The Urban Land Institute is a global nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in sustaining and creating thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has nearly 30,000 members representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines.

With cities in the U.S. and around the world continuing to face numerous challenges resulting from population and demographic shifts, new economic drivers and more, rethinking urban development to meet these socioeconomic and environmental realities will be a primary focus of the 2013 Urban Land Institute Annual Fall Meeting in Chicago.

Set for Nov. 5 through 8 at the McCormick Place Convention Center, the meeting will cover a broad range of issues, from the outlook for property fundamentals to creating healthy communities. As the largest of the institute's events, the annual gathering routinely draws nearly 7,000 members and guests, including internationally renowned land-use experts representing all land-use disciplines.

The theme for the meeting, "ULI Works," will highlight the organization's impact on the creation of thriving communities for the 21st century. Keynote speakers include former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and real estate icon and chairman of Equity Group Investments Sam Zell. This year's special programming will feature sessions on technology and urbanization; coastal development and the creation of resilient communities; demand and market forces; energy and land use; connecting capital and real estate through value; and health-conscious design and development.

Several new reports will be available, including ULI research on making the numbers work for affordable rental housing development and preservation; guiding principles for building places that promote healthy living choices; and trends in the commercial real estate industry, including the most promising markets for investment and development.

The meeting is open to institute members, the media and the public.