2026 NAIOP ROCKY MOUNTAIN REAL ESTATE CHALLENGE
presented by LAND TITLE 
ANNUAL KICK-OFF EVENT
Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM MST
Colorado Youth Outdoors | 4927 County Rd 36, Fort Collins, CO 80528

^{***In-Person Education and Networking Event for 2026 Challenge Competitors, Architectural and General Contractor Resources,
Judges, Challenge Sponsors, NAIOP Board/Committee Members and Special Guests Only***}

NAIOP Colorado and Land Title, invite special guests to the 24th Annual Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge Kick-Off on Thursday, January 15, 2026 - featuring Ladera, a a master-planned community in Timnath, Colorado, owned and sponsored by Connell LLC. 

This year’s Challenge centers on a 14.55-acre site within Ladera, prominently located along the project's western edge with views of a 35-acre reservoir, integrated open space, trail connections, and significant waterfront frontage - offering a compelling real-world development opportunity.

Graduate student teams from the University of Colorado and University of Denver  will be challenged to propose a feasible and innovative vision for the site, evaluating land use, design, market positioning, and financing strategies aligned with the project's objectives. 

Join us to learn more about this year's Challenge and meet the Student Competitors, Instructors, Challenge Sponsors, Judges, Architectural Resources (AR), General Contractor Resources (GC),  Challenge Committee members, NAIOP Leadership and special guests.  

Welcome and Site Tour for Judges, Students & Resources at 2:00 PM: 

Special welcome session and site tour will be hosted for the Judges and Sponsor representatives, as well as the Students and Resources.  

Industry Panel Presentation for Students & Resources from 3:15 to 4:15 PM: 

Our Challenge Sponsor and Committee have developed a panel presentation for competing students where they will hear from professionals with a special interest in development throughout the front range. Panelists will share their thoughts and insights on the unique development aspects of the project site. Plus, students will hear directly from the Project Sponsors representatives about their goals and vision. 

Featured Guests Include:

• TONY CONNELL, Vice President, Connell Resources | Connell LLC
• SHERI WELCH, Manager, Connell LLC
• ROBERT AXMACHER, Mayor, Town of Timnath
  
• BILL JENKINS, Councilmember, Timnath Town Council
• SCOTT ROBINSON, Community Development Director, Town of Timnath
• STEVE WIENS, Stacklot
  
• MICHAEL LUND, Senior Vice President, Piper Sandler

• JD PRAEGER, AIA, LEED AP, Principal Architect, Emergent Architecture | 2026 Challenge Chair
• IAN NICHOLS, Director of Advisory Services, Red Cedar Advisory Services | NAIOP Past President 

Annual Kick-Off Festivities begin at 4:30 PM:

Don’t miss the official Challenge Kick-off festivities, to include the Annual Coin Toss and Resource Assignments!

SCHEDULE:

1:30 PM    Check-In & Networking
2:00 PM    Welcome, Project Site Overview 
2:15 PM    Student & Resources Site Tour. Judges Instructions & Tour
3:15 PM    Student & Resources Instructions Panel Discussion with Q&A
4:15 PM    Judges & Team Pictures
4:30 PM    Annual Coin Toss, AR Assignments, Sponsor Recognition
5:00 PM    After Party & Networking Reception
6:00 PM    Event Concludes

SPECIAL INVITATION ONLY:

Please note, attendance to the Annual Challenge Kick-Off is limited to special invitees only to include: All 2026 Sponsors and Special Guests, Challenge Competitors, Architectural Resources, General Contractor Resources, Judges, NAIOP Board / Committee Members and Other Guests. Click Here to RSVP Now.

SUBMIT YOUR RSVP

THANK YOU TO OUR CHALLENGE SPONSORS

MAJOR CHALLENGE SPONSOR:

PROJECT SPONSOR:

     SCHOLARSHIP SPONSOR:

Interested in 2026 Challenge Marketing Opportunities? Contact Jayma File at NAIOP by phone at (303) 782-0155 or Email.