UKREiiF will embrace interactivity at its three-day networking, exhibition and conferencing event in Leeds next year (May 17-19).

While the Coronavirus pandemic forced events online, a raft of innovations, to help negate its effects, have created a different but highly effective user experience and the best of these will be utilised by the organisers of UKREiiF for their hybrid event, which is embracing the aims of the Government’s Build Back Better initiative.

Those who don’t physically go to Leeds in 2022 will have a range of options, including the ability to contact anyone attending and asking questions to speakers on the main stage via a video link, and engaging across wellbeing events and other activities.

Event Marketing Director Nathan Spencer said: “We are creating a truly hybrid experience which affords flexibility for those who’re unable to attend all three days whilst also enabling those looking to reduce their carbon footprint to still be engaged and involved. The pandemic has forced us all online, and we’ve hosting over 300 events online within the past year, and we’ve seen a different make-up in terms of the audience diversity as some people prefer this method, or find it more accessible. We want to ensure this diversity continues when face-to-face events return.

“We are going out of our way to accommodate everyone’s needs and wishes. And make it as easy as possible for all attendees to build relationships, do business and make deals in whichever format suits them best, and in whatever country they’re in.”

Event organisers Built Environment Networking is developing its own online conference portal and will be using that technology and much more. Delegates will also be invited to download an app which will include the event programme, a map and list of everyone attending, and numerous ways to engage in event activities throughout the three days.

Online users will also have their own rooms for networking and can private message/video chat each other while HD screens will be erected in various locations at the forum so they can arrange to speak to those physically attending.

UKREiiF Advisory Group member Ed Taylor, who is a development manager at CB Collier, is one who is making his way in business and thinks digitally first. He believes the online option will prove popular to many under 30.

“UKREiiF is a very forward-thinking and progressive initiative that is clearly looking to digress away from the status quo in real estate and real estate networking,” said Ed. “It’s an industry rich in tradition that’s ready for change and I certainly think the Covid pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of networking events. 

“The pandemic has affected many young people within the industry like me who are looking to kickstart their career pathway. It has prevented them from throwing themselves into physical networking events, which are so important in building up a knowledge base. Online networking events have become so critical, allowing people under 30 to learn and gain experience from those who have been in the industry a lot longer.

“Online events also have distinct advantages. At the moment I can do my due diligence and pinpoint the people I’d really like to speak to which is difficult to do when you are walking around a room looking at name tags at a physical event. The hybrid model UKREiiF is adopting will make this seamless – with the ability to view attendees and contact digitally to organise a meeting whether that’s physically or virtually. People under 30 may also feel more confident networking at an online event. It is unfair to assume that younger people within our industry possess the personality traits to assuredly approach people in a big room full of more senior and experienced professionals that you don’t know.”