The number of New York City developers and global institutions who have jumped into the real estate market in Jersey City is one way to measure the ever-increasing growth of the state’s top market.
Here’s another: The number of top commercial real estate professionals who are scheduled to appear at the 8th annual Jersey City Summit for Real Estate Investment on May 22.
This year’s event will feature a rare interview with Richard LeFrak, the chair and CEO of LeFrak, the master developer of Newport.

LeFrak, who will be interviewed by Amir Korangy, the founder and publisher of the Real Deal, will detail the New Jersey/Jersey City market while talking about the history of Newport, from 1986 to present.
The Jersey City Summit for Real Estate Investment is the brainchild of Sherif Abouzied, and has grown throughout its existence. This year’s event will be held at Newport Tower at 525 Washington Blvd. in Jersey City. (Register here.)
The summit is expected to top 1,000 attendees for the first time. Abouzied said the event’s growth mirrors that of Jersey City.
“We are thrilled to see so many of Manhattan’s largest real estate players/families announce major projects here in Jersey City,” he said. “It’s a testament to the ranking Jersey City has with global institutional capital.
“We’re delighted to have the summit play its part in highlighting Jersey City and accelerating its growth over the last eight years.”
Simply put, Abouzied feels Jersey City has grown from the most exciting emerging market to the most exciting growth market.
The summit has grown to include institutional players from across the country who have witnessed Jersey City’s ascent to the top of domestic rankings for returns as well as culture and site selection.
The depth of the panelists sets the event apart, Abouzied said.
“The industry is at an inflection point as we host this year’s summit,” he said. “We’re covering all of the asset classes — as we always do. It’s going to be very important for folks to understand what the next 12-18 months look like.
“The region’s largest and most active players, who will be speaking throughout the day, operate across the commercial landscape and across the different asset classes. Their outlooks for commercial real estate are very different across asset classes.
“We want to get a snapshot from the biggest and brightest in the industry.”
A look at the agenda:
- 7:30 a.m.: Breakfast reception
- 8:25 a.m.: Chair welcome remarks
- 8:30 a.m.: Opening remarks
- 8:35 a.m.: Life Sciences
- 9:05 a.m.: Mayor’s remarks
- 9:15 a.m.: Affordable Housing
- 10:05 a.m.: Mid-morning reception
- 10:35 a.m.: Mixed-Use
- 11:20 a.m.: Amenities
- 12:05 p.m.: Lunch reception
- 1:00 p.m.: Finance
- 1:45 p.m.: Office
- 2:30 p.m.: Mid-afternoon reception
- 2:50 p.m.: Governor’s video remarks
- 2:55 p.m.: NJEDA Remarks
- 3:05 p.m.: Emerging Neighborhoods
- 4:00 p.m.: Multifamily
- 4:50 p.m.: Richard LeFrak Keynote Interview
- 5:30 p.m.: Chair closing remarks
- 5:35 p.m.: Closing reception
- 6:30 p.m.: End
Abouzied said his group is ready.
“Happily, the summit has grown into a must-attend homecoming for the region’s top real estate firms,” he said. “A yearly opportunity where everyone is in the same room at the same time and the power of networking and thought leadership intersect.”