- Published date:
- 02 September 2026
The RE:Futures Conference 2026 brought together 120 emerging leaders from across the real estate industry at Worcester College, Oxford, for two inspiring days of learning, discussion and networking, alongside insights into the trends shaping the future of the sector.
The conference opened with a thought-provoking keynote from Kevin Aitchison MBE (Savills Investment Management), who shared his perspective on the current market, the investment landscape and the leadership qualities needed to succeed in an industry undergoing rapid change. Delegates then took part in an engaging communications masterclass led by Richard Teverson (AGL Communication), which focused on building confidence, developing impactful personal brands and communicating with authenticity.
Throughout the event, breakout sessions explored some of the most important themes facing the industry. Max Eves-Van den Akker (Schroders) led an insightful session on raising capital, examining how investment strategies, capital flows and investor priorities are evolving in response to changing market conditions. Rebecca Crocker (Aviva Investors), Hattie Freer-Smith (Aviva Investors) and Luke Hamilton-Jones (Valesco) delivered a session on Macro to Micro markets, helping delegates understand how wider economic, demographic and geopolitical trends influence decision-making across real estate sectors and markets. Speed networking sessions, facilitated by Betsy Brady (Knight Frank) and Monica Wong (The Crown Estate), provided practical opportunities for delegates to build meaningful professional relationships and expand their industry networks.
A fireside chat with our Chief Executive, Vanessa Hale, offered valuable perspectives on leadership, career development and the future direction of the sector. The first day’s formal programme concluded with a highly engaging panel on AI in real estate, chaired by Alex Saifiti (Deloitte) and featuring Anisha Patel (Landsec), Andrew Baum (University of Oxford), Mike Gedye (CBRE) and Alison Alexander-Birch (Deloitte). The panel explored how organisations can harness emerging technologies to create value while balancing governance, skills development and human judgement.
Beyond the formal programme, networking remained at the heart of the conference, with attendees connecting during social activities including punting on the River Cherwell and dinner at The Randolph Hotel.
The conference concluded with site visits to Inventa and Fabrica, two pioneering life sciences developments in Oxford. Insights from Colin Brown (Mission Street) and Kevin Wood (CBRE) highlighted the growth of the life sciences sector and rising demand for specialist, innovation-focused real estate.
Overall, the conference showcased the talent, ambition and collaboration shaping the future of the industry.
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