NOMAR’s 15th annual Forecast Symposium showcases industry innovation and collaboration across Greater New Orleans

Written By Alicia Vial

Nearly 500 industry professionals gathered for “Breaking Ground: The Emergence of a New Economy,” exploring trends in shaping real estate’s future

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (NOMAR) and its Commercial Investment Division (CID) hosted the 15th Annual Economic and Real Estate Forecast Symposium on Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center where they welcomed a crowd of nearly 500 attendees.

Presented by Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company, this year’s event theme, “Breaking Ground: The Emergence of a New Economy,” brought together real estate and business professionals to explore the latest trends, technologies and opportunities driving growth across the region’s evolving economy.

The 2025 Forecast Symposium featured a keynote address by Newell Normand, host of The Newell Normand Show on WWL AM, which broadcasted live from the event’s exhibit hall. In addition to Normand’s keynote, the program included dynamic presentations from Dr. Gary Wagner of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Bret Swango of Colliers, along with three expert panel discussions covering topics from economic development to lending, construction and dealmaking.

Panel highlights included “Why Break Ground in Louisiana?” moderated by Stephanie Riegel of NOLA.com, featuring Michael Hecht of GNO, Inc., Iliana Ledet of Louisiana Economic Development and leaders from Crescent Title, First Horizon Bank, Gulf Coast Bank, Bonvenu Bank and Hope Federal Credit Union.

The discussion, “Where Are We Breaking Ground?” brought together representatives from NAI Rampart, Sherman Strategies, Verius Property Group, Albert Architects and Gibbs Construction, who shared insights into current and future development projects. The final panel of the day, “Who Are the Deal Makers?” featured experts from SRSA, Stirling, CBRE and Beau Box, highlighting the power of collaboration in shaping Louisiana’s real estate landscape. The day concluded with closing remarks from Guy Williams, President and CEO of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company who spoke about incorporating A.I. into the industry and what they can do as professionals to help the market grow.

Conversations throughout the day reflected the industry’s ongoing evolution—covering topics such as artificial intelligence in real estate, affordable housing, permitting, new developments and market shifts. Attendees engaged in meaningful dialogue about challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of real estate across Greater New Orleans and beyond.

“This year’s program highlighted both the successes and challenges of our industry while sparking new ideas about how we move forward together,” said Mignon Richard Díaz, 2025 Symposium Chairwoman and CID President-Elect. “It’s inspiring to see so many professionals come together to share knowledge, collaborate and strengthen our industry. We’re grateful to Gulf Coast Bank & Trust and all of our sponsors who helped make this event a tremendous success.”

The symposium drew a near-capacity audience. Industry partners and vendors filled the exhibit hall, offering resources, networking opportunities and the chance to explore innovative tools and services.

“The Forecast Symposium continues to be one of the premier events in Louisiana’s real estate industry,” said Guy Williams, President and CEO of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company. “Each year provides new insights and a renewed sense of optimism about the future of our field. We are proud to have supported this event for eight consecutive years and look forward to many more.”

More information about NOMAR can be found on their website.

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About NOMAR and CID

Established in 1915, the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® is the voice of real estate for the region, serving a diverse cross-section of real estate professionals through advocacy, education and professionalism. The Commercial Investment Division of NOMAR was formed to foster knowledge, education, integrity and quality workmanship in the commercial, industrial and investment real estate business.

Together, NOMAR and CID are committed to the advancement and development of economic activity and property ownership throughout the Greater New Orleans Metropolitan area. Learn more at nomar.org.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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