Property Natter – events for agents to look out for in the first half of 2022

Property events and functions are now back in full swing, with 2022 likely to be the first ‘normal’ year for this sort of thing since the pandemic began.

We started to get events again last year, but still largely against the backdrop of Covid and the possibility of cancellations. Plus, some big-name events in the calendar decided to postpone until we entered calmer waters with regards to the pandemic.

As the pandemic begins to ease, and all restrictions are set to be lifted later this month (whether this is wise or not remains a topic of hot debate, with Covid still an ongoing threat), it is certainly going to feel a bit more like a normal world – and the events season should look much more like its old self, in a way it hasn’t since 2019.

The number of virtual events looks likely to dwindle – although they will still likely be more widespread and useful than before – with in-person events roaring back. At one time, with pandemic uncertainty raging, it wasn’t clear if in-person events would ever come back in the same way, but you just can’t beat that one-on-on connection, that interaction, that sharing of ideas. Plus the parties afterwards are usually pretty good!

So, with this in mind, I take a quick look at some of the must-attend events taking place in the first half of this year.

MIPIM UK

One of the world’s biggest real estate events, MIPIM is a four-day event taking place in Cannes each year (like many others, this wasn’t possible during the worst days of the pandemic, but is now back with a bang).

The UK government has previously committed to a strong turnout at MIPIM 2022, with UK and European cities poised to return to the famous real estate event en masse, according to the event organiser.

It will see 480 speakers and keynotes, some 3,800 exhibiting companies and representatives from at least 100 countries. The UK has the second highest number of participants (23%), behind only France (25%). 

The Property Investor Show

This event, taking place across two days in April (Fri 1 April-Saturday April 2), always draws in the crowds and the big property names to discuss a wide range of issues in the market. While it’s mostly for property investors and landlords, there is also a strong agency element to the days, which take place at London’s ExCeL.

The show is set to include 70 live panels and speaker sessions, bursting with informed content and advice for landlords and property investors of all types and sizes. It's a great place to exhibit for those looking to target these markets. 

CREtech London

Formerly known as Future: PropTech, this event – which grandly describes itself as ‘The World’s Most Important Real Estate Tech Conference’ on its website – returns with an in-person event in London in April (other events are held in San Diego and New York throughout the year).

Held across two days (April 27-28) at Magazine London, it aims to offer the ‘most strategic networking opportunities, and world-class content covering every industry food group including office, multifamily, single-family, construction, retail, logistics, and hospitality in a fast-paced, electric environment’.

You can find out more about ‘the most exciting in-person event in the world of real estate technology and innovation’ by clicking here.

NAEA Propertymark

One of the biggest and best events for agents and suppliers returns on June 30 after a couple of years off because of the pandemic.

It will return to 155 Bishopsgate in London and early bird booking is now open via the Propertymark website, with those who sign up early able to save up to a third on ticket prices if they book before April 29. Details about the day remain thin on the ground for now, but it will run from 9am to 4.30pm.

“The NAEA Propertymark National Conference is such an exciting event where property professionals from across the country come together to gain paramount insight,” NAEA president Liana Loporto-Browne said.

“The event is amazing for networking, learning, and walking away feeling inspired. Due to the pandemic, last year’s event had to be postponed so we have a lot of pent-up energy being brought to this event, and I cannot wait to see our members there.”

Property Academy

The Property Academy’s All Members Conference 2022 – which is available only to Property Academy members – takes place in London on July 6 and 7 2022, bringing together supplier and estate agency members from across all Property Academy Leadership Groups. They convene on July 6 and are joined on July 7 by future leader group members.

Established by estate agency coach and award-winning speaker Peter Knight, the Property Academy aims to improve business performance and service standards, and seeks to encourage, challenge and motivate its members to improve their personal, business and customer service performance.

These are just some of the many events taking place in the first half of 2022, with plenty of excellent hyper-local meet-ups, roundtables and regional meetings also happening.

That’s that from me this week.

Until next time…

*Nat Daniels is CEO of Angels Media, publishers of Estate Agent Today and Letting Agent Today. Follow him on Twitter @NatDaniels.