UKREiiF will once again bring together thousands of delegates, investors, and industry leaders, to its annual event in May 2026, making it one of the UK’s most significant real estate and infrastructure events. As the organisers, we want every exhibitor and sponsor to get the very best out of their time with us.

To help you maximise your investment and ensure you leave with real value, we’ve put together some practical tips for success at UKREiiF 2026.

Define Clear Objectives

Before setting foot in Leeds for UKREiiF, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what you aim to achieve. A vague plan will dilute your efforts and make it harder to measure success. Consider questions such as:

  • Are you primarily focused on lead generation to expand your client base?
  • Is your goal to strengthen relationships with existing clients, reinforcing loyalty and trust?
  • Do you want to position your brand as a thought leader, showcasing your expertise and innovative solutions?
  • Are you looking to secure investment or strategic partnerships that could accelerate your business growth?

Setting clear objectives will not only help you allocate resources more effectively but also provide a benchmark against which you can measure success. With defined goals, every action, from your stand design to your conversations, can be aligned toward achieving them.

Research the Event and Your Audience

Knowledge is power, and preparation is key. Before attending UKREiiF 2026, invest time in understanding the event landscape and your potential audience. Make sure to:

  • Identify attendees: Research which companies, investors, and industry professionals will be present. Knowing who’s coming allows you to prioritise your outreach and tailor your approach.
  • Plan for expected footfall: Estimate how many visitors you’re likely to see and ensure you have the right team size and resources to handle the traffic.
  • Analyse competitors: Understand who else is exhibiting and how they position themselves. Identify opportunities to differentiate your brand and stand out in a crowded space.

By taking the time to research, you can target the right people with the right message, ensuring that your presence at the event is both strategic and impactful.

Shout About Your Attendance

Don’t let your presence go unnoticed. Promoting your participation ahead of time helps attract attendees to your stand and positions your brand as proactive.

  • Leverage social media: Announce your attendance on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and other relevant platforms to create awareness.
  • Highlight your objectives: Communicate what visitors can expect, whether it’s exclusive insights, demos, or one-on-one discussions.
  • Use official event hashtags: Engage with the UKREiiF community online using #UKREiiF, increase visibility, and spark pre-event conversations.

Effective promotion ensures that your stand is on people’s radar, transforming passive attendees into active visitors and potential business opportunities.

Schedule Meetings in Advance

UKREiiF is a high-paced, high-energy environment, relying on chance encounters is risky. Maximise your time by proactively scheduling meetings:

  • Reach out early: Contact key clients, investors, or prospects to secure time in their diaries before the event.
  • Utilise event platforms: Log on to our Delegate Directory and use it to arrange formal and informal meetings efficiently.
  • Plan your day strategically: Balance structured meetings with time for spontaneous networking, ensuring you capture every opportunity.

A well-planned diary prevents missed opportunities and allows your team to engage meaningfully with the people who matter most to your business.

Always Man Your Stand

Your exhibition stand is your brand’s front door, never leave it unattended. Consider these best practices:

  • Staff consistently: Ensure there’s always at least one representative present, ready to engage visitors.
  • Create an inviting space: Make your stand approachable and welcoming, encouraging attendees to stop by.
  • Capture visitor information: Have a clear system for collecting contact details to enable timely follow-up.

Even short gaps at your stand could result in missed leads or opportunities. Being present, engaging, and approachable is essential for converting foot traffic into tangible results.

Think Beyond Your Stand

Your presence at UKREiiF should extend far beyond your booth. True ROI comes from being visible and active across the entire event:

  • Attend sessions and panels: Gain insights, share expertise, and increase your brand visibility.
  • Network across the event: Engage with other exhibitors and attendees during coffee breaks, lunches, and evening receptions.
  • Explore informal opportunities: Some of the most valuable connections happen off the main floor in casual settings.

The more active your team is throughout the event, the more your brand presence grows, building credibility and fostering valuable relationships.

Follow Up Post-Event

The impact of UKREiiF doesn’t end when the event closes. Post-event follow-up is where opportunities turn into tangible business outcomes:

  • Send personalised emails: Reach out to every contact you met, reminding them of your discussion and the value your company can provide.
  • Share highlights: Use social media to recap your participation and showcase your event engagement.
  • Continue conversations: Schedule follow-up meetings or calls to nurture leads into long-term partnerships.

Timely and thoughtful follow-up can be the difference between a fleeting interaction and a signed contract, maximising your ROI well beyond the event itself.

UKREiiF 2026 is more than just an event, it’s a strategic platform to build relationships, showcase expertise, and generate opportunities. By defining clear objectives, conducting thorough research, promoting your presence, planning meetings, engaging consistently, thinking beyond your stand, and following up diligently, you can ensure that your investment delivers lasting value far beyond the days of the event. Preparation, presence, and persistence are the keys to success.