ITRA Global to Host London Symposium for European Corporate Executives

Commercial Real Estate, News, Tenant Representation

Founded in 1980, The Stevens Group is a Boston-based commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm with more than four decades of experience helping companies make informed real estate decisions. Today, our practice is centered on Corporate Real Estate Advisory & Tenant Representation, providing independent, conflict-free guidance to tenants and occupiers throughout Greater Boston and beyond.

We advise clients on site selection, negotiations for new leases, renewals, relocations, expansions, consolidations, and specialized office, R&D/lab, industrial and flex requirements. As the Boston affiliate of the International Tenant Representative Alliance (ITRA Global), we can also support clients across the U.S. and internationally while maintaining the senior- level, hands-on service of an independent firm.

The Stevens Group has been certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) since 2011 and is proud to celebrate 15 years of certification in 2026.

What inspired you to start your company, and what has shaped your journey woman business owner in CRE?

The Stevens Group was founded by my parents, Mark and Debra Stevens, in 1980, and I joined the firm in 2013. My mother had a remarkable career in commercial real estate and showed me firsthand what was possible for a woman in the industry, while my father was an equally important mentor and supporter. Since Debra’s passing last year, carrying forward what they built has taken on added meaning. I am proud of our history and committed to positioning The Stevens Group for the future while preserving the integrity, reputation, and client focus that define us.

What are you most proud of about the company you’ve built?

I am most proud of the trust we have earned and the long-standing relationships we have built with clients over more than four decades. Our size and independence allow us to stay closely involved, be responsive, and give objective advice. I also value that we have continued to evolve and stay current while remaining true to how we do business.

Celebrating 15 years as a certified women business enterprise is another milestone I am especially proud of.

What are you most excited about for your company and its future?

I am excited to continue expanding the ways we support clients as their real estate needs become more complex. We have the advantage of being nimble, experienced, and highly personal in our approach, while our ITRA Global affiliation gives clients broader reach when they need it. I see the next chapter as thoughtful growth, interesting assignments, and continuing to strengthen our reputation as a trusted advisor to corporate occupiers.

What does being a woman-owned business mean to you, and what perspective would you share with women considering starting a business of their own?

Being a woman-owned business is meaningful to me because it reflects how far opportunities for women in commercial real estate have come. CRE Brokerage is a demanding career, but I believe women can build successful businesses and careers in this industry without having to choose between professional growth and the other priorities in their lives. My advice is to seek out strong mentors and advisors, trust your expertise and create a culture that values high performance and flexibility. The right environment can make a meaningful difference in sustaining a rewarding career over time.

FOUNDED: 1980

HEADQUARTERS: Boston, MA

SPECIALTIES: Corporate Real Estate Advisory & Tenant Representation; Office, R&D/Lab, Industrial & Flex Requirements

MARKETS SERVED: Greater Boston/Massachusetts; and national and international supportand consulting

WOMAN-OWNED SINCE: 2011

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March 2012

LONDON - ITRA Global, one of the largest real estate organizations devoted to the representation of corporate tenants and occupiers of commercial real estate worldwide, has announced it will host the ITRA Global 2012 Corporate Real Estate Symposium on September 12, 2012 at the Park Plaza Victoria Hotel London, 239 Vauxhall Bridge Road, in London, England.

Martin Levy of ITRA / Martin Levy Commercial and ITRA Global’s London affiliate is pleased this symposium is being held in his city. “This Symposium is a unique opportunity for European corporate executives considering expansion or relocation in the Americas to obtain critical information and resources without taking expensive and time-consuming Transatlantic trips,” says Levy. “We’ll explain how to increase their negotiation leverage to reduce real estate costs and maximize profits in a global marketplace dominated by economic uncertainty and ever-tightening budgets. They’ll also get a thorough briefing of the business, regulatory and cultural nuances associated with growth in the Americas.”

ITRA Global executives from around the world will attend the event and believe corporate executives will gain important insights about the international real estate market. Charles Tatham, Principal of Paris-based ITRA / Tatham Property Solutions, says, “French companies considering expansion in the Americas today must take advantage of every opportunity to understand how these markets are different from Europe. Our Symposium will provide them with case studies and critical tips that will help them make smart business decisions.”

Helen Silverstolpe, Partner of ITRA / NewSec AB in Stockholm, Sweden, emphasizes the Symposium will enable corporate executives to identify and monitor real estate trends. “Doing business in today’s economy is vastly different than just five years ago. By attending the Symposium, European companies will have a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the global corporate real estate market as they consider expansion in the Americas.”

Divided into two sessions, “Doing Business in the Americas” is a premier all-day event featuring top corporate executives and economic development executives from around the world. The first session, “Increase Your Competitive Advantage & Profit with Corporate Real Estate,” will address how European companies can obtain a better understanding of facility availability, build-to-suit and leasing vs. ownership options in the Americas and then use them to their financial advantage. The second panel discussion, “Don’t Leave Money on the Table,” will include economic development executives from government agencies in the Americas who will address the vast—and often expansive―financial incentives provided by various jurisdictions for companies moving into their regions along with other facility and location factors.

ITRA Global is an organization of corporate real estate advisors specializing in representing companies in the leasing, acquisition and disposition of office, industrial and retail facilities. With coverage in over 80 major markets around the world, ITRA Global is one of the largest organizations dedicated to representing tenants and occupiers of commercial real estate. Clients benefit by having experienced professionals as their trusted advisors, providing conflict-free representation with total objectivity.