NABE CHICAGO Events
Three 1776 Economic Creations 250 Years Later:
1.Capitalism. 2.The American Revolution. 3.ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) Companies.
July 30, 2026
The Co-op
5751 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL
3:30pm – 5:30pm CT
$0 NABE CHICAGO Members; $25 Non-Members
Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations introduced Capitalism in 1776.
Samuel Adams is the recognized driver behind the 13 North American colonies banding together, first with The Boston Tea Party, then with the signing of The Declaration of Independence in 1776 that culminated with The Constitution of the United States of America being crafted in 1787.
Samuel Adams worked closely with George Washington, the USA’s first President, during the Revolutionary War when Washington served as Commander in Chief.
3. Benjamin Franklin was busy, too, founding in 1776 the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) that has enabled employees to be stock owners in the company of their employment.
How have these 3 concepts impacted each other—and the USA economy—throughout the past 250 years and all the way to today?
Come listen to:
An ECONOMIC HISTORIAN (in process), discussing how capitalism and US democracy have influenced each other.
Mary Josephs, Founder of ESOP advisory firm, Verit Advisors, reviewing the impact of ESOPs on the development of US capitalism and democracy.
NOTE: Books on Adam Smith, Samuel Adams, and George Washington are available for sale online and at the event. Mary Josephs’s article can also be read in advance here.
CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD:
Commercial Real Estate as a Strategic Advantage in the Age of AI
September 23, 2026
11:30am – 1:30pm CT
Union League Club of Chicago
The French Room
65 W. Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL
$100 NABE CHICAGO Members;
$125 Non-Members
Includes 3-course Union League Club lunch.
Join Brad Kreiger, CO-CEO, Americas and Rebecca Rockey, Head of Quantitative Insights and Principal Economist, at Cushman & Wakefield, for a fireside conversation, under Chatham House confidentiality rule, on how commercial real estate is evolving in an era of continual economic and technological change.
As one of the world's Big 3 commercial real estate services firms, Cushman & Wakefield advises many of the world's largest occupiers, investors, and developers. That vantage point gives Brad and Rebecca an unparalleled view of how organizations are responding to shifting capital markets, workplace transformation, AI-driven demand, and an increasingly unpredictable business environment.
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Commercial real estate has become far more than a question of space. In today's environment of continual economic disruption, geopolitical uncertainty and accelerating technological change, it has become a strategic lever that influences business performance, capital allocation, talent strategy and long-term resilience.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Brad Kreiger and Rebecca Rockey will explore how leading organizations are adapting their real estate strategies to a rapidly changing world. Drawing on Cushman & Wakefield's work with many of the world's largest occupiers, investors and developers, they will discuss:
Why commercial real estate has become an increasingly important boardroom issue, and what executives should be prioritizing today.
How organizations are aligning real estate decisions with financial performance, workforce strategy, and long-term business objectives.
The capital markets trends, economic signals, and risk factors shaping commercial real estate decisions in today's environment.
How AI is already influencing demand across sectors, where its impact is proving most durable, and the leading indicators that business leaders should be watching.
How AI is transforming the advisory profession, enabling faster, more informed decision-making while reinforcing the value of trusted human expertise.
The leadership lessons that have proven most valuable in navigating an increasingly unpredictable business landscape.
The discussion will conclude with an audience Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to explore the issues most relevant to their organizations and industries.
REGISTER NOW!
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
ROUNDTABLE
September 24, 2026
Union League Club of Chicago
The Marble Room
65 W. Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL
11:30am – 1:30pm CT
$80 NABE CHICAGO Members;
$95 Non-Members
Note: A 3-course lunch is included.
Moderated by Lyric Hughes Hale, NABE CHICAGO BOARD DIRECTOR and Geoeconomics Expert, this quarterly event is a small gathering of econ and business enthusiasts to compare notes on what is occurring now & in the future—THIS EVENT SELLS OUT QUICKLY & HAS LIMITED ROOM, REGISTER SOON!
Very informative insights emerge, which is why 100% of attendees at the last WHAT’S UP NEXT? ROUNDTABLE gave the interactions they had with the other attendees as greatly perspicacious—the highest rating possible! 🙂
Chatham House confidentiality rule applies to conversations at this event.
There are over 500 different economic topics that can impact businesses. Come share your views, explore others, and enjoy!
NABE 68th ANNUAL MEETING
Hilton Cleveland
Cleveland, OH
October 11-13, 2026
NOTE:
NABE CHICAGO membership is not necessary to attend most NABE CHICAGO events.
NABE CHICAGO membership does provide you with savings on attending events.
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NABE CHICAGO’s CODE OF CONDUCT & CONTENT/IMAGES CONSENT
NABE CHICAGO is dedicated to providing a professional safe environment for everyone that promotes open and objective discussions about economic issues. All interactions should be based on respect for others. We expect anyone attending a NABE CHICAGO event of any type—in person and/or virtual, formal or informal—and of any stature—presenters, moderators, attendees—to abide by this code of salutatory conduct. Disrespect will be addressed with party being asked to cease behavior and then removed from the environment, if necessary.
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