My First SIOR Spring Event: Finding Belonging in the Room
This week, I had the opportunity to attend my first SIOR Spring Event—hosted in Las Vegas—and it was an experience I’ll never forget.
To be completely honest, I had a moment alone in my hotel room where I felt overwhelmed and emotional. Surrounded by accomplished professionals who all seemed to know each other, I couldn’t help but question whether I belonged. Imposter syndrome hit hard. For a moment, I seriously considered staying in for the night—maybe even heading home early.
Thankfully, a friend and colleague I truly admire encouraged me to come back out, put myself out there and join her for dinner with her closest conference friends—and I’m so glad I did. Amanda, thank you for pulling me back in when I needed it most.
That evening at dinner, I opened up about how emotional the day had been. The person sitting across from me looked me in the eye and said something that stopped me in my tracks: “You earned this. You deserve to be here.” That simple statement shifted everything.
From that point forward, something changed. The warmth, support and generosity I received from fellow attendees were incredible. Every conversation came with encouragement, insight and a genuine willingness to help. I quickly realized that SIOR isn’t just a designation—it’s a community. And that community made me feel welcome, valued and inspired.
The conference itself was packed with impactful content. The educational sessions were outstanding, with standout panels on innovation, AI (yes, this blog post got a little help from AI—wink) and the future of the industrial real estate landscape. I left with fresh ideas I could put to use right away and a renewed energy for what’s ahead.
And of course, it wasn’t all business. We stayed and played at Caesars Palace—an iconic backdrop that added a bit of Vegas glam to a week already filled with meaningful moments. From a memorable dinner at Spago to cocktails at Vanderpump Cocktail Garden, the off-hours were just as impactful as the sessions—filled with laughter, connection and a chance to truly unwind.
This event gave me more than education or business leads—it gave me clarity, confidence and connection. I’m leaving with new relationships, a fresh perspective and a deeper sense of belonging in this industry I love. I’m excited to stay involved, keep learning and continue building within the SIOR network. See you all in Louisville this fall!
