Retail is not dead! Retail has changed. While technology has taken a gigantic hold on the retail industry - bricks and mortar are here to stay! Check out Hudson Yards, the Meat Packing District, Manhattan West, the Garment District; retail is growing - in the boroughs, too.

Among many issues to consider, the economics of a neighborhood often determines where to open and what kind of a restaurant to open. Guests discuss their paths to their current establishments.

The not-so-glamorous asset class of the real estate industry: warehouses, industrials - is doing very well. Rents are increasing; multi-level logistic distribution centers are increasing, bringing tractor trailers to the second floor.

Guests discussed opportunities in the Bronx, retail in Sheepshead Bay and Coney Island, Opportunity Zones, multi-level industrial space, built from the ground-up. In addition, changes in rent laws, viewed as anti-landlord.

Developers, having spent long careers working on Long Island, comment that little has changed: it still takes YEARS to get permission to develop major sub-divisions; partnering with local operators helps cut approval time. Nassau v. Suffolk tax rates discussed.

A lender and three CEOs, representing healthcare facilities, discuss how each of their businesses developed, their approach to attracting high quality professionals, and their concern for providing excellent healthcare to their patients.

Panelists "somewhat pessimistic" about opportunities in today's market agreed that the retail market is very strong, siting changes in zoning, as in midtown east, allowing developers to build higher floors, purchase air rights, rebuild structures.

Affordable housing developers discuss mandatory inclusion, suggesting that applicants apply to several lotteries - at the same time, meeting eligibility requirements. Working to develop affordable housing feels like working to a better future, remarked a guest.

In 2008, E-commerce, Amazon, industrial, office co-sharing, We Work were not the driving force they are today. Panelists discussed what's happening today: the effect of millennials in the marketplace, increased number of women in real estate and Opportunity Zones.

Exploring new technology for residential real estate, guests review inexpensive insurance policies in lieu of lease security; grading systems designed to assure health and security of renters; and analysis of buildings based on prudent use of utilities.