Arriving in the sleepy town of Savannah, Georgia, for Realcomm | IBcon 2025, one couldn’t help but wonder if this historic town was a metaphor for the commercial real estate industry. The industry, much like Savannah, is a blend of tradition and modernity, making it the perfect place to explore the latest technologies – notably, artificial intelligence. With the theme “The New ROI: Return on Innovation,” the event promised to be a powerful showcase of how technology is reshaping the built environment.
Just as Savannah’s historic charm welcomes its visitors, representatives of the real estate industry welcomed the opportunity to discuss technology trends that can benefit the sector. What better place than Savannah to explore the future of PropTech?
AI is here, ready or not
AI is no longer a distant promise; it’s here, reshaping how we plan, manage, and optimize the spaces where business happens. At Realcomm, vendors showcased AI’s transformative impact on the real estate industry. From automating lease administration to forecasting occupancy and unlocking strategic insights, AI is already a powerful ally in the CRE toolkit.
As a proud participant and innovation leader, MRI Software was at the forefront of the conversation, demonstrating how our unparalleled range of AI-powered solutions are revolutionizing real estate operations.
MRI’s VP of AI & Data, Vijay Anand, took the stage at the BuildingsAI Symposium to share MRI’s vision for AI in real estate. His session explored the rise of agentic AI and its potential to automate complex decision-making. He highlighted how MRI uses machine learning to streamline lease abstraction, maintenance, and tenant engagement, while stressing the importance of ethical AI and responsible data practices in PropTech – a topic often glossed over by tech providers.
Patrick Ghilani, CEO of MRI, reinforced how AI is driving rapid advancements in real estate processes and analytics. He shared his vision for the future and provided a glimpse of MRI’s strategic roadmap. Patrick’s industry expertise and leadership were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at Realcomm, proudly celebrating his commitment and perseverance in accelerating technology and innovation for the real estate sector.
The MRI booth, with its iconic Sunshine Falls branding, was buzzing with practical demonstrations of an AI-powered utopian environment. Attendees praised the energy and expertise at the booth, and the live demos brought MRI’s AI solutions to life.
Real-world ROI
At the AI Process Automation Showcase, MRI presented together with our clients BXP and Empire State Realty Trust, demonstrating real-world applications of our AI technology. We explored how AI-powered footfall analytics measures pedestrian counts, demographics, and behavior more accurately, helping properties operate more efficiently, make smarter decisions, and deliver exceptional tenant experiences.
Key takeaways from Realcomm | IBcon 2025
With so much talk about AI, it’s difficult to cut through the noise and find solutions that are developed specifically for the real estate and property management sector. MRI has more than 40 AI-enabled solutions, and the number is growing every day. No other tech leaders at Realcomm could match the breadth and depth of our offerings.
AI is foundational to the future of real estate—not just a trend. Education and change management are crucial to driving broader adoption. Showcasing real estate-specific AI case studies will help stakeholders understand AI’s practical benefits and increase their confidence.
Thank you, Savannah, for showing that you don’t have to choose between heritage and high-tech. With thoughtful planning and community engagement, Savannah is becoming a model for how mid-sized cities can embrace innovation while staying true to their roots. Even the massive container ships travelling on the nearby river seamlessly fit into the picture!
Find out more: 8 real-world scenarios where AI is making a difference for the real estate industry
