Shaping the Future of Commercial Real Estate: Top Themes from CREtech 2025
CREtech NYC 2025 confirmed what many in the industry already know: property technology (proptech) isn’t a future concept; it’s the foundation of how commercial real estate (CRE) operates today. From AI integration to new ways of enhancing tenant and resident engagement, this year’s event showcased how tech is integral to how properties are built, bought, operated and optimized.
Below are some top property tech themes from the 2025 conference, inspired by exhibitors and industry expert discussions on the Main and Innovation stages.
AI Takes Center Stage
At CREtech 2025, artificial intelligence was not just a buzzword, but a fully integrated tool that dominated product offerings and innovations. Exhibitors demonstrated how AI is being used for predictive maintenance, leasing analytics, and even robot-conducted property inspections. Panelists focused on how building owners can use AI to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and deliver smarter tenant services. The collective take-away was not if the industry is using AI, it’s how.
Data Drives Decisions
The insights on occupancy, foot traffic, site selection, lease renewal risk, and other metrics provided by exhibitors reflect the increasingly critical role that data has on commercial real estate. Examples include: visitation and location analytics support leasing and tenant mix decisions; data insights offer competitive advantages in the form of better leasing terms, improved tenant retention and optimized amenities; dashboards combine occupancy, energy, and environmental data to optimize space and reduce operational waste. In all, data is critical to inform decisions that impact the significant investments in commercial real estate. And with data underpinning AI, it’s not a surprise to see these two themes dominate this year’s conference.
Tenant and Resident Experience Is the New Competitive Edge
Across the expo floor and on the stage, a consistent message stood out: tenant and resident experience is a business imperative. In a market with more acquisitions and re-development than new development, tech-driven amenities are prioritized to garner new leases and improve retention. Exhibitors included EV charging stations and fail-safe cellular network systems; community connection-building apps and resident rewards platforms presented their aims to drive engagement and loyalty. Life Space Digital introduced our digital display solutions that improve property communication and experience by delivering relevant content such as weather and property notices via must-pass elevator and lobby digital displays.
Conclusion
CREtech 2025 made it clear that property technology is shaping the commercial real estate landscape. From AI-powered workflows and data-driven operations to digital displays that improve tenant and resident communications, innovation is driving how properties engage, operate, and grow. As buildings become smarter and more connected, Life Space Digital is helping lead the way with elevator media and property communication solutions that turn every space into an enhanced experience.
Ready to see how Life Space Digital can deliver prop tech that enhances your building? Learn how our digital display network and elevator media solutions can turn every property into a more engaging experience.