UKAA BTR Expo 2022: Bigger, Bolder, Better
After the trials and tribulations of the past couple of years, the buzz of hosting the UK’s largest ever dedicated Build to Rent (BTR) event was simply fantastic. On 28th April, 755 industry professionals joined together to focus their attention on the future of BTR.
The unique Reverse Trade Show that kicked off the event held at the impressive Business Design Centre in north London, was bigger than ever before with 14 owners/operators meeting with 47 exhibitors. The universal feedback was that there were some excellent conversations going on, with all the right people in the room. The energy was outstanding, while the scent pods provided by White Circle provided a lovely uplifting atmosphere.
Throughout the day, 13 thought-provoking sessions covered a wide range of topics, with the Expo’s three parallel stages hosting presentations, breakout sessions, workshops and silent theatre talks. Particular highlights included discussions around:
- Customer experience, putting the renter first
- The role of data from sustainability certifications in reaching net zero and ESG goals
- Which services and products BtR residents value the most
- The UK rental market: what’s changed and where are we heading?
- Best practice: delivering a superior customer experience
- Proven concepts for enhancing net operating income
The fresco from Aster Muro – A Guiding Light – was also a memorable highlight. The painting is to be donated to one of LandAid’s charities, St Christopher’s Fellowship, which works across the UK providing children’s homes, supported housing, fostering and specialist support services for young people in care, on the edge of care or leaving care.
The launch of the UKAA Best Practice Guide was another key element of the Expo, as was the chance to say farewell to outgoing CEO Dave Butler. What a warm and fitting send-off.
As ever, there are things that we will be seeking to improve before the next Expo, but the bar has certainly been set high by this event. We look forward to the challenge of delivering an even more impressive Expo in 2023. In the meantime, we would love to hear your views on this year’s event – you can share your insights through our survey.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the outstanding success of the event. To our headline sponsors, RealPage and Welcome Furniture along with our other sponsors BoConcept, The Furniture Practice, PooPrints, REDIRECT, EE, Yardi, The Focus Group, Loft Interiors, TechnoGym and Wunch Keynotes & Consulting, Fixflo and event partners, BTR News. We managed to deliver something for everyone, focusing on the needs of suppliers while also attracting everyone who’s anyone in the Build to Rent sector.
Event highlights
CEO Dave Butler bids us farewell
Hear from exhibitors on how the day went
Michel Baumgart, Business and Contract Director at BoConcept
Sarah Maskell, Founder and Director at White Circle
Mitch Handley, Marketing Manager at Inventory Hive
Merilee Karr, Founder and CEO at Trusted Stays
Ryan Doyle, Sales Director at Switch Hospitality Management
Sarah Walsh, BTR Consultant at Cortland Consult