Posted on August 8, 2025
Recapping the AREN 50th Anniversary Conference: Insights & Inspiration
During July 2025 Lowery Property Advisors joined dozens of industry leaders at the Aggie Real Estate Network’s 50th Anniversary Conference in College Station. Our CEO, Mark Lowery, joined four peers on the Valuation Panel where they dove into intriguing topics such as AI in appraisal, property types being overlooked, and the next generation in the appraisal business. Parts of this conversation have been included in our discussion below. From our Dallas HQ office, Stormi Wright and Ashley Travis joined, as well as Olivia Shimmin and Danielle Watkins from our Forth Worth office. Danielle, serving as Region I Director for AREN, played a pivotal role in organizing the conference—exemplifying her dedication both as a committed appraiser and an industry leader. With 15 members of our staff being alumni of Texas A&M’s MRE program that is closely connected to AREN, we were genuinely glad to be there to reconnect and contribute to the conversation.
Themes That Resonated
Here are the trends and ideas that stood out:
- Strategy with intention: A keynote from Hines’ Global CIO emphasized need for perspective to understand what’s likely ahead—and the humility to know it can all change quickly. He shared a striking overlay of inflation data from 1966–1977 and 2014–2025, suggesting we may be on track for a third potential uptick. As Mark Twain said, “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes”—a reminder to stay grounded, alert, and ready for shifts in the cycle.
- AI isn’t replacing us, but we should become familiar: Panelists agreed AI can boost data efficiency and streamline tasks, but it doesn’t replace professional judgment. Appraisers must own their work, use AI selectively, and always “review the work it does”—because at the end of the day you are the one responsible. One insightful comparison made by the keynote speaker was to the early fears about women entering the workforce after the war. Many thought women would take too many jobs, yet the economy grew and expanded in unexpected ways. Similarly, AI will change how we work and may disrupt certain roles, but overall, it will drive growth and new opportunities. In Texas—one of the world’s largest economies—this could lead to more organic growth because of its diverse industries, strong business climate, and culture of innovation, all of which create fertile ground for AI to enhance productivity and spark new opportunities rather than just disrupt existing jobs. Some companies are already leveraging AI within their communities to anticipate potential risks and make smarter decisions, showing how thoughtful adoption of AI can enhance, rather than replace, human expertise.
- Opportunities in under-the-radar sectors: Daycare and pet boarding came up as unexpected growth sectors. Consumers are increasingly willing to invest in services that care for their children and pets, creating niche value opportunities that investors and appraisers should watch closely. These sectors often fly under the radar but represent meaningful demand drivers that can enhance a portfolio’s diversification and resilience.
- Valuation = an art using data: Commercial real estate appraisal is much more than crunching numbers—it’s a blend of science and art. Mark Lowery emphasized “research, research, research” as the heartbeat of our organization and credible valuations. He went on to explain that at LPA, we are a tech-enabled company and have a dedicated research team, providing our appraisers with the tools they need to deliver accurate, reliable, and context-rich valuations. In addition, successful appraisers also bring relational expertise: listening carefully to client needs, understanding nuanced local market trends, and translating raw statistics into meaningful insights—this is the art part. This combination ensures valuations are not only precise but actionable and tailored to each unique property.
- Nurturing the next generation: Mentoring and cultivating young professionals was a consistent theme throughout the conference. Mark highlighted how a strong company culture that prioritizes work-life balance and growth opportunities is key to attracting and retaining appraisal talent. Becoming an appraiser offers a valuable gateway into the broader real estate industry—providing hands-on experience, deep market knowledge, and a foundation for a lifelong career, not just a stepping-stone. Investing in training and mentorship today builds the resilient, skilled workforce needed for tomorrow’s evolving market.
A Moment of Resilience
Among all the forward-thinking, we were reminded of the A&M community’s leadership during recent Texas floods—with over 700 individuals across the system stepping in to support recovery efforts. It reinforced the values of service and unity that make our industry—and our community—stronger.
Closing Takeaway: Data Drives, People Lead
Conferences like AREN remind us that the real estate industry is more than just assets and transactions—it’s a thoroughly connected network grounded in data, guided by experience, and driven by people.
