CRETech is the the largest international community of professionals devoted to technological innovation in the real estate sector. On this episode, Chris and Michael discuss the chaos in the event-industry as they navigate COVID-19, launching a consulting business mid-pandemic, the trend of venture arms popping up in the world's largest companies, and the future of Real Estate Technology. Enjoy!  Follow Chris on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/fortworthchris Learn more about Chris Powers and Fort Capital: www.FortCapitalLP.com Subscribe to Michael's Blog: https://www.cretech.com/michael-beckerman/   01:50 — How Michael got into Real Estate Technology and the Current State of the Industry 04:55 — How did you start building this online community back in 2012? 06:50 — Can you describe what the entrepreneur’s mindset looks like over the last few months? 12:10 — What are the upfront costs that you risk when putting on a RET conference? 15:13 — How would the current social environment have to change in order for you to feel comfortable hosting an event again? 22:06 — How did you come up with the idea to launch a consulting business helping connect people in the Real Estate Tech world during COVID? 27:38 — What are your thoughts on major companies creating in-house venture arms to invest in emerging technologies rather than building it themselves? 30:51 — Fort Capital’s Adoption of Technology and its Role in Creating an Innovative Culture 39:50 — What new tech ideas are you seeing come out of the pandemic? 42:53 — The Future of the Real Estate Technology Industry 45:37 — Has COVID caused a radical change in how people think about higher education? The FORT with Chris Powers is produced by Straight Up Podcasts