Over the past few years UKREiiF has become the go-to event for anyone and everyone involved or interested in the UK’s property sector.  

Move over Cannes, it’s time for Leeds to take the limelight.  

But, with so many opportunities on offer for new business, for networking and for professional development over the three-day event, it can feel overwhelming. Even though it’s January and UKREiiF still feels months away, it’s really important that you and your team start planning now in order to make the most of the event.  

We’ve helped businesses from across the property and construction world get ready for UKREiiF and here are our top tips for ahead of time: 

Agree your goal(s) 

It’s good to go into UKREiiF with a firm idea of what you personally want to get out of the event. There are so many different talks, discussions and other events taking place across the pavilions that it can be easy to spend your time doing a bit of everything and not achieving what you really want to. For example, if networking is your main goal, try to focus your time on attending events aimed at connecting with other peers – there are loads to choose from, from breakfast events, drinks receptions or even property sector runs. 

Of course, if your main aim for UKREiiF is just to immerse yourself in everything that the event has to offer, then that’s fine too – chat, browse the pavilions and pick and choose to your heart’s content!  

Plan your days 

Similar to agreeing your goals before you head up to Leeds, it’s a good idea to plan out your days to ensure you make the most of the event. There are over 60 stages and over 1,000 speakers and as nice as it would be, it’s impossible to go to everything. Plan your diary ahead of time to make sure you’re hitting your key events, as well as having enough time to recharge the batteries and get that all-important networking in.  

Find your fringe 

The official UKREiiF events are just one facet of the event and like every good conference, there are loads of things happening in the fringe, which are well-worth exploring. During the event, restaurants and bars around Leeds city centre hold breakfasts, lunches, talks and other social events, so keep an eye out for what’s happening on the UKREiiF website, on social media and through your contacts to make sure you don’t miss out. Some popular fringe events are ticketed, so make sure you book in early to secure your place.  

Build connections 

UKREiiF is a networking hotbed, and usual rules apply; bring your business cards (if you still use them!), make sure your LinkedIn is up to date (and consider Premium for the month) and map out your diary. Having a look at delegate lists beforehand is a good way to see who is attending what and gives you a great reason to reach out to cold contacts to arrange coffees or other meetings.  

Plan your socials 

We’d always recommend to our clients who are going to UKREiiF that attendees really gear up their social media presence, particularly LinkedIn, in the run up to the event. A post in beforehand announcing your attendance can go a long way in letting your connections know that you’ll be there and are open to meetings.  

During the event, be sure to post regularly with snippets from your day. Interesting talks that you’ve attended, interesting conversations you’ve had or any general observations, all of this can form the basis of some strong social posts. Combine your insights with some good photos from the event and your social media accounts will be hives of activity and engagement. 

Media meetings 

Generally, UKREiiF isn’t a media-first event. Many of the national and trade property correspondents will be there, but the focus is never really on interviews. Still, there will be publications writing roundups and features each day at the event so it certainly pays to throw your hat in the ring.  

For the best success, focus on a particular topic, issue or observation that you’d like to chat to the media or your contacts about. Reaching out for a chat with a purpose in mind is often going to be more effective than simply meeting for a chat.  

If you have one, your PR team should be on hand to help engage with journalists – and key targets – attending the event and set up any meetings you might want to have.  

So, are you ready for UKREiiF? Making the most of the event involves starting to plan now and if you’d like some support getting yourself and your team ready, why not get in touch?