Building the Future of Housing
October 9, 2026
8AM – 2PM
Mechanics Hall • Worcester, Massachusetts
Hosted by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
Get Involved
Whether you’re attending, sponsoring, or exhibiting, Game Changers offers multiple ways to connect with the leaders shaping the future of housing in Central Massachusetts.
Attend
Join business leaders, policymakers, developers and community partners for a day of ideas, networking and action.
Become a Sponsor
Show your organization’s commitment to solving one of Central Massachusetts’ biggest challenges while gaining premium visibility.
Exhibit
Meet hundreds of business leaders, developers, employers and decision-makers throughout the conference.
Thank you to our sponsors already committed to building the future of housing in Central Massachusetts:
Join these respected regional organizations that are investing in the future of Central Massachusetts while showcasing your leadership to hundreds of business and community leaders. Reach out to Karen for Sponsorship information.
Why Housing Matters
Housing has become one of the defining business challenges facing Central Massachusetts. Employers, developers, policymakers and community leaders all recognize that housing availability directly impacts workforce growth, economic competitiveness and quality of life.
Game Changers brings these voices together to explore practical solutions, emerging trends and bold ideas that will shape our region’s future.
With 2 keynote speakers, 3 panel discussions and exhibitor area, attendees will leave with new insights, valuable connections and actionable strategies.
AGENDA
8:00 am | Registration, Breakfast & Exhibitor Fair
9:00 am | Welcome & Awards Ceremony
9:25 am | Morning Keynote
9:50 am | Networking Break & Exhibitor Fair
10:05 am | Plenary Session I
Public & Private Partnerships
10:50 am | Plenary Session II
Housing Public Policy Next Steps
11:35 am | Networking Break, Exhibitor Fair & Lunch Buffet
12:00 pm | Lunch & Plenary Session III
Funding the Future of Housing: Leveraging Tax Credits, Incentives & Capital
12:45 pm | Keynote
1:15 pm | Exhibitor Fair
2:00 pm | Adjourn
GAME CHANGERS HONOREES
Coming Soon!
Awards Sponsor:
Speakers Coming Soon!
Morning Keynote:
David Greaney is the founder and CEO of Synergy, a Boston-based real estate investment and development firm focused on transformative urban projects and new approaches to housing creation. In Worcester, Synergy is converting the former Fallon Health headquarters at One Chestnut Place into 198 apartments—the largest office-to-residential conversion in Massachusetts to date—and has partnered on 22 Elm Street, the state’s first office-to-affordable-homeownership conversion, creating 22 condominiums for first-time homebuyers. Synergy has also made a significant investment in downtown Worcester through its acquisition and revitalization of the 24-story Glass Tower at 446 Main Street. Through these projects and his work with state and local leaders, Greaney is helping demonstrate how adaptive reuse and strategic investment can create housing, strengthen downtowns, and support the continued growth of Massachusetts cities.
Sponsorship Available
Afternoon Keynote:
Sponsorship Available
Plenary Session I: Public & Private Partnerships
Addressing today’s housing challenges requires more than individual efforts, it demands collaboration across sectors. This panel will explore how public agencies, private developers, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, and community stakeholders can work together to accelerate housing production, expand affordability, and create thriving, resilient communities. Panelists will discuss successful partnership models, innovative financing strategies, and lessons learned from projects that have transformed ideas into impact. Attendees will gain practical insights into building effective cross-sector partnerships, and leveraging shared resources to deliver housing solutions that meet the needs of today’s communities while preparing for tomorrow’s growth.
Session Sponsor:
Plenary Session II: Housing Public Policy Next Steps
Massachusetts has made housing a top policy priority, but meeting the growing demand for homes will require continued collaboration between state and local government, housing finance leaders, and the private sector. What comes next?
Session Sponsor:
Plenary Session III: Funding the Future of Housing: Leveraging Tax Credits, Incentives & Capital
This session explores the evolving financial landscape behind affordable, workforce, and mixed-income housing developments. Industry experts will discuss Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC HDIP), Historic Tax Credits, public-private partnerships, state and local incentives, debt and equity financing, and innovative capital stack strategies that help make the difference in markets like Gateway Cities where the cost of construction and the cost of rent can keep a project from moving forward.
Sponsorship Available
Ready to Join the Conversation?
October 9, 2026
Mechanics Hall • Worcester, Massachusetts
Join business leaders, developers, policymakers and community partners for one of Central Massachusetts’ premier business conferences focused on shaping the future of housing.
