BTR News spoke with Brendan Geraghty, CEO at UKAA about the Annual BTR Conference & Industry Awards 2022, its headline themes, the keynote speaker and more.
What is the UKAA Annual BTR Conference & Industry Awards 2022?
The UKAA Annual BTR Conference & Industry Awards is the main event for major players and those with an interest in the Build to Rent sector in the UK to come together each year and discuss key issues, trends and opportunities.
When and where is it?
The UKAA Annual BTR Conference & Industry Awards 2022 will take place from 8am to 10pm on Tuesday 15 November 2022. It is being held at Etc Venues, 133 Houndsditch, Liverpool Street, London EC3A 7BX.
Who can and should attend?
The BTR conference will benefit all those with a stake and interest in the Build to Rent sector. UKAA members and non-members alike are welcome. The conference will provide an outstanding knowledge sharing opportunity and a not-to-be-missed chance for networking and building unity, with the goal of enhancing the work that we deliver and its positive impact for investors, developers, operators, suppliers and customers alike.
What are the headline themes?
The headline theme of the event is The Pursuit of Excellence. By focusing on excellence, the BTR conference will support UKAA’s efforts to drive up standards and showcase best practice across all parts of the Build to Rent sector, ultimately resulting in the improvement of the UK’s rental offering. Examples of excellence in many forms within the sector will be highlighted at the event, including a specific focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
The conference will continue UKAA’s work around EDI, following on from the market Snapshot on diversity undertaken earlier in 2022 in partnership with Swift Bunny. The survey has become a benchmark of diversity and inclusion in the sector and the Annual Conference will look at ways in which that work can be taken forward.
In addition to the headline theme of pursuing excellence, a wide range of pertinent and important topics will be covered in a series of engaging sessions and expert workshops. These include:
- State of the Market and new challenges.
- Achieving Net Zero: Overcoming the disconnect between Capital, Design & Operation in Build to Rent assets.
- Masterclass in Forward Funding.
- Managing the transition from lease up to mature buildings.
- What can the Build to Rent sector learn from Housing Associations?
- The View from America: Top Issues for the Apartment Sector Heading into 2023.
- The Competition for Talent.
- Short Term Accommodation & Improved Viability.
- The value of Interior Design.
- Best Practice Design & Delivery in Build to Rent.
- The Value of Brand in Build to Rent.
- What England can learn from Scotland when it comes to Build to Rent?
- Whole Life Costing and the circular economy.
Who is the keynote speaker?
The keynote speaker is Nero Ughwujabo. Nero is Senior Strategy Adviser – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) for the Prince’s Trust and Prince’s Trust Group. He has previously been a Special Adviser to Prime Minister Theresa May – the first person of African descent to hold this position. Nero’s keynote session will cover:
- Why is there increasing focus on EDI globally?
- The business, legal and moral case for focused action.
- How investment funds are looking at EDI.
- How Build to Rent consumers are using the power of social media to influence investment decisions.
- Striving to effect real change in the industry – practical steps.
What’s new for 2022?
This year, Nero and the other top-class speakers will be focussing on a range of new and current topics. These will include not just the increasing focus on EDI but also sustainability, the implications of the Building Safety Act 2022, and navigating the chopping waters of inflation, potential rent controls and rising interest rates.
What will attendees gain from attending?
Conference attendees will gain the chance to advance their knowledge from Build to Rent sector leaders, and broaden their expertise on the key trends and best practices shaping the sector. They will also benefit from the opportunity to expand their networks, forming strong and meaningful connections within the sector.
What can exhibitors and sponsors gain from supporting the UKAA Annual BTR Conference & Industry Awards 2022?
There are huge benefits to sponsors, including raising awareness of their brands and making important, relevant connections within the Build to Rent sector. Sponsors can showcase their role as thought leaders and reap the rewards of being associated with the event’s high quality knowledge agenda and those who align with it.
In addition to being associated with excellence, sponsors at the UKAA Annual BTR Conference gain exposure to the entire Build to Rent industry (both members of UKAA and non-members). Those seeking to generate opportunities of this nature are welcome to reach out to UKAA to find out more about sponsorship packages. Headline sponsors include NHBC, RealPage and Yardi.
What Industry Awards will be announced at the UKAA Annual BTR Conference Networking Dinner?
The Conference Networking Dinner will see the winners of the prestigious UKAA BTR Awards along with winners of the 2022 HomeViews Awards announced.
How can attendees book their tickets?
Attendees can book tickets for both the Annual Conference and the Dinner & Awards online via the UKAA website. A range of ticket options are available for both UKAA members and non-members.
