Washington, D.C.— The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors® (SIOR), the world’s premier commercial real estate organization for industrial and office brokers, has reached a significant membership milestone, surpassing 4,000 members across more than 50 countries worldwide. This achievement marks the largest membership base in the SIOR’s 83-year history, a testament to the organization’s continued commitment to excellence in the commercial real estate industry. The association proudly announced the milestone at its SIOR Fall Event in Los Angeles to nearly 1,000 attendees.
In the past three years, SIOR has grown its membership by 18%, and seen a 27% increase in female members, an 19% increase in international members, and 29% of its new members under the age of 35. Membership retention has been at an all-time high of 97% for the past three years as well. The numbers reflect SIOR’s growing presence in the marketplace, a direct result of strategic initiatives aimed at raising the bar in membership and establishing a renewed energy and visibility in the industry.
These record-breaking achievements come as SIOR recently raised its membership qualifications, making it more difficult to earn the elite designation. One doesn’t simply apply and join: SIOR’s rigorous admissions process involves a minimum-number years of experience (5), the achievement of production minimums, education and ethic course completions, chapter nominations, an interview, and Chapter Member votes, before a designation can be approved. SIOR constantly reviews GFI standards at the chapter level to ensure production requirements are reflective of market conditions. In 2022, 26 chapters raised their GFI to stay relevant, raising the bar for future applicants/members of SIOR. The newly added up/down vote in 2024 was instituted to empower the membership and ensure peer-approved excellence in the industry is maintained. This thorough process ensures that only the most knowledgeable, experienced, ethical, and successful commercial real estate (CRE) brokerage specialists are admitted, reflecting SIOR’s commitment to maintaining its high standards and prestigious reputation.
SIOR is renowned for its elite global network of CRE professionals. The SIOR designation is widely recognized as a symbol of the highest level of expertise, production, and ethical conduct. Professionals who hold the SIOR designation are acknowledged by corporate real estate executives, commercial brokers, agents, lenders, and other industry experts as the most skilled and experienced practitioners in any market.
“This milestone is incredibly special, as it demonstrates the impact our strategic efforts are having on raising the bar and elevating our brand recognition within the industry,” remarked SIOR Chief Executive Officer Robert Thornburgh, SIOR. “Our commitment to maintaining our standard of excellence hasn’t wavered, but clearly we are attracting the next generation of CRE leaders looking to join the best of the best. We take pride in the fact that our 4,000 members are among the most skilled, ethical, and successful brokers in the industry worldwide."
Achieving SIOR membership is only the beginning. Upholding the designation is equally vital. Members are required and expected to adhere to SIOR’s stringent Policies and Procedures, including the bylaws, Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct, and antitrust policy. This comprehensive commitment ensures that all SIOR members continuously demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism, integrity, and ethical behavior, reinforcing the organization’s esteemed reputation in the commercial real estate industry.
“Becoming a broker is one thing, but obtaining and maintaining the SIOR designation reflects unmatched excellence,” stated SIOR Global President Mike Ohmes, SIOR. “I’m incredibly proud to hold this designation. It’s a really exciting time to be an SIOR.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Alexis Fermanis | afermanis@sior.com | +1.202.449.8226
About SIOR
The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors ® (SIOR) is the leading society for industrial and office real estate professionals. Only the industry’s top professionals qualify for the SIOR designation and adhere to the highest levels of accountability and ethical standards. Today, there are more than 4,000 SIOR members in over 50 countries. www.sior.com