What is NextGen?

CARW NextGen is designed to support our member firms in attracting and developing the next generation of commercial real estate professionals. Now in its eighth year, the program has helped more than 100 early-career professionals grow their knowledge, build their networks, and strengthen their connection to the industry.

The 10-month cohort experience gives participants a real-world look at what it means to work in commercial real estate—from brokerage and development to legal, construction, and finance. They’ll hear directly from industry leaders, tour active projects, and connect with peers from across the market.

The program includes two core components:

Monthly In-Person Sessions: These required sessions are held at 250 E. Wisconsin (1st Floor Conference Room) and feature speakers from all corners of the CRE world.
Networking + Community Engagement: From site tours to happy hours, these events offer additional chances to build relationships and see the industry in action.

NextGen is ideal for professionals with fewer than five years in the business who want to grow their understanding of the industry, expand their network, and get more involved. It’s a program that benefits the individuals, member firms —and the industry.

Interested in Sponsoring CARW NextGen? Contact Tracy Johnson

Who is eligible?

CARW NextGen Program is open to CARW members in good standing with plans to renew for 2026, who have completed between one and five years in the commercial real estate industry. Please note: if you are not a CARW member at the time of consideration, you will not be eligible.

How do I participate?

CARW NextGen participants are selected through a competitive application process, based on the strength of the application, endorsements, qualifications, and overall fit for the program. 15-25 individuals will be selected from those who apply. To be considered for NextGen, the applicant must be an active member of CARW in good standing with plans to renew for 2026. The application REQUIRES a firm leader’s letter of recommendation, resume, and a 10-month commitment to the program. If accepted to the program, a program fee of $100 will be billed to the applicant.

How do I apply?

CARW Next Generation candidates are determined through an application process. 15-25 individuals will be selected. To be considered for NextGen, the applicant MUST be an active member of CARW in good standing with plans to renew in the following year. The application requires a firm leader’s letter of recommendation, a resume, and a 10-month commitment to the program. If accepted to the program, a program fee of $100 will be billed to the applicant.

Applications for the Class of 2026 are open - https://carw.com/nextgen-application-now-open/

If you have any questions, please contact Alexis Strode at membership@carw.com.

Tentative Meeting Dates for 2026

January 13, 2026 - Developer
February 10, 2026 - Brokerage
March 10, 2026 - Architecture
April 14, 2026 - Engineering
May 12, 2026 - Construction
June 16, 2026 - Banking/Finance
July 14, 2026 - Law
August 18, 2026 - Economic Development
September 8, 2026 - Property & Asset Management
October 8, 2026 - Graduation

*Meeting Dates are set for the second Tuesday of each month except August. The meeting times are 4:00 -5:15 PM with a happy hour to follow.

Meeting Dates for 2025

Meeting Dates for 2025*
January 14, 2025
February 11, 2025
March 11, 2025
April 8, 2025
May 13, 2025
June 10, 2025
July 8, 2025
August 19, 2025
September 9, 2025
NextGen Graduation - October 9, 2025

*Meeting Dates are set for the second Tuesday of each month except August.

Meet the Class of 2025

Class of 2025

Check out past NextGen Alumni!

2024 NextGen Class
2023 NextGen Class
2022 NextGen Class
2021 NextGen Class
2020 NextGen Class
2019 NextGen Class
2018 NextGen Class

CARW NextGen Committee

CARW NextGen Directory (Published 8.5.24)

The CARW NextGen Directory is updated annually and published for CARW Members and NextGenners. Click HERE to view the file. Login may be required.

NextGen