Kim Nelson-Edwards
Lydia Pierre
Shariff James
Gary Carr
Keitha Maciel
Where Real Estate Opportunity, Influence, and Legacy Come Together
Mission GalaCON is built for the people and organizations shaping what gets developed, funded, built, owned, and passed forward. Through a year-round platform and a distinctive two-day experience, we create space for consequential conversations, strategic introductions, industry insight, and visible community impact.
The Mission GalaCON Platform
Mission GalaCON creates access to the professionals who develop, fund, advise, build, sell, and shape the communities around us. It is a year-round platform where real estate industry professionals can exchange insight, strengthen strategic relationships, and discover where their goals and expertise may intersect.
For participating organizations, Mission GalaCON offers more than event exposure. It creates a meaningful presence within a growing ecosystem centered on real estate ownership, investment, economic opportunity, and generational impact.
The Weekend
Mission GalaCON Weekend brings the platform to life through two days of high-value conversations, intentional networking, and elevated celebration. The Real Estate and Business Conference, VIP Networking Mixer, Youth Legacy Initiative Spotlight, and a Black-Tie Gala create multiple opportunities to gain insight, meet influential professionals, strengthen relationships, and be part of the conversations shaping what comes next.
The Road to Mission GalaCON
Mission GalaCON is more than a single weekend. It’s a year-round platform that builds momentum through curated experiences, strategic conversations, and community engagement. From the Keys to the City Community Kick-off and Youth Legacy Foundation event to the Leadership and Host Committee Kick-off and The Genesis Dinner for sponsors, each gathering has helped expand the vision, deepen involvement, and set the stage for October.
The Venue
Mission GalaCON takes place at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth, Georgia, just outside Atlanta. Its sophisticated event spaces and expansive grand ballroom create an elevated backdrop worthy of high-level connections, influential conversations, and an unforgettable black-tie experience.
Meet The Founders
Mission GalaCON is led by a team of developers, entrepreneurs, strategists, community builders, and event professionals committed to expanding access to opportunity. Together, we are building more than an annual event. We are creating a platform where relationships can grow, ideas can move forward, and individuals and organizations can help shape a stronger legacy.
Shariff James, Co-Founder
Shariff James is a visionary developer, strategic connector, and the driving force behind Mission GalaCON. As Co-Founder of Mission New Value Group, he operates at the intersection of land development, investment, economic advancement, and influence. He brings together developers, investors, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and public-sector decision-makers around opportunities designed to create ownership, impact, and lasting value. Known for seeing what is possible before it is obvious to others, Shariff builds the platforms, partnerships, and conversations that can move bold ideas from vision to reality.
Gary Carr, Co-Founder
Gary Carr is a relationship strategist and business development leader who understands that the right connection can change the trajectory of a project, an organization, or an entire community. As Co-Founder of Mission New Value Group, he leverages deep relationship capital to align investors, developers, sponsors, business leaders, and influential partners around shared opportunities. Through Mission GalaCON, Gary helps create a powerful environment where high-level relationships are formed, strategic doors are opened, and conversations have the potential to become meaningful business.
The Youth Legacy Initiative
The Youth Legacy Initiative introduces emerging leaders to the possibilities within real estate, entrepreneurship, development, and ownership. Through education, mentorship, industry exposure, and access to professionals already doing the work, young participants can begin to see themselves as future investors, developers, business owners, and community leaders.
For sponsors and partners, the initiative offers an opportunity to support visible, meaningful impact connected to workforce development, economic mobility, and the next generation of industry talent.
Past GalaCONs
Each Mission GalaCON has built on the last has created a distinctive blend of insight, connection, and celebration that guests remember long after the weekend ends. Explore the galleries below to experience the atmosphere, energy, and evolution of Mission GalaCON through the years.
Take Your Place in the Mission GalaCON Ecosystem
Bring your leadership team, valued clients, or business partners into an experience designed to expand perspectives and strengthen relationships. Reserve a table to be part of the weekend or explore sponsorship opportunities that position your organization more visibly within the Mission GalaCON community.
