Date: 25th - 26th November 2024 Venue: Palais Niederösterreich / Hotel Hyatt Andaz
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Our first-ever CEE ESG Forum 2024 is a C-suite regional conference dedicated to exploring and advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. This influential event will gather industry leaders, policymakers, and renowned experts to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and foster collaboration in the pursuit of sustainable and responsible business practices. You can find the agenda here.
Venue: Hotel Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere. Tickets for CEE Property Forum 2024 also include entry for CEE ESG Forum 2024.
Are you staying at Andaz or nearby? We've arranged a ride by a historic tramcar (built in 1927) to take our guests from Andaz to Palais Niederösterreich, the venue of our Awards Gala and Networking Party. The tram departs at 17:20. If you'd like to take advantage of this free-of-charge transfer option, meet our team in the lobby of Andaz at the indicated times. (The journey takes 30 minutes and involves 10 minutes of walking.)
Venue: Palais Niederösterreich. Tickets for CEE Property Forum 2024 also include entry for the Awards Gala and Networking Party.
17:45 - 18:15
Registration & welcome drinks
18:15 - 18:30
Introduction of the first CEE TOP 100
Building on the success of country-specific TOP 50 lists, Property Forum will unveil its first-ever CEE TOP 100, a publication listing the 100 most influential people in the CEE real estate business.
18:30 - 19:30
Awards Ceremony
The CEE Property Awards celebrate the best projects, most impactful transactions and most inspiring personalities and companies in the CEE real estate market. The winner of each Property Forum award will be selected by an exclusive jury, comprising leading professionals from across the region.
List of jury members: Guenther Artner (Erste Group), Dominik Uhe (Kaufland), Hedwig Höfler (CA Immo), Charles Boudet (iO Partners), Richard Wilkinson (CTP), Christopher Mertlitz (WP Carey), Adrian Karczewicz (Skanska), Tanya Kosseva-Boshova (Lion's Head Investments), Angelina Nekic (Delta Real Estate), Dániel Ódor (Taylor Wessing), Tomáš Cifra (Mitiska REIM), Tim Wilkinson (Indotek Group), Victor Constantinescu (Kinstellar), Lucien Smits (MPC Properties), Agata Jurek-Zbrojska (CMS Poland), Radek Mraz (B+N), Jarosław Zagórski (Ghelamco Poland), Robert Ioniță (NEPI Rockcastle), Inga Chkhaidze-Heynen (Revetas Capital), Kamil Kowa (Savills), Dan Petrisor (One United Properties), Kristóf Bárány (Adventum), Rudolf Nemec (Cushman & Wakefield) and János Gárdai (Futureal).
The Award categories:
19:30 - 22:00
Warm-up Party
Guests can enjoy an amazing food and drink offer, including several uniquely themed bars:
A casual morning run with fellow real estate runners starting from Hotel Andaz am Belvedere. We will start from Hotel Andaz and will go through the neighbouring Schweitzergarten and the breathtaking Belvedere Park. You can either go for one lap (5km) or two laps (10 km) with the group.
08:30 - 08:45
Welcome remarks by Property Forum & RICS, introducing the host of the day
Following the welcoming words of Property Forum's CEO, Susanne Eickermann-Riepe FRICS. Chair of the RICS European World Regional Board, will take the stage on behalf of the event's organising partner, RICS. Susanne had been a partner at PwC for nearly 20 years and headed the German Real Estate Business. She works on sustainability and innovations in the real estate industry as an independent senior executive advisor and holds several advisory and supervisory board mandates.
Following this welcome speech, the host of the day will introduce the agenda. James Dearsley is a global proptech and innovation guru who looks at industry problems a little differently. His whole career has been built on understanding many of the industry challenges in relation to change and digital transformation and is currently writing a book about leadership and transformation in the real estate sector.
People:
08:45 - 09:15
Real estate market in the US in light of the elections and global real estate trends
People:
09:15 - 09:45
CEE real estate: 20 years of history and 20 years into the future
2004 marked a significant milestone in the history of CEE: the majority of the countries in New Europe became full members of the EU – and this has accelerated the development of the property market in these countries. By now the region from the Baltics to the Black Sea is part of the Schengen area and creates the largest economic powerhouse for industrial and business services, creating immense opportunities for the property markets to thrive. In the presentation, our keynote speakers don’t just aim to reflect on the history of the CEE markets though, but benchmark our region in Europe and try to forecast the market evolution for the next 20 years – looking at local demographics & economics and global trends currently shaping the real estate market.
People:
09:45 - 10:30
The class of 2025 – Cracking the code for the year ahead
This dynamic panel will explore the emerging trends shaping real estate investments as we approach 2025. Industry experts will discuss key drivers such as technological innovation, sustainability, shifting demographics, and evolving market demands. The conversation will focus on how investors can navigate challenges like high interest rates, economic uncertainties, and regulatory changes while capitalizing on opportunities in green buildings, proptech, and urbanization.
Chair: Adrian Karczewicz, Head of Divestments CEE, Skanska
Conversation participants:
11:00 - 11:45
Money talks – A deep dive into financing strategies
In this panel, leading bankers and CFOs will examine the critical factors driving real estate financing over the next 12 months. The discussion will cover key topics such as rate cuts, persistent inflation, and tighter lending conditions while highlighting alternative financing sources like private equity, REITs, and green bonds. Panelists will also explore the role of government policies, regulatory shifts, and ESG considerations in shaping capital flows.
Chair: Dieter Knittel, Head of CEE, pbb Deutsche Pfandbriefbank
Conversation participants:
11:45 - 12:30
What seals the deal today? – European investment trends under the spotlight
This panel will focus on the key trends influencing real estate investment decisions across Europe. Industry experts will analyze factors such as shifting investor preferences, economic volatility, and the impact of regulatory changes across various markets. Topics will include the rising importance of sustainability, the growing appeal of certain emerging destinations, and how geopolitical tensions and energy transitions are shaping opportunities.
Chair: Tim Wilkinson MRICS, Head of European Acquisitions, Indotek Group
Conversation participants:
12:30 - 13:15
Local investors' outlook – Where to expand next?
With local and cross-border investment activity booming in the CEE region, this panel will bring together the most active dealmakers to discuss where the next expansion opportunities lie. Panelists will explore which sectors and asset types are driving demand today, as well as the key factors influencing investment decisions in this rapidly evolving market. Topics will include regional market dynamics, emerging hotspots, and strategies for navigating risks and maximizing returns.
Chair: Jakub Adam, Partner, Head of Real Estate, Taylor Wessing Czech Republic
Conversation participants:
Section chair: Csanád Csürös, CEO, Property Forum
14:15 - 14:30
Time to (re)enter the market - Which market data and economic indicators support well-founded investment decisions
People:
14:30 - 15:10
A new age of working – How to create the best office assets?
This panel will explore how evolving working habits are reshaping the future of office spaces as an asset class. Industry leaders will discuss the changing demands for flexible, sustainable, and tech-enabled work environments, as well as the impact of these trends on office design, location preferences, and tenant expectations. Topics will include strategies for creating resilient office assets that attract long-term occupiers and maximize value in a post-pandemic world.
Chair: Peter Malovec, Counsel, Taylor Wessing Slovakia
Conversation participants:
15:10 - 15:20
Revitalization as an opportunity for growth
When new construction projects become difficult, the opportunities lie in expanding, optimizing and changing existing portfolios. What ideas and market potential are there? Kaufland's Dominik Uhe presents an exciting approach to revitalizing retail real estate.
People:
15:20 - 16:00
All eyes on retail – New strategies bring investors’ return
This panel will focus on the performance of retail as a real estate asset, exploring how new strategies are driving renewed investor interest and returns. Experts will discuss key trends shaping the sector, including the rise of experiential retail, the integration of e-commerce with physical stores, and the growing emphasis on sustainability and community engagement. Panellists will also examine how retailers are adapting to changing consumer behaviours and how investors can capitalize on these shifts.
Chair: Tomáš Cifra, Partner & Managing Director Central & Eastern Europe, Mitiska REIM
Conversation participants:
16:00 - 16:40
Nearshoring, auto industry struggles – What's ahead for logistics?
This panel will explore the forces shaping logistics demand and investment activity, with a focus on current and future drivers of demand. Experts will discuss how supply chain shifts, regional manufacturing adjustments, and rising e-commerce demand are influencing the logistics sector. The conversation will also touch on how economic pressures, such as labour shortages and energy costs, are impacting logistics operations and real estate investment strategies.
Chair: Martin Polák, Managing Director CEE, GARBE Industrial Real Estate
Conversation participants:
Section chair: Alexander Morari MRICS, Founder & CEO, Pre-A Club VC.
14:15 - 15:00
Investing in emerging SEE markets: Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Albania
This panel will explore the investment potential in the emerging markets of Southeast Europe. Local and international players will discuss the unique opportunities and challenges within each market, including economic growth, urban development, and regulatory environments. The conversation will highlight key sectors attracting investment, such as residential, commercial, and logistics, as well as the impact of infrastructure improvements and EU integration.
Chair: Verka Petkova-Shekerova, Country Head Bulgaria, CBRE
Conversation participants:
15:00 - 15:45
Residential market update: PRS, build-to-sell, investment trends, housing prices
This panel will explore the key trends shaping the residential market, with a focus on private rented sector (PRS) developments, build-to-sell strategies, investment trends, and housing prices. Industry experts will discuss the factors driving demand, including demographic shifts, affordability challenges, and changing lifestyle preferences. The conversation will also address how high interest rates, inflation, and regulatory policies are impacting housing prices and investment activity.
Chair: Kinga Barchoń, Partner, Real Estate Leader, PwC Polska
Conversation participants:
15:45 - 16:30
Booming hotel markets – New trends for 2025-2026
This panel will dive into the key trends expected to shape hotel markets in 2025 and 2026, as the sector experiences a post-pandemic boom. Experts will discuss the growing demand for leisure and business travel, the rise of lifestyle and boutique hotels, and the role of sustainability and technology in enhancing guest experiences. The conversation will also cover investment opportunities in emerging markets, shifts in traveller preferences, and how hotels are adapting to changing expectations.
Chair: Paweł Nowakowski MRICS, Founder & CEO, PNC
Conversation participants:
Section chair: James Dearsley, CEO EMEA, Verv
14:15 - 14:55
Retrofitting and repurposing – How to use ageing stock to revitalise cities
This panel will delve into the innovative strategies of retrofitting and repurposing aging buildings to breathe new life into urban environments. Experts will discuss the benefits of transforming underutilized properties into functional spaces, such as residential, commercial, or mixed-use developments, and how these efforts contribute to sustainable urban growth. The conversation will highlight successful case studies, design considerations, and the role of community engagement in revitalization projects.
Chair: Tjidsger Wierda, ESG Partner, Walvius Partners
Conversation participants:
14:55 - 15:40
Rethinking Central Europe – Discussion with city leaders
This panel brings together influential city leaders from Central Europe to discuss innovative strategies for urban development and revitalization in the region. Topics will include sustainable city planning, infrastructure improvements, and the impact of technology on urban living. The discussion will also explore the challenges and opportunities presented by changing demographics, economic shifts, and environmental concerns.
Chair: Richard Stephens, Founder & Editor, The Poland Observer
Conversation participants:
15:40 - 15:50
Sharing is caring - Parking as a profitable ESG asset in all real estate use
People:
15:50 - 16:30
Tech-driven real estate – Embracing the proptech evolution
This panel will explore the transformative impact of technology on the real estate sector, highlighting the latest trends in proptech innovation. Tech leaders will discuss how advancements in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation are reshaping property management, investment strategies, and customer engagement. The conversation will also address the challenges of integrating technology into traditional practices and the importance of fostering a culture of innovation within real estate organizations.
Chair: Zoltán Kalmár, Founder, ProptechZoom
Conversation participants:
Get noticed, get your message across and reach hundreds of real estate decision-makers by sponsoring CEE Property Forum & Awards Gala 2024. Our partners benefit from speaking opportunities, free tickets, logo placement and other online and on-site advertisements, in addition to a number of tailor-made solutions. Reach out to us to get more details about the available sponsorship packages.
