Property is an industry that does things the old-fashioned way.
Working relationships are cultivated on the golf course, over champagne and canapés, climbing towers and, most of all, riding bicycles. It’s the way deals get done.
Perhaps Estates Gazette columnist Peter Bill put it best when he said: “Those in the sector are convivial because it is profitable for them to be so.”
But before you start figuring out how to nab all the best invitations, take time to choose carefully which events you go to. That’s the advice of Susan Freeman, a real estate partner at law firm Mishcon de Reya, and a seasoned networker.
“Do as much background research as you can on the people you are likely to meet and then make sure you follow up afterwards,” she says.
Freeman believes seminars, such as those run by Estates Gazette and the British Property Federation, are better for networking than parties because there is a better chance of getting an interesting dialogue going. She also reminds revellers that although MIPIM might be the hot ticket, you could do just as well with a chance meeting on Cannes’ Croisette.
Whether on the Croisette or on the streets of London, there are more meets than we have space for here, but here is our pick of some of the most interesting, the most valuable and most fun.
For the intrepid
Buccleuch Challenge
Set in the Duke of Buccleuch’s 9,000-acre Queensberry Estate in Scotland, this adventurous event is one for property die-hards. There were more than 150 of them this year, all trying to outmuscle each other in mountain biking, orienteering and rowing. The best bit is the coming together at the end over booze and hog roast, when endorphin levels are sky-high – the best time to sweet-talk a deal, surely.
When: Annually in September
Visit: www.buccleuchproperty.com
For getting sloshed
The BRENDAs
Those attending this tongue-in-cheek lunchtime charity event write off the day.
The BRENDAs, or Birmingham Real Estate Novel Development Awards, has a different theme each year, with past themes including Property’s Got Olympic Talent and How to Look Good in Property. The brave take turns on stage and the acts range from the sublime to the ridiculous. Always a sell-out.
When: Annually on the Friday of the last May bank holiday weekend.
Visit: www.thebrendas.co.uk
Regional best
Spifox
One of those Christmas lunches that goes on and on because the alcohol flows ever so freely and the company is top-notch. The Scottish Property Industry Festival of Christmas, including carols and lunch, is one of Scotland’s major networking events, attracting heavyweights from across the industry.
When: December, annually.
Visit: www.spifox.co.uk
For the passionate
Urbanistas 5.0
An ever-growing networking group for young women in regeneration and property. It celebrated its first birthday this year and continues to gain popularity for its meeting of minds over the built and urban environments. Everyone, from masterplanners to policy wonks and sustainability specialists, comes together with a focus on collaboration.
When: Regular meets – check website.
Visit: www.urbanistasuk.wordpress.com
Industry staples
Estates Gazette conferences and events
We couldn’t miss this opportunity for a shameless plug for EG’s own events. Our networking ‘dos’ range from the smaller, free-to-attend regional affairs to the renowned Estates Gazette Awards. And the clout of the EG brand means each event attracts industry heavyweights, not to mention your friendly EG staff.
Barely a week goes by when we’re not hosting something, so take your pick.
When: Throughout the year
Visit: www.estatesgazette.com/events
Pre-MIPIM party
This annual, and often spectacular, evening soirée from Mishcon de Reya kicks off MIPIM with a mix of establishment and fringe characters. In the words of event regular Jackie Sadek, chief executive of UK Regeneration, it’s a “crazy creative mash-up”.
When: Every February.
Visit: www.mishcon.com
ALEP conferences
A must-attend for anyone in leasehold enfranchisement, this one has a bit of a ‘train-spotters’ mentality, where niche professionals can come together thanks to the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Professionals, knowing they all understand what each other are talking about.
When: Autumn and spring, annually.
Visit: www.alep.org.uk
Networking with a twist
Halloween ghost tour
Who doesn’t love playing London tourist? Every Halloween, clients and contacts of Tuffin Ferraby Taylor descend on London’s Square Mile for a ghost tour. The end point (or starting point of the proper networking) is the pub – naturally – namely, the Viaduct Tavern on Newgate Street.
When: October annually
Visit: www.tftconsultants.com
If it’s not cycling, it’s not property
Jones Lang LaSalle Cycle Sportive
Networking sportives in this industry are a dime a dozen, as are the crazy people so eager to don Lycra and take part. Cycling is the new golf in property, after all. This event is held in a different location every year (this year it was the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire), where organisers carefully plot a route that brings two-wheeled enthusiasts together, competitive and amateur alike. There’s also plenty of time for refreshments and a yarn.
When: Spring, annually
Visit: www.cycle-sportive.com
