Marynia Kruk at mkruk@nareim.org.

Members receive regular newsletters, research updates, and meeting invitations directly by email. We also share updates through our website and LinkedIn. Subscribing to NAREIM’s newsletter and following NAREIM online is a great way to stay informed. Click here to access NAREIM Highlights.

For membership inquiries or general questions, contact Reesa Fischer, CEO.

For meeting details or to inquire about getting more involved, contact IvyLee Rosario, Head of Programs.