This year’s Tenant Advisory Council Annual Event brought leaders from across the industry together to explore how market shifts, new technologies, and evolving workplace expectations are shaping occupier strategy. Across three core sessions, several themes stood out about where the industry is heading and how advisors can help clients stay ahead.

AI Adoption Is Becoming a Core Capability

The AI Playbook Workshop by Colliers’ Chris Zlocki, Head of Client Experience | Executive Vice President, Occupier Services | Global, and Malia Rosado, Senior Vice President, Client Strategy, and Innovation | Americas, highlighted how artificial intelligence is quickly becoming an operational advantage for tenant representation teams, and how Colliers can advise our clients on their AI journey. Rather than replacing expertise, AI is amplifying it by supporting deeper analysis and faster delivery.

Chris and Malia emphasized that the real success of AI comes from a foundation of strong data and a culture that encourages testing and learning. When those pieces are in place, advisors can use AI to:

• Speed up portfolio diagnostics and trend analysis.
• Support scenario modeling that helps clients make clearer, data informed decisions.
• Automate first drafts and research summaries so teams can focus on strategic storytelling.

The key message was that AI is no longer something to explore for later. It is becoming a practical, essential tool for strengthening client service today. Access more information on the AI Playbook here.

Workplace Strategy and Placemaking Are Entering a New Era

The Old Parkland Panel, led by Colliers’ Jodie Poirier, President, Occupier Services | Americas, explored how financial services companies have grown within the Dallas market and how they are taking a long view on workplace design. Leaders from Crow Holdings and Corgan noted that employers want environments that enhance productivity and offer meaningful reasons to be together. Consolidations are happening, but the goal is to move into a higher-performing space that supports efficiency, reinforces culture, supports collaboration, and aligns with long-term business needs.

Several themes emerged from the conversation, including:

• Workplaces must deliver stronger ROI through productivity, connectivity and employee experiences in order to earn the commute.
• Flexibility is no longer optional. Tenants want spaces that can evolve without costly rework.
• Brand, culture, and performance are playing a larger role in real estate decision making.
• Sustainability continues to be a critical component in planning new developments.

The focus on experience was present earlier in the day as well during the HALL Park discussion, where Kim Butler, Brad Gibson, and Rena Padachy shared how entire districts are transforming to meet modern expectations. Tenants are looking beyond individual buildings and evaluating the character, amenities, and planned evolution of the broader environment. Human-centered design, hospitality-inspired elements, and intentional outdoor spaces are helping districts stand out and improve leasing momentum.

Together, these conversations pointed to a shifting landscape in which technology, workplace expectations, and placemaking are becoming intertwined. Advisors who can help clients understand these forces and plan with intention will be best positioned to guide them through the next wave of change.

Learn more about the Tenant Advisory Council here.