The Brains Behind the Programme: Reflections on UKREiiF 2026

Over the past few weeks, we’ve taken a step back to reflect on what was another landmark year for UKREiiF.

2026 marked our biggest and most ambitious programme to date, bringing together industry leaders, emerging voices and bold ideas shaping the future of real estate, investment and infrastructure.

But behind every packed session and standout keynote is a team making it all happen.

Meet the Team Behind the Programme

A dedicated team of five works on the UKREiiF programme year-round.

Their role starts long before the event begins, identifying emerging themes, shaping new streams, and collaborating closely with partners to curate sessions that genuinely add value.

This isn’t about filling a schedule. It’s about building a programme that reflects where the industry is heading, and where it needs to go.

Working both in close partnership with clients and by developing their own ideas, the team curates high-calibre speakers and delivers sessions that spark insight, challenge thinking and foster lasting connections. At the heart of it all are the relationships behind the programme, built on trust, collaboration and shared ambition, which truly set it apart.

So, we asked External Affairs & Content manager, Maisie Powell and Director of External Affairs and Event Programme, Matt Christie three simple questions:

• What worked well this year?
• What was your personal highlight?
• And what does UKREiiF need more of next year?

What Worked Well?

In 2026, the programme grew not just in size, but in depth and diversity, with broader themes and a wider mix of voices reflecting the full sector.

Collaboration was a defining strength. Clients were more engaged than ever, bringing bold ideas and embracing new formats. The result? More dynamic sessions that tackled the industry’s biggest challenges head-on.

Speaker quality also stepped up, with stronger representation across sectors, regions and emerging talent.

In short, the programme didn’t just expand, it evolved.

Matt Christie, said: We leaned into collaboration, spending more time with partners in their own spaces, and it paid off. Together, we reinforced a relentless focus on delivery, creating powerful, symbiotic content and an energy on site that was unmistakably upbeat and driven.”

Maisie Powell, said: “We brought together truly influential, inspiring voices that drew in decision-makers, not just observers, and paired them with a dynamic mix of panels, workshops, roundtables, and interactive sessions to keep energy high across every moment. What really set it apart was the buzz, an unplanned, cross-sector exchange of ideas that sparked the kind of conversations where the most powerful connections are made.”

Personal Highlights

Beyond the big-picture success of the programme, it’s often the moments on the ground that leave the biggest impression. From behind-the-scenes milestones to standout events, the team shared the experiences that made this year truly memorable.

Matt shared his personal highlight, “It’s impossible to pick just one highlight, but the UK Investment Dinner at Leeds Civic Hall was a standout, bringing together five Ministers alongside MPs, Mayors, city leaders and top investors in one room. Add to that the incredible level of government engagement, from major cross-department delegations to a full day with the Chancellor and MHCLG leadership, and it genuinely felt like I was helping spark meaningful conversations and connections that will make a difference.”

Maisie added, “Walking onto site for the first time was unforgettable, after months of planning, nothing prepares you for the sheer scale until you’re right in the middle of it. There was this incredible calm-before-the-storm buzz, and seeing ideas leap from spreadsheets into reality was so rewarding. Exploring partners’ pavilions was just as inspiring, each space bursting with personality and creativity. And the L&G Dinner? A real proud moment, watching everything we’d planned come together perfectly on the night.”

What UKREiiF Needs More in 2027?

With another successful year behind them, the team is already looking ahead. Building on what worked, they’ve been thinking about how the programme can go even further, bringing in new voices, fresh ideas and formats that continue to push the industry forward.

Matt shared insight into what he wants to see more of next year, “We’re doubling down on the festival feel, dialling up interactivity and rethinking content to spark even bigger conversations. With A* speakers coming in from beyond the industry, we’re building on the buzz of standout voices like The Rest is Politics and Rory Sutherland to make next year even more dynamic, unexpected and unmissable.”

Maisie said, “I’d love to see even more voices from the people who truly experience places every day, end users and occupiers who bring a different, invaluable perspective. There’s also huge opportunity to amplify sectors like arts, culture, retail, hospitality and education. Bringing these voices into the mix would spark richer, more dynamic conversations about what really makes places vibrant, relevant and resilient.”

A Glimpse of What’s to Come

So, are there hints about 2027 in these reflections?

Let’s just say, the team isn’t standing still.

While plans are still taking shape, one thing is clear: expect a more interactive, inclusive and forward-thinking programme next year. New formats, fresh perspectives and even more opportunities to connect, collaborate and innovate.

Because if there’s one thing UKREiiF does well, it’s building on what works, and continually evolving.

Find out more about UKREiiF 2027 here, and to secure early release tickets before anyone else does, click here.