Leslie Braunstein

Leslie A. Braunstein, APR, is principal of LHB Communications, Inc., a boutique public relations firm located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. LHB combines the flexibility, creativity, and cost-effectiveness of a small PR firm with the solid experience and outstanding results of a large PR agency. The mission of LHB Communications is to help clients meet their business goals by building their brands and enhancing awareness of their accomplishments among key stakeholders and audiences. Leslie is a seasoned award-winning PR professional with over 25 years of experience working with real estate industry clients and others in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, throughout North America, and abroad. Leslie holds professional accreditation from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and a master’s degree from the University of Maryland’s College of Journalism. On behalf of clients and under her own byline, Leslie has published millions of words in a variety of prestigious media including The Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, numerous trade publications, and many other well-known publications and online media. Earlier in her career, Leslie served as served as a public information officer with the U.S. Department of Energy and as a communications manager with Booz-Allen & Hamilton, Inc. For more information, see www.lhbcommunications.com.

At a recent event hosted by ULI Washington, panelists discussed how U.S. and Chinese companies are continuing to work together. After record levels of U.S. investment from China in 2016, new controls on capital outflow and investors’ changing attitudes have slowed inflows, while domestic development in China has also shifted.
U.S.-based hotel chains continually aim to one-up the competition in order to attract customers—particularly younger ones—to their properties and loyalty programs. Now Hilton is surging ahead with its “Connected Room” concept, which allows guests to personalize and control every aspect of their experience using their smartphones.
The Washington, D.C., region is shedding its reputation as a stodgy government town and emerging as a forward-thinking mecca for technology firms and young professionals. With eyes on attracting projects such as Amazon’s second headquarters, area landlords, brokers, architects, and economic development organizations are teaming up to ink leases with both high-profile and homegrown tech firms.
The 2018 edition of Emerging Trends in Real Estate ®, released at the 2017 ULI Fall Meeting, names Seattle as the top U.S. market for investment and development, thanks to its job opportunities, diverse economy, and educated workforce. The city, which was ranked fourth in the 2017 edition, ends the streak of Texas cities taking first place for the past three years.
Most hotels in the United States operate under the umbrella of large hospitality chains such as Hilton or Marriott. But today’s hotel owners and investors are increasingly flying solo, eschewing big-brand affiliations to create their own independent identities.
Niche neighborhoods and economic diversity are driving forces behind the strong showing of this year’s top ten U.S. cities, according to Emerging Trends in Real Estate® 2017, released by ULI and PwC.
The transformation of office space continues, with collaborative, shared spaces replacing traditional private offices and cubicles.
Since Airbnb began to disrupt the U.S. hospitality sector, industry leaders have been thinking about ways to attract previously underserved customers. A number of recently built hotels and resorts combine the space and amenities of a private home with high-end amenities, concierge service, and curated experiences. A 2017 ULI Fall Meeting session presented two recently introduced concepts with distinctly different target markets and price points.
Retail is the pulse of any vibrant urban environment, including downtown Los Angeles (DTLA). Just ask Avison Young’s Derrick Moore, who has brokered some 400 DTLA retail leasing deals in the last few years.
In a Fall Meeting presentation, developer John McNellis offered attendees tips on the risks and rewards of working with financial partners versus tapping one’s own bank account.
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