In this episode of BOMA's Building Excellence, host Alan Stein chats with Mary Lue Peck, President and COO of BOMA International, and Bill Collar, Enterprise Account Executive at Trane, about the pivotal shifts reshaping commercial real estate. They discuss how data-driven decision making, operational efficiency, and workforce development are transforming building management and investment strategies.

This episode is brought to you by Trane.

00:00 - Introduction to Building Excellence podcast and episode overview

00:24 - Rapid fire: last book read and favorite emoji

01:03 - Bill’s background in commercial real estate and partnership with Train

02:22 - Key takeaways from the recent BOMA conference addressing market shifts

04:02 - The focus on energy efficiency and real-time data for building operations

05:04 - How industry collaboration with data partners enhances real-time insights

06:23 - The shift away from the five-day office week and its implications

07:52 - The importance of measuring to optimize building operations

08:47 - Innovations in sensor technology for trash and restroom management

10:11 - HVAC systems adapting through sensor data and future AI integration

11:45 - The significance of data-driven decisions in operational efficiency

12:39 - Sponsor message and the importance of clear communications in podcasts

13:27 - The return of capital to prime, amenity-rich properties and operational metrics for investors

14:12 - How modernization and performance measurement are influencing market value for B and C assets

15:43 - The effect of AI on property management roles and workforce skills

16:38 - Train’s initiatives to develop workforce readiness amidst retiring professionals

20:15 - The ongoing balance between AI implementation and workforce support

21:21 - Final thoughts: industry collaboration, data use, and operational excellence as drivers of success

22:14 - Closing remarks from Mary Lou Peck on the value of working closely with suppliers and focusing on performanceThis episode offers insights into how the commercial real estate industry is leveraging data, technology, and collaboration to adapt to changing markets and tenant expectations. A must-listen for industry professionals committed to operational excellence and strategic investment.

Commercial real estate is evolving from static assets to living, performance-driven portfolios—but what does that shift mean for owners and operators?

In this episode, we’re joined by Mary Lue Peck, President and COO of BOMA International, for a practical conversation on how operational excellence, data, and emerging technology are reshaping building performance and asset value. Learn how benchmarking, measurable outcomes, and workforce readiness can help CRE professionals stay competitive as market expectations continue to evolve. Tune in for insights on the trends, risks, and opportunities shaping the next chapter of commercial real estate.

-

This episode is brought to you by Trane.

-

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

02:12 BOMA’s Biggest Wins

03:59 Transition from Static to Living Portfolios

05:11 Performance is the New Value

06:37 Research Outlook

08:42 Reality of Hybrid Work and Dynamic Planning

10:23 Essential Upgrade to Stay Competitive

13:35 The Value of Benchmarking and Certification Programs

15:43 Sponsored Message

16:22 BOMI’s Summer Sale

16:51 Gap Between AI Awareness and Deployment

18:57 Blending Tech with Personnel for Resilient Operations

21:20 5 Year Outlook: Opportunities and Risks

24:41 Final Takeaway: Operational Discipline as Competitive Advantage

AI is moving quickly from industry buzzword to business necessity—but what does successful adoption actually look? In this episode, we’re joined by Aliza Carpio, Senior Director of Technology and Product Manager at Building Engines, for a practical conversation on how CRE organizations can move beyond the hype and implement AI in ways that drive measurable impact. Learn why clean, standardized data is the foundation for effective AI, what it takes to build an AI Center of Excellence that supports teams across the organization, and more.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or looking to scale existing initiatives, this episode offers actionable guidance for turning emerging technology into operational value.

-

This episode is brought to you by Building Engines.

-

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

03:08 Aliza’s Career Journey

05:46 Hype vs. Actual Progress for AI in CRE

07:13 Adoption Trends in the Industry

08:38 AI’s Challenges in Measurable ROI and Impact

09:51 Frequently Asked Questions

10:33 Why AI Will Be Considered Table Stakes in Modern Property Operations

11:07 Missed Opportunities in Property Management Workflow

12:00 How Automation can Revolutionize Invoice Processing & Operational Tasks

14:08 Advice for Property Managers Overwhelmed by AI adoption

15:44 Training and Organization Support for AI Success

17:19 Sponsored Message

18:13 2026 BOMA International Conference & Expo

18:38 Critical Role of Clean Data& Standardization

21:53 How Inconsistent Data Naming Conventions Impact AI Insights

23:14 Shadow AI & Evaluating Vendors

24:55 Starting Within: Real Need

26:14 Building an AI Center of Excellence (COE)

27:13 COE: Key Roles & Responsibilities

29:17 Moving from Strategy to Measurable Execution

30:15 The “Love” Metric

31:10 Conclusion

What makes the BOMA International Conference & Expo a must-attend event for CRE professionals?

In this episode of Building Excellence, we’re joined by BOMA Fellows Rich McClure and Missy Quinn to share insider insights on how to make the most of your conference experience—from navigating the expo floor to their can’t-miss sessions. Plus, they offer practical strategies for demonstrating conference ROI, maximizing on-site value, and bringing actionable insights back to your team.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned professional, this episode is your guide to learning more, connecting deeper, and getting the most out of the BOMA Conference.

-

This episode is brought to you by Building Engines.

-

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:47 Memorable BOMA Conferences

05:40 Value of Attending BOMA Conference

06:44 Real World Application of Value

08:37 Sessions You Can’t Miss

11:24 Justifying Conference Attendance

14:20 Sponsored Message

15:11 2026 BOMA International Conference & Expo

15:35 Tech Walks on the Expo Floor

14:41 New Initiatives: Tech Walks

17:43 Top Issues Facing CRE in 2026

19:40 A Story of J. Michael Coleman

22:33 The J. Michael Coleman Scholarship

25:07 Key Takeaways

​AI is changing how commercial real estate operates, so what should you know before making your next technology discussion?

In this episode, we’re joined by Brian Sutherland, Vice President of Commercial at Yardi, for a candid conversation on how AI is already transforming the industry. Learn how Yardi is integrating AI and large language models to drive operational efficiency, automate routine tasks, and elevate customer service. Explore why data readiness is critical, what CRE leaders should be doing now to prepare for an AI-driven future, and how trusted technology partnerships can help organizations navigate rapid change. A must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead as innovation accelerates.

-

This episode is brought to you by Yardi.

-

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:39 Yardi’s and Its Role in Real Estate

02:50 Brian’s Journey in the Industry

04:25 The Shift in AI Conversations

05:50 C-Suite Perspectives on AI Integration

07:13 People Affected by AI

08:48 Data Security and AI Compliance

10:06 Model Context Protocol Connectors Explained

11:42 Use Cases for AI

12:43 Sponsored Message

13:18 BOMA 2026 Conference

13:40 Agents and Daily Workflows

15:18 Example of Future Agents at Scale

18:04 Property Managers Use Case

19:30 3 Pillars for AI Rollout

20:32 Most Common Misconception

21:41 Advice on Preparing for a Data Driven Future

23:00 The Future of AI and CRE

24:24 Conclusion

The industrial real estate sector is undergoing significant changes, driven by evolving tenant expectations and technological advancements.

In the inaugural episode of Building Excellence, a CRE podcast, Luci Smith (BOMA International Chair & CEO, Director of Property Management at Link Logistics) joins us and shares her insights on the current state of the industrial logistics market and how property managers can adapt. Discover strategies for leveraging partnerships, the impact of AI, and how to navigate industry challenges to maintain in this dynamic environment.

-

This episode is brought to you by Yardi.

-

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

03:08 Luci's Career Journey in Industrial Real Estate

06:16 Current State of the Industrial Logistics Market

08:38 Leveraging Partnerships in Property Management

11:19 Impact of AI and Data Centers on Industrial Real Estate

13:46 Permitting Reform Advocacy

14:20 Sponsored Message

14:55 BOMA 2026 Conference

15:18 Luci Learning Moment

17:20 A Top Concern in CRE: Workforce

19:52 Bridging Generational Divides with Knowledge Transfer

21:53 Reflections on Her Leadership and Future Advice

24:35 Takeaway: Reinvention in the Industry

BOMA International President and COO Mary Lue Peck sits down with a conversation with Tom Walton of Allied Universal where they discuss the latest and greatest in building security.