PORTLAND — The Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) will host a conversation around the cutting-edge concept of retrofitting and creative re-use planning at its annual spring conference, scheduled for May 22 in Portland.

MEREDA will present Ellen Dunham Jones, an expert on the topic of retrofitting, and will host a panel of local experts.

“Retrofitting is one of the important trends in play all around the country and MEREDA is pleased to host this discussion. Ellen is a true expert and it’s a real boon to have her in Maine,” said Drew Sigfridson, MEREDA president.

MEREDA will also recognize the six most notable 2012 commercial development projects in Maine. The projects include:

— West Street Hotel in Bar Harbor by Ocean Properties, Ltd.

— The Lofts at Bates Mill in Lewiston by The Szanton Company

— Harold Alfond Forum in Biddeford by the University of New England

— Oak Street Lofts in Portland by Avesta Housing

— Park Street School in Kennebunk by Avesta Housing

— Emery School in Biddeford by Avesta Housing

MEREDA’s “The Retrofitting Movement: Repositioning Underutilized Commercial Real Estate” will take place on Wednesday, May 22 at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland from 1 to 5 p.m., with a social hour to follow. Admission is $95 and pre-registration is required.

For more information and to register, visit www.mereda.org.