Houston BOMA Heads to Boston: Highlights from the 2025 BOMA International Conference & EXPO
From June 28 to July 1, Houston BOMA joined colleagues from across the globe in Boston, Massachusetts, for the 2025 BOMA International Conference & EXPO, presented by BOMA International. With a strong presence of volunteer leaders, staff, and members, Houston BOMA proudly showed up in full force.
Throughout the week, one phrase echoed among Houston attendees: BOMA is better together. The sentiment reflected the Houston delegation's camaraderie, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Celebrating Ideas and Community
The conference kicked off Saturday with the "Wonderlicious Book Launch," a celebration sponsored by Houston BOMA to honor the release of Wonderlicious by BOMA Fellow and speaker Peter Merrett. It was an inspiring start, capturing Merrett's spirit of joy and innovation in the industry. Learn more about the book.
Houston BOMA staff welcomed nearly 30 members that evening for a special dinner at the Serafina Seaport. The event brought Houston attendees together ahead of the conference, and the strong turnout set the tone for an energizing week.
Leadership in Action
On Sunday, Houston BOMA CEO Bradley Elliott, MBA, CAE, IOM, as Chair of the BOMA Association Executives (BAE) Council, presented the BAE Council Report during the Board of Governors Meeting. His remarks reflected a strong belief in unity and a shared vision for the future:
"We feel the change. There's enthusiasm and interest in ensuring this isn't just a strong BOMA International—we're a strong federation. Let's be stronger together."
Additionally, Houston BOMA Past President Ed Bovermann, CCIM, Regional Managing Director, Property Management at JLL, delivered the BOMA International Nominating Committee Report.
Later that afternoon, Houston BOMA members attended the BOMA Southwest Region Lunch and Business Meeting. Janet Shipley, CPM, Director of Property Management at CBRE, another past president, and current Southwest Region officer, shared a scholarship update and made a personal $1,000 pledge to the Ferrell Hays Scholarship, which supports members' attendance at the BOMA Southwest Regional Conference. Learn more about the scholarship.
That evening, members joined vendor-hosted events throughout the city, continuing the tradition of building community beyond the sessions.
Showcasing Excellence
Monday began with the YARDI-BOMA Sustainability Scholars Breakfast, where Houston BOMA member Sahar Del Villar, CPM, ACoM, General Manager at JLL, was recognized as a grant recipient. She was paired with an industry sustainability mentor to help further her development in the field.
Later, at the BAE educational session, Houston BOMA's Victoria Ferrell, Manager of Meetings and Events, shared best practices on event strategy and fundraising. She highlighted the success of Houston BOMA's Cornhole Clash, which raised over $10,000 for scholarships for the Houston BOMA Foundation and IREM Foundation.
The day wrapped with another round of social gatherings hosted by allied partners.
A Powerful Conclusion
Tuesday began with the final BAE session, where Bradley Elliott, MBA, CAE, IOM, officially passed the gavel to incoming Chair Darcie Carney, CAE, Executive Director of BOMA St. Louis. Elliott gave her a meaningful gift: a gavel once used in the St. Louis court system. Reflecting on his time as Chair, he shared:
"It has been an honor. It has been a privilege. And I appreciate your support."
The day continued with a standout session on sustainability featuring Houston BOMA members Sahar Del Villar, CPM, ACoM, and Thomas O'Donnell, SMA, Assistant Chief Engineer at JLL. They shared their experience achieving BOMA BEST certification for 6400 Fannin—Texas's first and the first medical office in the U.S. to earn the distinction. The panel offered practical advice on implementing innovative and sustainable operations.
At the One BOMA Recognition Lunch, Houston BOMA Board Member Connie O'Murray, National Director, Medical Property Management at JLL, was inducted as a BOMA Fellow—one of the association's most prestigious honors.
The conference closed with the TOBY Awards Gala, where Houston BOMA members celebrated a week of connection, leadership, and learning.
Stronger, Together
From strategic leadership to lasting impact, Houston BOMA's presence in Boston reflected a simple truth: BOMA is better together. Thank you to everyone who made this year's conference a success.
