Tuesday, April 14, 2026 · 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sonoco Pavilion, University of South Carolina
Hosted by the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, and
Darla Moore School of Business
About the Conference
Join industry leaders, faculty, students and alumni for an afternoon of insights, networking and professional development at the USC Real Estate Conference. Hosted by the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, and Darla Moore School of Business, this half-day event explores the trends shaping commercial, hospitality and retail real estate — and how these sectors are redefining economic growth in South Carolina and beyond.
Keynote Speaker
Travis Garland, Chief Development Officer, Portman Holdings
As chief development officer, Travis Garland oversees the day-to-day business across all asset classes at Portman, playing a key role in shaping strategy, executing transactions and driving the development of new and existing product types.
Previously, Travis served as managing director of office at Portman, where he led transactions totaling over $4 billion in gross value, including leasing, operations and dispositions. He is an active member of NAIOP and ULI. His achievements have earned him recognition as a NAIOP “Top Producer” in 2014 and 2018, as well as the No. 2 Producer in 2016, 2020 and 2021. He was also named one of Real Estate Forum’s 40 Under 40 in 2014 and has been recognized as a CoStar Power Broker from 2013 to 2021.
Travis holds a B.B.A. in real estate from the University of Georgia and is a licensed Broker in Georgia and North Carolina. He has been active in commercial real estate since 2005.
Conference Schedule
10-11 a.m. — Lantern Hotel Tour (optional)
11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. — Registration and Lunch
12-12:50 p.m. — Student Networking Lunch
12:55-1:15 p.m. — Welcome by Michael Sagas (Dean, USC College of HRSM)
1:15-1:35 p.m. — Economic Outlook by Joseph Von Nessen (Research Economist, USC Darla Moore School
of Business)
1:35-2:20 p.m. — Fireside Chat with Portman Holdings
- Interviewer: John Schellhase (Vice President Investments, Peachtree Group)
- Interviewee: Travis Garland (Chief Development Officer, Portman Holdings)
2:30-3:15 p.m. — Hotel Investments - Owner Perspectives
- Panelist: Emily Feeney (Vice President Capital Markets, Noble Investment Group)
- Panelist: Jack Meakin (Vice President Business Development, Hotel Equities)
- Panelist: Caroline Royster (Vice President Dispositions, Peachtree Group)
3:15-3:30 p.m. — Networking Break
3:30-4 p.m. — Mixed Use Case Study - Bull Street Project with Robert Hughes (President, Hughes
Development Corporation)
4-4:45 p.m. — Inside the Executive Suite
- Moderator: Andrea Belfanti (CEO, International Society of Hospitality Consultants)
- Panelist: Chris Henry (CEO, Majestic Hospitality)
- Panelist: Chad Sorensen (Managing Director/CEO, CHMWarnick)
- Panelist: Matt Crosland (National Vice President for Retail, Edens)
4:45-5 p.m. — Closing Remarks by Gregory Niehaus (Interim Dean, USC Darla Moore School of Business)
5:15 p.m. — Reception
Why Attend
- Gain up-to-date insights on commercial, hospitality, and retail real estate trends.
- Learn from USC faculty, industry executives, and thought leaders.
- Network with professionals, students, and alumni.
- Earn continuing education (CE) credits through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (pending approval).
Who Should Attend
- Real estate developers and professionals
- Hospitality and retail executives
- USC students and alumni interested in commercial real estate
Registration
$125 per ticket
Limited seats available — secure your spot today to connect with key professionals and thought leaders in hospitality, retail and real estate.