Commercial & Industrial Conference

Getting Real 2026

Practical Insights. Legal Clarity. Market Intelligence.

Join fellow Commercial & Industrial property professionals for a focused and practical conference designed to address the real challenges facing property managers in today’s evolving market.

This year’s program brings together senior government expertise, legal insight, and industry discussion to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to manage risk, resolve disputes, and navigate complex tenancy issues.

Group Bookings: Bring your team with you and save! Purchase 5 or more tickets for a 20% discount. Please contact events@reiv.com.au for group bookings.

Virtual Attendance: a limited number of virtual tickets are available for regional members who are unable to attend in person.

This half day event includes lunch on arrival, afternoon tea and networking drinks from 4.30pm - 5:30pm.

Date: Friday 8th May 2026

Registrations Close 1^st of May

Time: 11:30am – 5:30pm
Registration opens and lunch served on arrival from 11:30am

Location: REIV HQ – 617 Victoria Street, Abbotsford 3067

Price

Member: $220 inc GST
Non Member: $310 inc GST
Staff Subscriber: $245 inc GST

Secure Your Spot Today

Navigating Disputes and Mediation with the Victorian Small Business Commission

Presenter: Tim Symons, Interim Victorian Small Business Commissioner

The session will explore common causes of disputes and outline proactive steps that can be taken to minimise risk before issues escalate. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of their role in preventing conflict through effective communication, strong processes, and early intervention.

It will also demystify the formal mediation process, offering guidance on how to engage effectively, what to expect, and how to achieve more productive outcomes. Whether you’re managing complex tenancies or looking to strengthen your approach to conflict resolution, this session will equip you with practical tools and greater confidence to navigate disputes professionally.

Tim is a seasoned public sector leader with extensive experience in small business resilience and vocational education reform. He has driven policy development and program delivery across government, TAFE and the private sector, and previously led bushfire and COVID-19 recovery initiatives at Small Business Victoria. His work has also focused on supporting economic inclusion for diverse entrepreneurs, including CALD and Aboriginal business operators.

Responding to Tenant Financial Distress: Legal Pathways and Commercial Decisions

Presenter: Ben Bishop, Special Counsel at Johnson Winter Slattery

Landlords and property managers are often the first to see the warning signs of financial distress in a tenant. Knowing what to do next is tricky. This session will provide some practical guidance to assist the commercial decision making that follows identification of financial distress. In the session, Ben will discuss:

- Managing court processes for termination of leases and re-entering premises, including the lawful removal of the tenant’s property;
- The interaction of those processes with a tenant’s entry into liquidation, voluntary administration, or receivership; and
- Recovery of outstanding debts, particularly rental arrears.

This session focuses exclusively on commercial tenancies and does not cover retail or residential tenancies.

Panel: Building a Standout Career in Commercial Real Estate

Bill Di Donna

Senior Associate Director - Gross Waddell ICR

Tamara Gross

Director of Retail - Belle Property Group

Leorna Givoni

Director & Founder - Small Act Major Impact

What does it take to stand out in commercial real estate? This panel explores the foundations of long-term success, from career growth to personal brand.

Panellists share how careers begin and the habits that truly drive results—building strong relationships, staying reliable, and consistently following through. Success is shown to come from small, repeatable actions like preparation, regular client engagement, and active listening.

For early-career professionals, the focus is on developing skills, seeking mentorship, and saying yes to opportunities, while avoiding the trap of chasing quick wins over long-term growth.
The session also reframes personal brand as more than just social media, it’s built through consistent behaviour, professionalism, and delivering value over time.