It’s not always what you know in this business, it’s who knows you, and how they know you.
Getting into the right rooms with the right people can be incredibly lucrative for SME property developers.
But how do you know which property networking event is right for you?
The truth is, there are a lot of rubbish events out there. After all, anyone can start an event and charge whatever they want, so even cost doesn’t indicate quality.
So to help, we’ve put together some of our favourite events to give you an idea of where to invest your time (and money) for the most impact.
You can scroll through the entire list, or go to your preferred type of event by clicking on it below.
Property awards events - Thankfully, even if you're not a nominee or a winner most award dinners are open to anyone who buys a ticket.
Sure, they can be pricey, but you’re literally getting into an award-winning crowd, which is usually good for business.
Invite only property events - Exclusive industry events provide you with the opportunity to network with property peers in a more relaxed setting.
Annual property events - These are some of the biggest events around, thousands of people, and could help take your business to the next level.
Regular property events - These are smaller scale, but higher frequency events which usually happen across the country.
Awards Events
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RESI Awards
Location: London, UK
Time of year: May
Frequency: Annually
What is RESI? (in their words)
“The RESI Awards, organised by Property Week, celebrate the residential property sector and its successes of the past year. The awards bring together the key players in the residential market including leading developers, landlords, housebuilders, operators, investors, agencies and local authorities.”
Who’s going to be there?
The best of the best from across the residential property world. And it’s organised by Property Week, so you might even find yourself posing for some pictures in their celebration issue.
Why should you go?
Covering the whole residential property sector, this is a great place to rub shoulders with people from many professions. It’s good to know people in high places, right?
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The PROPS Awards Lunch
Location: London, UK
Time of year: July
Frequency: Annually
What is the PROPS Awards Lunch? (in their words)
“Variety’s annual ‘the PROPS’ Lunch is real estate’s premier fundraising event. Since its inception in 1992, ‘the PROPS’, dedicated to the UK’s property industry, has raised over £10 million enabling Variety to provide 2,054 custom built wheelchairs and other essential items to children and young people all around the UK.”
Who’s going to be there?
As they say themselves, the award-winners list often reads like a ‘who’s who’ of property professionals.
Why should you go?
An incredible meal, great networking opportunities, and that warm, fuzzy feeling of having helped a hugely important cause.
Invite-only events
At LandTech, we host a lot of exclusive property networking events for our customers and Community members. Having been to a lot of these events ourselves, we know the perfect ingredients which make up a great event.
From hosting après ski at PropSki and rooftop parties at MIPIM to regional networking in London, Manchester, and Birmingham – we have events to suit everyone’s taste and business objectives.
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Midlands Network Focus
Location: Birmingham
Time of year: April
What is Midlands Network Focus? (in our own words)
“Our first Community Network focus event of 2023 is taking place in Birmingham on Tuesday, April 25th. There’ll be the chance to hear our expert speaker’s insights into the local market and build business connections with property professionals operating in your area.”
Who’s going to be there?
An intimate selection of our Community members who work across the industry and are primarily based in the Midlands.
Why should you go?
Our Network Focus events have a proven track record of getting the right people in the room together. Discussions and talks are based on region-specific issues and potential solutions for overcoming those challenges. Plus, they’re absolutely free to attend.
All our Unlimited customers have access to our Community platform and our exclusive networking events. Log in here to be notified when registration for Midlands Network Focus and other events are open.
Annual Events
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MIPIM
Location: Cannes, France
Time of year: March
Frequency: Annually
What is MIPIM? (in their own words)
“MIPIM, the premier real estate event, gathers the most influential players from all sectors of the international property industry for four days of networking, learning and transaction through premium events, conferences and dedicated exhibition zones.”
Who’s going to be there?
20,000+ people who work across virtually every section of the property industry.
MIPIM covers everything property so whatever your specialism, odds are you’ll find something (and someone) useful.
Why should you go?
The chance to meet over 2,000 investors, choose from over 500 keynote speakers and endless networking opportunities.
Oh, and we’ll be there too so if you come along, drop by and say hi.
- PROPSKI
Location: Val Thorens, France
Time of year: January
Frequency: Annually
What is PropSki? (in their own words)
“Experience an entire 4* boutique hotel filled exclusively with over 450 UK property professionals, daily events to meet, compete and network, and not to mention the largest ski area in the world with 600km of incredible ski runs to be had across the 3 Valleys.”
Who’s going to be there?
A relatively small number but influential property professionals from across the board.
Why should you go?
If you like skiing, or just being outdoors in winter, this is perfect for you. Also, if you prefer networking in a more informal environment, this is also for you.
- UK REiiF (Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum)
Location: Leeds, United Kingdom
Time of year: May
Frequency: Annually
What is UKREiiF? (in their own words)
UKREiiF connects people, places and businesses to accelerate the Levelling Up Agenda, whilst unlocking sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment across the UK.
This 3-day event will bring together the public sector – with every core UK city and region involved – alongside Government, investors, funders, developers, house builders and more.
Who’s going to be there?
More than 5,000 in person attendees including 500+ investors, 200+ developers and over 250 speakers, predominantly interested in public sector projects.
Why should you go?
If you’re interested in public sector projects, you should probably attend if you can.
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Housing (Chartered Institute of Housing)
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
Time of year: June
Frequency: Annually
What is Housing (CIH)? (in their words)
“Housing, the Chartered Institute of Housing's annual conference and Europe's largest housing festival, takes place annually in June in Manchester. With 8500+ attendees, 10 theatres, 500+ speakers, and 400+ sponsors and exhibitors over the three days – it is the biggest meeting place for the whole housing sector.”
Who’s going to be there?
This is another big-deal housing event – there’ll be people from around the property world, so it should cater to just about any profession (whatever your level).
Why should you go?
It’s spread across three days, which gives you plenty of time to see who and what you want to see.
Find out more
- MAPIC
Location: Cannes, France
Time of year: November
Frequency: Annually
What is MAPIC?
Created in 1995, MAPIC is the leading global platform to build vibrant retail & urban destinations.
Who’s going to be there?
Over 8,000 retail, property, food & leisure leaders from over 80 countries.
Why should you go?
If you’re in, or want to get into the retail property sector, It’s a great opportunity to meet your next business partner, or find your next project.
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HOMES UK
Location: London, UK
Date: November
Frequency: Annually
What is HOMES UK? (in their words)
“HOMES UK will look at the entire ecosystem of home building and maintenance for every type of accommodation in the UK, from affordable to market sale and the rapidly growing build to rent, student, co-living and retirement sectors.
“As the only event to unite decision-makers from every stage of the property lifecycle, HOMES UK will drive the collaboration and discussion necessary to deliver high-quality homes for all.”
Who’s going to be there?
With 6,000+ attendees, 350+ speakers, 200+ exhibitors, this is an events for just about anyone. They claim to cover just about everything, from “land, planning and funding, through to placemaking and design and all the way to sales, marketing, asset management and maintenance”.
Why should you go?
70% of the attendees have budget responsibility. So if you’re after decision makers, this is probably the event for you.
Find out more
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Futurebuild
Location: London, United Kingdom
Time of year: March
Frequency: Annually
What is Futurebuild? (in their own words)
“Futurebuild brings together 27,000 industry influencers and shapers to drive real change. A world-class knowledge programme alongside an immersive exhibition of 450 innovative and inspiring brands and a host of networking events will combine to create an unmissable experience.”
Who’s going to be there?
Over 27,000 attendees, including 19 of the top 20 house builders (you’ve got to feel a little sorry for the poor team that missed out).
Why should you go?
While Futurebuild is a great event for all property professionals, one of their unique value propositions is the emphasis on ecobuilding. If you have a particular interest in environmentalism, or want to find out more about this growing niche, this is a great place to start.
Find out more
- Property Investor Show
Location: ExCeL Center, London, United Kingdom
Time of Year: April
Frequency: Annually
What is the Property Investor Show? (in their own words)
“The Property Investor Show is the premier exhibition for anyone looking to make money from property – in the short or long term.”
Who’s going to be there?
Investors and those seeking to get investment. This spans from institutions to SMEs
Why should you go?
If you’re interested in investing in property, or looking to get investment for your project, this is a great event for you.
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Progressive Property Network
Locations: Nationwide
Frequency: Multiple events every month
What is Progressive Property Network? (in their own words)
“Progressive Property Network events across the UK are for property investors of all levels. PPN will inspire, educate and entertain you on your journey to becoming more successful in property. PPN gives you access to a ready-made network of professional property people ready to share a wealth of experience.”
Who’s going to be there?
People from across the prepety spectrum who are looking to network for a range of reasons.
Why should you go?
Interestingly, they specifically say “If you are content with passive events, the PPN is not for you”. So you’ll get lots of interaction, and lots of opportunities to make valuable connections.
- Completely Retail Marketplace
Locations: London, United Kingdom - Stockholm, Sweden
Time of year: April, May, and September
Frequency: Multiple times a year
What is Completely Retail Marketing? (in their own words)
Completely Retail Marketplace is a series of events that take place across multiple countries, where retail and leisure brands meet and network with a diverse range of property agents, landlords, shopping centre owners, franchise operators and organisations to discuss the market and opportunities for space.
Who’s going to be there?
Hundreds of brands from a number of industries, who all need space of some sort.
Why should you go?
If you’re looking to get access to brands across Europe who have varying space requirements, this is the event for you.
Find out more
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Property Investors Network
Locations: Nationwide
Frequency: Multiple events every month
What is the Property Investors Network (in their own words)?
“Network with like-minded investors in your local area, no matter what your experience. Get the latest news in the mortgage and lettings markets. Experience highly inspirational case studies and learn from industry leading property investors from across the country.”
Who’s going to be there?
Architects, self build specialists, renovation experts and leading brands.
Why should you go?
This is a great place to go if you’re thinking about starting a or in the middle of a one. You can get expert advice from homebuilding and renovating experts, or get ideas from masterclasses and leading brands.
Find out more
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Movers and Shakers
Location: Nationwide, UK
Frequency: Multiple events a year
What is Movers & Shakers (in their own words)?
“Movers & Shakers is the UK’s leading Property and Construction Networking Forum – now in its 24th year; with vast experience in bringing together senior executives in the Marketplace and generating opportunities.”
Who’s going to be there?
Those looking to learn more, meet people, and talk business.
Why should you go?
They offer quite a lot – it’s especially worth checking out the breakfast meetings, where they offer some pretty big-name speakers at a much smaller price tag than you’d usually pay.
Find out more
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All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs)
Location: Houses of Parliament, London, UK
Frequency: Multiple times a year
What are All-Party Parliamentary Groups (in their own words)?
“All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) are informal cross-party groups that have no official status within Parliament. They are run by and for Members of the Commons and Lords, though many choose to involve individuals and organisations from outside Parliament in their administration and activities.”
Who’s going to be there?
Elected officials, and those interested in hearing them speak about housing, planning and house builders.
Why should you go?
APPGs are great for those with an interest in politics, or looking to get a deeper understanding of the wider landscape. The main two to look out for are the APPG on Housing and Planning, and the APPG for SME House Builders.
Interested in attending? Get in touch with the appropriate secretariat for the APPG you want to go along to.
Find out more:
Your network is linked to your net worth
Sometimes, contrary to popular belief, the cream doesn’t always rise to the top.
It should, but it doesn’t.
Relationships can sometimes make or break a business.
Knowing how to network effectively isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a necessity.
Now you know the rooms worth working, we’ve put together a free checklist to get the most out of your next event.
All events come with a cost. Make sure you're getting the best ROI with our checklist.
Download our ultimate guide to property networking to learn:
- The two big networking mistakes new property professionals make (and how to avoid them)
- The 5 big advantages of local networking events
- The top tips and tricks from established property professionals
Grab your FREE copy by filling in the short form and finding out how you can make the most of the events this year.