By Peter Madrid | MadridMedia

Arts and culture. Rethinking master-planned communities. Data centers. Lab space. The new elite hotel.

They all have a common thread – they embrace sustainability, innovation, and economic impact and vitality. They also were topics discussed by industry experts at the 20^th Annual Trends Day sponsored by the ULI Arizona Council Feb. 20, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge.

The 20^th annual event was special for another reason. Following the lunch and networking break, in celebration of the anniversary, past Trends Day Chairs were recognized; many of them were in attendance.

Presenters for this year’s Keynote Lunch address were National Geographic photographer and film maker Pete McBride and adventure writer Kevin Fedarko. Their presentation, “Into the Canyon: Between River and Rim,” chronicled an incredible “thru-hike” of the Grand Canyon, a 750-mile odyssey on foot.

Kicking off the day was the economic outlook given by Julia Coronado, Founder and President of Macropolicy Perspectives.

“Where we are right now, the U.S. economy continues to outperform and global inflation cools,” Coronado said. “The U.S. economy is this gigantic ocean liner, and it’s hard to knock it off track. The U.S. is starting 2025 on solid footing; it’s still going to be a strong economy even with all this uncertainty.”

The first of the six main panels addressed the topic of clean, wet, and dry lab space, which is becoming more common as people generally talk about lab spaces within the market as it supports research at the commercial, manufacturing, and college levels.

“Lab space is an emerging product type. We’ve seen a post-pandemic explosion,” said moderator Scarlett Spring, Executive Director of Phoenix Bioscience Core. “The future healthcare is going to be through strategic partnerships, relying on commercialization to get it out to broader spheres. A next economic frontier is going to be in healthcare manufacturing. The framework is already in place.”

According to Chris Camacho, President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), and moderator of the panel discussing the public funding of arts and culture in Arizona, there is no better way to feel the vibe of a market than through the ability to attract and promote a vibrant arts and culture community.

“These cross sections should enhance the neighborhoods we live in to be places that we’re proud of,” Camacho said.

Metro Phoenix is home to numerous master-planned communities; they stretch from the far reaches of the East Valley to the bustling and fast-growing West Valley. But as land and infrastructure become more expensive, the industry faces an affordability headwind.

During the panel entitled “Breaking the Mold: The Evolution of the Master-Planned Community,” Greg Vogel, Founder and CEO of Land Advisors Organization, explained that the scale and size of the master-planned community in Arizona is changing. More equity is needed to complete infrastructure and horizontal costs have exploded. Still, amenities are the key to a successful master-planned community.

The afternoon sessions included panels on “The New Elite Hotel, Strategies for Growth in Arizona’s Data Center Market,” and “AI in Commercial Real Estate.”

Arizona is on the cusp of becoming a true travel destination for the luxury traveler looking for something different, said Geoff Gray, Managing Director of The Global Ambassador, luxury hotel meticulously curated for the jet-setting traveler in Phoenix.

“The luxury traveler is looking for something they can’t get anywhere else,” Gray said. “Luxury is about an experience and feeling comfortable and welcome. It’s an emotional experience.”

Looking for that experience in the Valley of Sun? Look no further than the $1.2 billion VAI Resort under construction in the shadow of the Arizona Cardinals football stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

“It is built for you … there is something for everyone. VAI is a state of awesomeness,” gushed Grant Fisher, the resort’s President and CEO. “I like to say we are going to surprise with luxury and lead with entertainment. VAI Resort will really be a category creator in the hospitality market.”