Empowering Alabama and Georgia Landowners

About the Conference

Join leading landowners, investors, and industry professionals for the most comprehensive look at the forces shaping land value across Alabama and Georgia.

The Lay of the Land® Conference convenes legislators, economists, developers, and land specialists to examine how land is used today, and what that means for value tomorrow.

EVENT DETAILS
Date: April 23, 2026
Location: Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center
801 Front Avenue Columbus, Georgia 31901

Request an invitation to future conferences

Stay Ahead of the Market

At the Lay of the Land® Conference, you’ll step into the conversations shaping Alabama and Georgia land values, with insight grounded in data and experience.

Attendees will gain:
• Legislative and economic outlooks shaping land markets
• Real-world insights into development, entitlements, and infrastructure
• Practical guidance backed by the Lay of the Land® Market Report

Conference Schedule

Thursday, April 23, 2026
Time	Sessions
8:30 AM	Attendee Check In and Breakfast
9:00 AM	Welcome
9:15 AM	Policy Issues Shaping Land Ownership State and federal policy decisions continue to influence how land is owned, managed, and developed across the Southeast. This panel brings together leaders from regional advocacy organizations to discuss current issues affecting landowners, including surface water rights, environmental regulation under the Clean Air Act, and broader policy initiatives impacting forestry, agriculture, and rural land use. Dillon Hendrix, Georgia Associate Advisor - Saunders Real Estate Mike Worley, President & CEO - Georgia Wildlife Federation Matt Hestad, Senior Vice President - Georgia Forestry Association Adam Belflower, State Affairs Manager - Georgia Farm Bureau Tim L. Gothard, Executive Director - Alabama Wildlife Federation
10:15 AM	Networking Break
10:30 AM	Recreational Land Value Optimization Recreational land continues to attract strong interest from both local and out-of-state buyers, but not all properties are created equal. This session explores the features and improvements that can significantly increase the value and appeal of a hunting or recreational tract, such as internal road systems, gated access, and other key elements buyers evaluate when considering land investments. Hoke Smith, IV, ALC, Alabama Regional Managing Director - Saunders Real Estate Mike Matre, ALC, RF, ACF, Georgia Senior Advisor - Saunders Real Estate Tom Tuggle, ALC, Georgia Advisor - Saunders Real Estate Eric Whatley, Forest Operations Manager - Burgin Timberland
11:30 AM	Succession Planning for Landowners: Navigating the Next Chapter For many landowners, deciding what comes next for their property is about far more than a transaction. Whether planning for retirement, transitioning an operation, or preparing for the eventual sale of land and assets, this session explores the financial, family, and stewardship considerations of succession planning, along with practical guidance on developing a strategy that protects your interests with confidence, confidentiality, and a clear path forward. Tyler Davis, ALC, President - Saunders Real Estate Fletcher Majors, ALC, JD, Alabama Senior Advisor - Saunders Real Estate Alan Grafton, Principal - Pinion D. Carter Weeks, Partner - Samford & Denson, LLP
12:30 PM	Lunch
1:00 PM	Growing Demand for Development Land Population growth, infrastructure investment, and real estate demand are consistently reshaping how land is being developed. This session explores which land features are driving demand for residential communities, industrial and logistics facilities, and emerging uses such as data centers, while sharing insight into how sites are evaluated and what landowners should consider when positioning property for future development. Russell Dye, ALC, CCIM, Georgia Regional Managing Director - Saunders Real Estate Tyler Davis, ALC, President - Saunders Real Estate Bradley Dunckel, PE, Director of Development Strategies - DCCM David Zellner, Director of Business Development - DSI South
2:00 PM	Lenders Discussion on Debt and Capital Financing land can look very different depending on the property, the borrower, and the long-term plan for the land. In this session, panelists will walk through real scenarios involving agricultural operations, and rural land purchases. The discussion will explore lending structures, the role of leasing versus financing, and how borrowers can approach capital decisions with a clearer understanding of their options. Spencer Smith, AFM, ALC, Land & Auctions Managing Director - Saunders Real Estate Brandon DuRant, AFM, Agriculture Managing Director - Saunders Real Estate Andy Leslie, VP of Lending - First South Farm Credit Glenn Lewis, Vice President - Equitable AgriFinance Jason Denton, Executive Director - PGIM
3:00 PM	Networking Break
3:15 PM	Lay of the Land® Market Update The Lay of the Land Market Report remains a trusted benchmark for annual land sales and statewide market trends. This panel builds on that foundation, with Saunders Land advisors offering current insights from the field across key asset classes. Backed by the most current land sales data collected by the Saunders Research team, this session provides timely perspectives and practical guidance for the 2025 Alabama and Georgia real estate market. Austin Fisher, Georgia Regional Managing Director - Saunders Real Estate Todd Davis, Georgia Senior Advisor - Saunders Real Estate Chap Shuman, Georgia Advisor - Saunders Real Estate Jay Gilmer, Alabama Associate Advisor - Saunders Real Estate Eric Leisy, ALC, GRI, Alabama Senior Advisor - Saunders Real Estate

ANNUAL LAY OF THE LAND^® Conference

Key Market Sectors Analyzed

ExpertS Shaping the Conversation

2026 Sponsors

__________

_{The Lay of the Land® Conference is organized and sponsored exclusively by Saunders Real Estate for our clients, landowners, and related interests. As space is limited for our primary audience, we respectfully require that real estate brokers and licensed associates outside of our brokerage refrain from attending.}_{By registering for and attending this event, you grant Saunders Real Estate and its authorized representatives permission to capture your likeness via photography and video. You agree that these materials may be used in any media—including, but not limited to, social media, website content, and paid promotional advertisements—worldwide and in perpetuity, without compensation.}_{Additionally, you acknowledge that your registration information may be shared with our official event sponsors and partners to provide you with relevant industry news and offers. You may opt out of these communications at any time via the unsubscribe links provided by those parties.}