IMN’s Winter Real Estate Private Funds – Laguna Beach

IMN’s winter real estate private funds conference – formally the Winter Real Estate Private Funds forum – is one of North America’s leading gatherings for institutional real estate capital. Organized by Informa Connect/IMN, the event brings together private equity real estate funds, limited partners, operators, and service providers for 2.5 days of market intelligence, capital-raising insights, and structured networking focused on commercial real estate (CRE) opportunities and private fund investing.

Positioned as “the largest gathering of PE funds, LPs, and investors in the CRE space”, the forum emphasizes capital flows, fund structuring, and strategy across the risk–return spectrum—from core to opportunistic real estate.

Dates & Venue

The latest edition of IMN’s winter real estate private funds takes place on:

• Dates: January 21–23, 2026
• Venue: Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California

Montage Laguna Beach is a luxury oceanfront resort perched on a coastal bluff above the Pacific, known for its high-end accommodations, spa, and extensive meetings facilities—offering a setting that aligns with the event’s focus on high-level capital and executive decision-makers.

Exhibitors & Audience Profile

The event centers on a capital-focused audience, typically including:

• Real estate private equity funds & investors
• Institutional LPs (pension funds, insurance companies, endowments)
• Owners, operators, and developers
• Advisers and service providers (legal, tax, administration, technology)

A snapshot of recent and expected attendees includes major players such as BlackRock, KKR, Brookfield Asset Management, CBRE Investment Management, Nuveen Real Estate, Oaktree Capital, PIMCO Prime Real Estate and Fortress Investment Group, among many others.

Sponsors and exhibitors gain access to 1,200+ senior CRE decision-makers, with dedicated sponsorship packages designed to raise brand visibility and secure meetings with active capital allocators and fund managers.

Features & Highlights

Key features of IMN’s winter real estate private funds include:

• Deep-dive agenda: 2.5 days of sessions cover macro and investment strategy, debt and refinancing, workouts, fund structures and fundraising, investor relations, operations, tax, ESG, sustainability, human capital, and technology.
• Top-tier speakers: Managing directors, CIOs, CFOs, and senior partners from leading global firms—such as KKR, CBRE Investment Management, BlackRock, Macquarie, and others—share insights, case studies, and forecasts.
• Structured networking: The forum is built around 10,000+ pre-arranged and ad-hoc meetings, including tailored 1:1 meeting programs designed to convert introductions into long-term capital relationships.
• Special networking formats: Two evening networking receptions overlooking the Pacific, a Women & Wine meeting focused on women in opportunity funds, a casual golf outing to open the conference. closed-door sessions for PE fund managers and investors to discuss sensitive market issues in a confidential setting

Practical Information

• Registration: Delegates register via the official Informa Connect event site, with options for general attendees, funds, LPs, and sponsors.
• Accommodation: Many delegates stay on-site at Montage Laguna Beach, benefiting from easy access to sessions and networking spaces, as well as resort amenities such as the spa, pools, and multiple dining outlets (Studio Mediterranean, The Loft, Mosaic Bar & Grille, and Lobby Lounge).
• Local area: Laguna Beach offers art museums, coastal parks, state beaches, whale watching, and a local trolley, allowing attendees to combine business with high-end leisure experiences.

Strategic Takeaways for Attendees

Professionals attending IMN’s winter real estate private funds can expect to:

• Benchmark strategies across core, value-add, and opportunistic CRE funds in a selective, risk-aware market.
• Gauge capital flows and LP sentiment, including how institutions are reallocating to private real estate amid macro and geopolitical uncertainty.
• Refine fund structures and fundraising approaches, informed by peer case studies, legal and tax updates, and LP expectations around alignment and transparency.
• Strengthen relationships through highly curated networking formats, from 1:1 meetings to receptions and golf, which are central to winning new mandates and deal flow.

Summary Table: IMN’s Winter Real Estate Private Funds