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Author: Mark Ainely | Partner GC Realty & Development & Co-Host Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast
Why Every Chicago Housing Provider Should Be at the 2025 NBOA Summer Soirée
Some events are fun. Some are powerful. Some move the needle for your business.
The NBOA Summer Soirée? It’s all of that and more!
In this Tuesday Tip episode, we’re joined by Mike Glasser, President of the Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance (NBOA), and Real Estate Nate, board member and local investor. Together, they break down why the 2025 NBOA Soirée is more than a party—it’s your chance to connect with 700+ real estate professionals, network directly with elected officials, and support the organization that defends your rights as a Chicago housing provider.
What Is the Soirée?
The NBOA Summer Soirée is now in its 13th year and has grown from 300 to over 700 attendees. This year’s event will be held at the beautifully restored Artifact Events space in Ravenswood.
📍 Location: 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago
🗓 Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:30–9:30 PM (with an optional afterparty for the hardcore networkers)
This isn’t just networking. It’s where new investors meet mentors, brokers meet buyers, sponsors support advocacy, and politicians listen to the real boots-on-the-ground experts: you.
Questions We Answer in This Episode
Q: What makes the Summer Soirée different from other Chicago real estate events?
A: The Soirée gathers housing providers, managers, brokers, lenders, and even local politicians in one space. It’s inclusive, high-level, and mission-driven.
Q: Is this just for big players?
A: Not at all. Whether you own 100 units or are still house hacking your first two-flat, this event welcomes everyone. It’s built for connection, not cliques.
Q: I’m new to investing. Will I fit in?
A: Absolutely. As Nate shared, he met a sponsor at last year’s soirée who now handles his estate planning—and walked away with relationships that are helping him scale today.
Q: What’s in it for full-time property managers?
A: Direct access to owners, vendors, and elected officials. This is where management professionals can deepen relationships and stay ahead of advocacy issues affecting operations.
Q: Who’s going to be in the room?
A: Brokers from every major firm, experienced investors, lenders, title companies, local contractors, and tons of dealmakers. Plus: aldermen, county commissioners, and state reps.
Q: Why is this event so heavily supported by sponsors?
A: The ROI is huge. Not only do they get brand visibility in front of 700 real estate professionals, but their dollars go directly toward legislative advocacy—no fluff.
Q: Where does my money go if I attend or sponsor?
A: Straight into advocacy. Fighting transfer taxes, rent control, and poorly written housing ordinances. You’re not donating—you’re investing in your future as a housing provider.
Q: How else can I support the mission if I can’t attend?
A: Sponsor a ticket for someone else, make a contribution, or at least sign up for the NBOA newsletter so you stay informed when the next ordinance threatens your operation.
Q: Is there an official afterparty?
A: Let’s just say…yes. Bring your business cards and don’t make Friday morning appointments.
Show Notes
00:00 – Mike Glasser & Real Estate Nate return for a Tuesday Tip
00:33 – What the soirée is, why it matters, and who attends
01:18 – 700+ expected in 2025; how the event has grown year after year
01:56 – What makes this networking room unique
02:27 – Nate’s estate planning connection and scaling stories
03:11 – Why first-time investors belong in this room too
03:53 – The importance of political attendance: aldermen, commissioners, and more
04:32 – Busting the landlord stereotype: diverse, engaged, local housing providers
05:05 – Commercial brokers: every major player will be there
05:33 – Still time to become a sponsor and support the mission
06:12 – NBOA runs lean: every dollar supports direct advocacy
07:00 – How Nate contributes as a board member and software pro
07:27 – Issues NBOA is fighting: rent control, transfer tax hikes, right of first refusal
08:50 – The behind-the-scenes work you don’t see, but benefit from
09:39 – Why investing in the soirée = investing in your freedom to operate
09:57 – How to get involved via your neighborhood affiliate group
10:57 – Event logistics and ticket purchase info
11:31 – Don’t call it a donation. It’s education, advocacy, and connection.
12:19 – NBOA’s partnership with Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast
12:48 – Trivia time: How many restaurants are in Rogers Park?
14:23 – Levi Johnson wins a free ticket!
Takeaways for Chicago Property Managers and Landlords
- You need to be in rooms where the people shaping your industry gather.
- Relationships matter—and this is the night to build them.
- Your operation isn’t safe without advocacy. The NBOA does the work so you don’t have to fight alone.
- Invest in the organizations protecting your bottom line.
- Just showing up puts you ahead of 90% of landlords out there.
Guest Info
Mike Glasser
President, Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance
nboachicago.com
Real Estate Nate
Board Member, NBOA
@realestatenate
Because finding good tenants and property management shouldn’t feel like online dating.
Dear Investor,
If you are an investor in either the city or suburbs of Chicago, I would love to speak with you about how we can help you on your real estate journey. At GC Realty & Development LLC, we help hundreds of Chicagoland real estate owners and brokers each year manage their assets with both full service property management and tenant placement services.
We understand that every investor’s goals are unique, and we love learning about each client’s individual needs. If there is an opportunity to help you buy back your time by managing your rental property or finding quality tenants, please check us out.
Best Investing,
Founder, Partner, Podcast Co-Host, and Investor
