Brownfields Transaction Forum

*****Updated 4/18/08 - New Logistical Information Added! *****

Advanced registration is now closed for the 2008 Brownfields Transaction Forum. If you are a brownfields dealmaker (developer, investor, broker, consultant, etc) coming to the transaction forum to scope out a deal, following this link for more information. Information for Buyers of Brownfields

Brownfield Site Owners- Setup information

ICMA has updated and reorganized information for site owners that are participating in the 2008 Brownfields Transaction Forum.

The forum will be held Monday, May 5th, from 10:30 am -1:00 pm at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan - Ambassador Room.

You can setup your storyboard and information on Sunday, May 4th beginning at 1:00pm until 6:00 pm.  You can also set up on Monday morning from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m.   Please stop by the conference registration desk to pick up your badge before setting up your display in the Ambassador room

Information on How to Prepare a Storyboard

Property owners or their representatives will set up information displays about their properties and the communities in which they are located. Display spaces will consist of tackboards 8' wide and 4' high for posters with tables underneath for handouts and other informational materials.

• To be able to participate in the Transaction Forum - Site Owners must prepare and present an 8' x 4' storyboards, about their properties and the communities in which they are located. Displays can include ground level photos and aerial shots; maps; site and community data; and contact information for the listing agent or owner. Empty tackboards with your organization's name will be available along with tape, pins, and velcro for hanging photos and other informational materials as part of your storyboards.  
• ICMA will not prepare materials for participants storyboards.

          Click here to see a storyboard template you may wish to use in assembling your materials.

• Site owners are also encouraged to bring reference materials and handouts for distribution about their properties and communities which would complement the storyboards. Examples of such materials include marketing materials about the community in which the properties are located, master plans, and information about local and state incentive programs.

• Property owners and their representatives will set up information displays about their properties and the communities in which they are located in the Ambassador Room of Cobo Center prior to the forum. Display spaces will consist of tackboards 8' wide and 4' high for property information with tables underneath for handouts and other informational materials.
• All Transaction Forum registrants will be given color-coded name badge ribbons with their Brownfields 2008 registration materials that will identify them as participants. Ribbons will indicate whether an attendee is representing available properties "Seller" or is seeking prospective properties "Buyer".
• Property owners and their representatives will remain at their display areas to meet with prospective purchasers who will be circulating through the Transaction Forum.
• Property owners may begin setting up property displays on Sunday, May 4th at 1:00 p.m., after they have picked up their registration badges at the conference registration desk.  You can also set up on Monday morning from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
• To participate as a seller in the Transaction Forum you must prepare a storyboard.

What Does the BTF Look like?

Here are some pictures of Storyboards from Boston:

Here is a picture of the room from Boston:

General and Setup Information

When is setup?- Setup is recommended on Sunday, May 4th between 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm you will need to visit registration to pick up your badge.  Additional setup time is available Monday morning between 7:00 am and 9:00 am.

Will there be electricity at my table? - No, there will be no electricity provided for your table.  You can use a laptop but be sure to bring an extra battery or two.

Will there be internet access at my table? - Yes, but it's wi-fi.  Keep that in mind as you plan your display.

What is the conference providing?  ICMA has arranged for the tack boards, a skirted table, push pins, velcro tape, signage, lunch, and an electronic listing of the properties.  Your storyboards and any other materials will be the “seller’s” responsibility.

Who is speaking at the BTF?  ICMA Welcome Remarks from Ed Daley, ICMA President,  EPA Welcome Remarks from Susan Bodine, U.S. EPA, Keynote "Deal Accelerator" talk from Matt Cullen, General Motors Chair, MI Econ Development Committee,  Welcome Remarks from ULI/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Robin Boyle, ULI.

How do I ship materials? - If you are an exhibitor you can use the shipping instructions for your booth and have your materials shipped there.  Otherwise you will have to ship your materials to your hotel.

What should I bring in addition to my storyboard? - Business cards, information or promotional materials on your community, additional properties that developers might be interested in.

Can I bring Balloons, Flashing Lights, and Bullhorns? - No.  Please be respectful of others.  The purpose of the tack boards and tables are to be conversation starters. 

Do I have to have a property for sale to be able to get a table and a tack board? - Yes, the purpose of the BTF is to help facilitate property transfers and provide local governments, communities, and owners with additional exposure for their sites.  Promotion of products & services can better be accomplished in other events at the Brownfields conference, such as in the exhibit hall.  The conference reserves the right to remove tack boards that promote products and services.

I'm a local government representative and we have these sites in our community which need redevelopment, but the municipality doesn't own them - can we list them at the BTF? - Yes, local governments, brokers, community stakeholders are welcome to list properties that are available for reuse & redevelopment.  Be sure to bring information on how prospective buyers can contact the owner or broker.

Will there be a lunch? - Lunch will be provided during the BTF.

I've never done this before and our community doesn't have much experience talking about these properties, is there anyone that can help me with marketing tips and advice? - Absolutely!  The Detroit District Council of the Urban Land Institute (ULI Detroit) is offering BTF participants access to their members for one-on-one coaching sessions and expert advice on how to develop the tools you need to market your properties and community at the Brownfields Transaction Forum. ULI has set up a hot-line for BTF participants, call Shannon Sclafani at 248/807-1600 and she will connect you with local ULI members who are ready to share their expertise and assist you as you prepare your materials for Detroit.

I’m a buyer of Brownfields, what do I need to bring?  Lots of business cards and any materials you need to make new contacts!

For more information please email:  Sean Tolliver at stolliver@icma.org or download the Brownfields Transaction Forum Brochure.

For more Information

For logistical, general, or conference related questions call Sean Tolliver, ICMA at 202/962-3590 or email stolliver@icma.org. 

The Detroit District Council of the Urban Land Institute (ULI Detroit) is offering BTF participants access to their members for one-on-one coaching sessions and expert advice on how to develop the tools you need to market your properties and community at the Brownfields Transaction Forum. ULI has set up a hot-line for BTF participants, call Shannon Sclafani at 248/807-1600 and she will connect you with local ULI members who are ready to share their expertise and assist you as you prepare your materials for Detroit.

The Urban Land Institute is a nonprofit education and research institute that is supported and directed by its members. Its mission is to provide responsible leadership in the use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. For more information, please visit the Urban Land Institute website at www.uli.org, or the Detroit District Council website at www.Detroit.uli.org.