A publication of Winter issue 2015 sponsored by CRE Finance World Winter 2015 37 The groundwork for the Symposium was now in place. Conversations began with potential panelists about the concept and the vision of the Symposium. The responses were immediate and incredibly positive. Industry leading servicers, rating agencies, law firms and investment banks were approached, as well as the CRE Finance Council (CREFC) and Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). Understanding the importance of such an event, Morningstar Ratings responded, not only with a willingness to participate, but also with a desire to help sponsor the event. Prior to the Symposium, Mary Chamberlain, Senior Vice President of Operational Risk Assessments at Morningstar Ratings, who had initially visited both Wells Fargo and Berkadia in 2013 noted, “The event will provide individuals with a better understanding of the needs of investors, lenders, regulators and other industry participants. Morningstar also believes that future conferences and networking opportunities within India will facilitate communication among servicers within the country to better serve the needs of the broader U.S. CRE market.” Additional financial support came from law firm Bryan Cave LLP, which also sent Keith Dunsmore and Katie Schwarting, both Partners at the firm, to participate in the Symposium as speakers. Sponsorship was rounded out by law firm Dilworth Paxson LLP and Co-CEO Ajay Raju, who has roots in India and is deeply committed to growing the connective tissue between U.S. and India operations. Through the initial discussions regarding goals for the Symposium, another key focus area was identified for the conference: CRE education for Indian academic institutions. Despite boasting workforces that have achieved either an Undergraduate or Master’s Degree, both Berkadia and Wells Fargo acknowledged that their employees had not received CRE related educational training or coursework. Deans and Administrators from the top Indian universities were contacted about attending the conference and 14 universities accepted our invitation, noting the importance of learning more about CRE service providers in the Hyderabad area and gaining firsthand experience about the value of incorporating basic CRE course work into business curriculums. As the finishing touches for the Symposium came together, the program and panelists were finalized and invitations were accepted by notable companies in the industry, including: Jefferies & Company, Inc., Prudential Asset Resources, GEMSA, Moody’s, Cassin & Cassin, the MBA and CREFC. Leading up to the Symposium, panelists and sponsor companies received an introduction to Hyderabad — one of the most mature global business process centers in the world — to get more comfortable with the event and surroundings they were about to experience and participate in. A Traditional Beginning The conference began with the Symposium sponsors coming together for the “lighting of the lamp.” In the Indian culture, light symbolizes knowledge. Knowledge is regarded as everlasting wealth that is capable of removing ignorance just as the light removes darkness. The flame of the lamp always burns upward, symbolizing that one should acquire knowledge to achieve higher ideals. Destination Hyderabad: The Inaugural CRE Symposium Inaugural CRE Symposium Lighting of the Lamp
CREFW-Winter Edition
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