It’s nearly time for UKREiiF 2025 – an event that in just a few short years has become the centrepiece of the events calendar for cities and major players in the built environment sector. With the conference in Leeds just a few weeks away, we’re looking at the “dos and don’ts” of property conference etiquette to make the most of your time while you’re there.
- Don’t show up without a plan
We’re not suggesting you need to map out every moment of the conference, but it’s great to know what you want to get out of your experience before your first day. Think about who you want to speak to, browse the prospectus to map out the best talks and events to attend, and find creative ways to network. Whether that’s hands-on workshops, roundtables, or even reverse mentoring, position yourself in the right place at the right time to make the most of the event.
- Don’t fall into clichés
Gamechanger… the future is now… collaboration is key… post-pandemic opportunities – got any of these phrases in your comms?
It might be time to hit the backspace, because these phrases have become so overused in the property space that they’re edging closer and closer to meaningless. You need to get specific, talk about what makes your work unique, and say it using language that goes against the tide. Be disruptive, share your vision and strategy in a way that inspires your audience. Otherwise, this kind of vague terminology is an easy way for your hard work to get lost in the crowd. And maybe lay off the ChatGPT – it’s easy to spot!
- Don’t leave booking your accommodation until the last minute
16,000 people are expected to attend UKREiiF this year. While this is great news for the city of Leeds, if you leave booking that hotel room until the month before, you could be left paying an extortionate amount for your room, or worse, unable to book anything at all and having to commute in to the city – missing the buzz of event and those important “accidental conversations” that happen at these events.
- Don’t spend all your time off-site
A property conference is one of the only times you’ll meet those distant characters from your email inbox in real life. So, make the most of it! Stay on site as long as possible to get your name out there and share knowledge where it counts most. And when the conference is over, make sure you pre-book nearby restaurants to continue the celebrations and bump into fellow attendees. If you’re lucky, you may just walk away with some new connections.
- Don’t make it a vanity project
As glamorous as popping champagne and attending parties sounds, this is not the purpose of attending a property conference. These events are incredible ways to get your boots on the ground and talk about work that matters. You can speak candidly with Mayors and Government officials and find common ground with attendees who you’ve never met before, all without showing off how much you’ll be expensing on Monday morning.
- Don’t be unprofessional
Drinks are flowing… food is plentiful – it can be easy to get caught up in the charm of the conference. But remember, you’ve got a code of conduct to uphold and this is a professional event. You’re a direct representation of your company, so act like it and make your team proud. Introduce yourself and your work with pride, build new connections, and enjoy your time with your fellow attendees, without ruining your journey home with “hangxiety”.
- Don’t come unprepared
It’s no Duke of Edinburgh-style hike, but you could be on your feet for hours at a time at your next property conference. Make sure you attend equipped with a power bank, comfortable footwear, and if you’re in the UK, an umbrella. Or judging by the MIPIM 2025 weather in Cannes, maybe pack an umbrella wherever the destination. Plus, don’t feel the pressure to wear a suit, plenty of attendees show up to property conferences in other professional attire and fit in just fine. Whatever feels most comfortable to you!
- Don’t fall into old habits
We’re all a fan of the classic PowerPoint Presentation, but it could be time to revitalise your next hosted event with some more mixed content. Try out some private or open roundtables, workshops, showcase case studies, or shake up your presenting style in an engaging way. Don’t be afraid to take a step back from the traditional panel style and stand out from other hosts.
This year, Influential’s on location team includes two of our own real estate leaders – Sarah Gilmour – Senior Account Director, and Daniel Ash, Account Director, who are managing numerous journalist meetings, interviews and content projects for our clients.
If you want some support and inspiration that will elevate your brand, let’s talk! We’re happy to provide feedback, analysis, and some ideas as part of a PR consultation. Drop us a line – we’d love to meet.
To find out more about our services, check out the rest of our website or email us at marketingteam@thisisinfluential.com for a chat.
