Board Message
Dear AIRE Colleagues,
It is an honor to be elected as the 2026 President of AIRE. AIRE is an organization that was crucial in my development as an industrial real estate broker, and I am happy to give back to provide other brokers the same experience. I have always enjoyed networking, learning about the market from my peers, and learning from experts in other disciplines in the meetings. In 2026, we will do all of that, but we will also look to refresh the calendar to give more opportunities for networking.
In 2025, AIRE had many successful events including our luncheons, emerging leaders events, the annual golf outing, developers showcase, and holiday party. We will continue the long-held traditions that have happened for years, and we will look to make some changes that we think all our members will enjoy.
In 2026 we will focus on the following:
- AIRE Broker Developers Showcase – We are working on reshaping this event to be an all-encompassing broker open house for developers and landlords to showcase new projects, current vacant spaces, and network with brokers.
- New Networking Events – We will add additional events focused on networking between our members.
- Emerging Leaders Program – We will continue hosting education and networking events for brokers with five years or less experience to encourage collaboration and grow the organization.
- AIRE Collaborate & Educated – AIRE will continue providing luncheons featuring industry-relevant topics and panelists with networking opportunities.
- Updates to the AIRE Website – The AIRE website continues to be the most important tool that our organization offers; we will continue to enhance this tool for our members.
I would like to thank the outgoing president, Adam Haefner, and all the other past presidents. I would also like to thank our dedicated board and all other volunteers that contributed in 2025. AIRE has been an important part of the Chicago industrial real estate community for decades, and we will work to make sure that relationship continues for decades to come.
With your participation, we anticipate a great upcoming year for AIRE. If there’s anything that can make your membership more valuable, please contact me anytime.
Pat Hake
2026 AIRE President
847-828-9018