The Connect Inland Empire even taking place on Sept. 10 at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center, in Rancho Cucamonga, will have insights by industry experts on some of the biggest commercial real estate trends in the region.

But it will also honor now retired Erik Hansen with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Hansen had storied career with executive positions at CBRE, Legacy Partners and other firms.

He is known as a mentor and pioneer in the Inland Empire commercial real estate world. Terry Thompson, director of real estate services for San Bernardino County, who will also be speaking at the conference, called Hansen an “industrial pioneer” in the area, pointing out that he started building millions of square feet in the region in the 1980s.

But he said Hansen represented much more to the industry.

“The people that he mentored are in big positions today,” he pointed out. “He has a reputation that continues to this day of treating people right and fairly.”

Other confirmed speakers at the conference so far include Greg Devereaux, chief executive officer of San Bernardino County and Brandon Birtcher, chief executive officer of development firm Goodman Birtcher.

Among the topics that panelists will discuss include job growth in the Inland Empire, investment and development, as well supply chains and logistics. The program will last from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will finish with a cocktail reception.

Register for Connect Inland Empire here.