In 1917, The U.S. Congress passed into law and into the IRS code, what is currently known as, Section 170. This section of the IRS code allows for and defines how the deduction of charitable gifts works whether it is cash, goods, stock, art, or…real estate. We all recognize the altruistic part of donating something to people and charities that can use the help, but there is also a self-interest aspect to this. You get a valuable tax deduction!

Our mind is a powerful tool that we can use to achieve success in every area of our life. But if untrained and left to its’ own devices, it can keep us from experiencing inner peace, meaningful relationships, and career success. More leaders are practicing mindfulness to become more emotionally intelligent, overcome self-imposed limits, and live-work in the present moment where the best options can be chosen. Plan to attend this life changing session on how to take more control over your life and success.

Space makes a statement. It can be good or bad, right or wrong. It is also a physical representation of brand. When people walk into a space, their subconscious is working to take in signals that form an immediate impression of what it's all about. Therefore, the choices our clients make in the design of their workspace communicate who they are. Recognizing that people were misinterpreting their brand - who they are and how they work - Microsoft looked to the physical workplace as part of its strategy to communicate its connected workforce, agility, and entrepreneurialism. Making a dramatic move from promising an office for all, to the new Intelligent Workplace strategy required the integrated efforts of Microsoft's Global Workplace Strategy team, Gensler's Consulting and Architectural teams and Microsoft's Business Leadership. This cross-functional partnership yielded an award-winning workplace, physically describing the culture and mission of Microsoft and its people.

Do you influence your company’s direction? As a CRE executive do you know what you have to do to win over the C–Suite and elevate the CRE position? During this session, John Vazquez, SVP of Global Real Estate at Verizon will discuss his approach to ‘people first’ and how that philosophy been critical in his ability to elevate CRE. Insightful and practical, John will share strategies that have optimized the Verizon portfolio and increased shareholder value.

Based on the research study and whitepaper: The Workplace of the Future, this session will inspire real world thinking around how our buildings and workplace environments will be changing in 0-5 years, 6-10 years and 20+ years. By exploring researched based evolutions of the workplace and applying todays trends to the future, this presentation will allow you to start preparing how to respond to the ever changing needs of the worker of the future, the "place of work" in the future, and most importantly - the building of the future. This interactive experience will have you exploring your own ideas of the future of work while learning about trends and how they can be applied in ways you’ve never thought of before. Get ready for a little mind blowing . . .!!!

Who's Controlling Your Food Service Operations? In-house food service operations are important contributors to the well-being and productivity of employees in many businesses and corporations. They can be areas of innovation and creativity, providing opportunities for collaboration and camaraderie. Frequently, due to lack of knowledge or experience, these operations go unnoticed, or are not overseen by the corporate real estate group as diligently as other functions -- that is, until you receive the dreaded notice that the employee cafeteria has been closed down by the health inspector, or there is an outbreak of food-borne illness. Financially, these operations are complex, with contracts, procedures and volume that are specific only to the food service industry. If you don't have a strong understanding of the corporate food service business, you may be putting your division at risk, both operationally and financially. This case study will provide a closer look at food service operations, identifying several areas that are critical to their success and what actions to take when things go wrong. It will conclude with a discussion of what preventive actions to take to ensure that employee food service operations function at an optimal level, provide high guest satisfaction and yield appropriate return on investment.