Urban Living Festival 2025

International Hospitality Media is the premier specialist in online publishing; conference, exhibition and events, and advisory services for growth sectors of the hospitality industry. The company publishes four leading b2b hospitality websites - BoutiqueHotelNews.com; ServicedApartmentNews.com;  ShortTermRentalz.com  and UrbanLiving.news which keep our readers informed with news, comment and opinion. Our conference experience spans four continents and covers high growth segments including boutique and lifestyle hotels, serviced apartments / aparthotels and extended stay, and short term / vacation rentals, and urban living: student housing, co living, build to rent, later living and flex work . Our events are renowned for their intense focus and attract quality industry leaders, brands and independents, providing unparalleled networking and learning opportunities. We also organise bespoke educational events and investor breakfasts to bring owners, operators and investors together. If you have an idea you would like to discuss contact +44 (0) 20 8340 7989info@internationalhospitality.media

International Hospitality Media Limited

Urban Living Festival 2025  connects the global community of contemporary hospitality and real estate urbanites.

Mary Ward House Conference Centre

Spark your innovation, challenge your perspective at the festival of ideas - welcome to the only leadership and investment event for urban innovators and investors to collectively define the future of how and where people stay, live and work.The Urban Living Festival (ULF) 2025 connects the global community of contemporary hospitality and real estate “urbanites” to collectively define the evolution of how and where we stay, live and work.ULF welcomes urban innovators at the cutting edge of contemporary hospitality and real estate to explore the macro and micro drivers behind this growth and the challenges, opportunities and solutions in each market segment.Changing demographics, social and economic drivers are fuelling investment decisions as investors put a greater focus on Urban Living asset classes. Curated with an intense focus on collaboration and debate, ULF brings CEO’s, ‘best of breed’ speakers, sponsors and service providers to collectively share best practice, network, map the industry’s future and do business within:• Hotels and Serviced apartments • Aparthotels / Extended stay hotels • Hostels, Co-Living and Co-Working • Build to rent (BTR) and Student accommodation • Short Term Rentals • Senior Living • ‘Healthy Buildings’, sustainability and wellness • PropTechHosted over two days, London will have the opportunity to showcase it's status as a “living and breathing” world-class metropolitan hub for property investors, developers, owners and operators.Who Attends?<ul><li>Government - central and local</li><li>Investors/fund managers/charities</li><li>Property companies</li><li>Planning professionals</li><li>Developers</li><li>Academics</li><li>Operators</li><li>Landlords</li><li>Designers/architects</li><li>Economists</li><li>Hospitality and real estate professionals</li><li>Technology companies</li></ul>For more information see www.urbanlivingfestival.comLocationMARY WARD HOUSE, 7 TAVISTOCK PLACE, LONDON, ENGLAND, WC1H 9SN, UNITED KINGDOMGoogle Maps Link Belowhttps://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Mary+Ward+House,+Tavistock+Pl,+London+WC1H+9SN/@51.5250828,-0.1299411,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x48761b30769f697f:0xd71cd6edc659c930!8m2!3d51.5250828!4d-0.1273662!16s%2Fg%2F11bw3h26k3?entry=ttuTerms and Conditions;Attendees and companies attending URBAN LIVING FESTIVAL 2025 (ULF 2025)1. ULF 2025 reserves the right to refuse entry to any person seeking to attend the event.2. ULF 2025 may take payment from people who it is then deemed are not suitable or do not qualify for attendance of the event. In such instances the full money of the applying attendees will be refunded inside 30 days.3. Any attendee demonstrating loud, rowdy or disruptive behaviour at any time during proceedings on September 22-23rd 2025 may be asked to leave the festival and the venue. If this happens no refunds of the event fees will be given.4. Except in the case of non-qualifying attendees (as detailed in clause 2 above) once a qualifying attendee has registered to attend, refunds/compensation will only be given in the following circumstances;a) Visitor Refund PolicyWe fully expect to hold a safe and enjoyable Urban Living Festival 22-23rd 2025. However, in the event of cancellation due to government restrictions, your registration fees will be transferred/offered as a credit towards Urban Living Festival 2025 in London.If requesting a refund due to changing travel arrangements, and travelling from a country which is put on the UK government quarantine list within 14 days of the event, a full refund will be rewarded.b) Book With ConfidenceIf you're sick with COVID-19 symptoms or test positive with COVID-19 within 14 days of the event, you can cancel by emailing our events manager eme@internationalhospitalty.media. You'll be asked to verify this with documentation, and at that point a full refund will be rewarded.If an attendee has booked and then chooses not to attend, the place can be re-allocated to another person without any administration fee.5. International Hospitality Media Ltd is the organiser of the event. They are not responsible for the individual comments, remarks or presentations made by the speakers or any other public comments made by delegates attending the event. International Hospitality Media Ltd hereby indemnifies themselves from any liability for any of the content (including inaccuracies) of the speeches and presentations made.6. ULF 2025 has made every effort to ensure the information provided about the speakers addressing the event is accurate. In the event that any one of the speakers cannot honour their commitment to speak and attend the event, no refunds will be given. However, International Hospitality Media Ltd will use their best endeavours to find suitable replacements.7. Attendees taking accommodation close by to the ULF 2025 will be allocated a room by the provider. Any complaints about the room or the associated service should be directed to the accommodation manager8. ULF 2025 will make every attempt to ensure the agenda progresses to time and the subjects promoted get fully covered.9. Event hosts IHM, suggest that attendees purchase travel insurance to cover pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses, such as airfare and conference registration fees in the event of flight delays caused by severe weather; illness or family emergencies; and other unforeseen circumstances that may prevent you from attending.

Agenda

Exclusive Property Tours: Experience first hand some of the most exciting properties and developments in the Bloomsbury area of London. Immerse yourself in the city's dynamic real estate and hospitality landscape and witness innovation in action on our curated walking tour of some of the best hospitality and living sector properties.

Property 1:



Runway Ea:St, Bloomsbury (CONFIRMED)

24-28 Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2SN

Just two minutes from Holborn Station, and five minutes from Tottenham Court Road and the Elizabeth Line, Runway East  Bloomsbury is as central as you get. Walking distance to Soho and the West End, and the green space of Bloomsbury Square on your doorstep. Private offices for team of 1-100.

Property 2: Citadines, Holborn (Aparthotel, tbc)

Property 3: Information coming soon

Refreshments provided

DAY 1 -  'Unlocking the neighbourhood' property tours - limited places

Join us as lots of hospitality and real estate industry professionals across the urban living landscape converge.

Enjoy a selection of beer, wine, and delicious nibbles in a relaxed and vibrant setting.

There will be plenty of networking opportunities with lots of hospitality and real estate leaders, including IHM's Editor-in-Chief, George Sell, Editor, URBAN LIVING NEWS and Serviced Apartment News ; Eloise Hanson, Editor, Boutique Hotel News and Priya Kheira, Editor, ShortTermRentalz.com, over a drink or two - an evening not to be missed!

Information on venue location coming soon.

DAY 1 - Drinks reception and networking

Immerse yourself in the future of hospitality / real estate at our dynamic Exhibitor Area. This is the centerpiece of the conference—where proptech pioneers, smart city innovators, real estate developers, and cutting-edge solution providers converge to showcase the tools, platforms, and strategies reshaping the built environment. Explore interactive booths, experience live product demos, and engage with visionary startups and industry leaders driving transformation in how we design, build, buy, and manage spaces. Whether you're a developer, investor, architect, or tech enthusiast, this is your gateway to the next big thing in real estate.

DAY 2 - EXHIBITOR AREA OPEN - find your creative solution

Enjoy a light breakfast and chance to catch up with industry colleagues, before the agenda for the day begins.

DAY 2 - EXHIBITOR AREA: Breakfast and Networking

 George Sell, Editor-in-chief, IHM sets the scene for the day

DAY 2 - MAIN STAGE : Welcome

Exploring the outer edges of possibility in the built environment. 

Speaker: Kai-Uwe Bergmann, partner, BIG

DAY 2 - MAIN STAGE : Keynote presentation: The future is now

A panel of planners, architects, developers and investors discuss how urban development and regeneration will evolve over the next decade.

Moderator: George Sell, editor, Urban Living News

Panellists:
• Dr Ana McMillin, director of architecture - urban living and new neighbourhoods, Broadway Malyan
• Andrew Carter, CEO, Centre for Cities
• Mariya Tsvetkova, director, Urban Partners
• Stephanie Pollitt, programme director, housing, BusinessLDN

DAY 2 - MAIN STAGE : Panel - Urban Living 2035 

All the living sector verticals are facing growing supply and demand imbalance - how can investors, developers and local authorities address the worsening problem?

Moderator: Catherine Williams, head of living sector, Addleshaw Goddard

Panellists:
• Wyn Evans, founding partner, Shared Voice
• Michael Keaveney, director of land and development, Grainger plc
• Kelly Bream, COO, Bidwells

DAY 2 - MAIN STAGE : Panel: Redressing the balance

Enjoy some networking, visit our expo and caffeinate as required.

DAY 2 - Coffee Break

As construction costs continue to rise and ESG demands mount, a new wave of cutting-edge building materials will be key to delivering new buildings quickly, efficiently and sustainably.

Speaker: Phil Coffey, founding director, Coffey Architects

DAY 2 - MAIN STAGE : Presentation: The material world

This is the second ever Urban Living Impact Awards - where we reward and recognise innovation and achievement across the living and flexible workspace sectors.

Join us for a glass of something sparkly to toast the winners.

Hosted by Urban Living News editor George Sell.

Judges:

• Aceil Haddad, founder, Matt PR
• Angeliki Krania, sustainability manager, Related Argent
• Dr Ana McMillin, director of architecture – urban living and new neighbourhoods, Broadway Malyan
• James Pargeter, senior advisor, Global Apartment Advisors
• Katherine Rose, managing director, Vervlife
• Stephanie Smith, head of residential, Muse
• Martin Zdravkov, portfolio director, Octopus Investments

DAY 2 - MAIN STAGE : The Urban Living Impact Awards

Grab lunch and make the most of your break right in the Exhibitor Area! Enjoy a curated selection of food and drinks while you explore the latest in hospitality and real estate service solutions. It’s the perfect chance to recharge, connect with fellow attendees, and discover innovations—all in one place.

DAY 2 - Lunch - fuel up while you network

A discussion about the current and future use of AI in the living and hospitality sectors, covering design, operations, investment, customer service and marketing.

Moderator: To be confirmed

Panellists:

Dr. Stylianos Kampakis, CEO, The Tesseract Academy
Victoria Day, Senior tech business development manager - GenAI, Amazon
Nikodem Szumilo, Director, The Bartlett Real Estate Institute tbc

DAY 2 - AI LOUNGE: Panel: Intelligent Spaces - AI's transformative impact

What are the challenges and opportunities of scaling coliving models while maintaining the core community aspect that makes them attractive?

Moderator: Iain Murray, head of operational living, Bidwells
Panellists:

Yianni Tsitouras, founder and CEO, POHA House
Katherine Rose, managing director, Vervlife

DAY 2 - COLIVING : Panel: Scaling coliving: balancing community 

Delving into the current state of the PBSA investment market, examining trends, opportunities, and potential risk

DAY 2 - PBSA : Presentation: PBSA investment strategies and risk management 

A deep dive into the current state of the BTR market, examining investment trends, emerging opportunities, and potential challenges.

Presented by Andrew Screen, head of residential capital markets, BNP Paribas Real Estate

DAY 2 -  BTR : Presentation: Investment strategies and market dynamics 

A deep dive in to the investment landscape for later living, analysing market trends, opportunities, and potential risks.

• Presentation by Phil Schmid, senior director, operational real estate, senior living, CBRE

DAY 2 - LATER LIVING : Presentation: Investing in later living

A panel discussion exploring the profitability and long-term value implications of upfront sales revenue and the sustained income generated through premium services.
 
Moderator: Peter Sugden, consultant, Clyde & Co
Panellists:
Stefano Saporetti, Director of brand diversification, Aston Martin
Marine Duchesne, Vice president of development for Europe, Ennismore
Ed Blake, Company director, Clivedale

DAY 2 - HOSPITALITY : Panel: The economics of branded residences

As business travel returns in new forms, corporate clients are seeking more flexible, experience-driven accommodation options. This session will explore how short-term rentals are adapting to meet the needs of today’s business traveller.

Moderator: Priya Khaira, Editor - short term rentalz, IHM

Panellists:

Florian Montag, Vice President, Apaleo
Tom Fleming, Director of client development, AltoVita 

DAY 2 - SHORT TERM RENTALS : Corporate Clients, flexible stays

Roundtable discussion

How voice assistants, smart controls, and AI-driven service are enhancing stays across hotels, BTR, and coliving.

Discussion host:

Victoria Day, Senior tech business development manager - GenAI, Amazon

DAY 2 - AI LOUNGE: Smart stays: Voice tech & automation in guest experience

A focus on the practical aspects of developing and operating successful BTR communities.

Moderator: Brendan Geraghty, CEO, Association for Rental Living

Panellists:
• Nathan Wise, director of leasing, Quintain Living
• Josie Baum, co-founder and CEO, ARC Club
• Tom Lord, director, UK multifamily operations, Greystar
• Grace Morgan, director of operations, CompassRock International

DAY 2 - BTR : Panel: Delivering successful communities

We explore the relationship between coliving and the broader housing market, addressing both the potential for collaboration and the competitive dynamics.

Moderator: Matt Lesniak, co-founder, Conscious Coliving
Panellists:
• Damien Sharkey, managing director, HUB
• Adam Amijee, investment manager, property funds, Bridges Investment Management
• James Teatum, founder, Noiascape

DAY 2 - COLIVING : Panel: Coliving and the wider housing market

A look at the evolving needs and expectations of students and how PBSA can adapt to provide a holistic living experience.
Moderator: Aceil Haddad, founder, MATT PR
Panellists:
• Hannah Chappatte, founder and CEO, Hybr
• Ding Li, sustainability manager, iQ Student Accommodation
• Martina Pardo, founder, A Designer at Heart

DAY 2 - PBSA : Panel: Beyond bricks and mortar

A focus on the design principles that create successful later living communities, emphasising inclusivity, adaptability, and accessibility.

Moderator: Anne-Marie Nicholson, founder, amn architects

Panellists:
• Frank Cartwright, co-founder, Yield Investments
• Sabrina Voecks, creative director, JOI-Design
• Jonty Roots, managing director, Boomer + Beyond

DAY 2 - LATER LIVING : Panel: Ageing in place: creating inclusive

A discussion which explores how lifestyle brands are navigating the complexities of expansion.
 
Moderator: Eloise Hanson, editor, Boutique Hotel News
 
Key considerations:
Financial strategies to support growth
Maintaining brand legacy when scaling
How brands are adapting to the experience economy
The role of technology
Expert speakers:

Halima Aziz, Head of hotels, Criterion Hospitality
Imshan Jamal, MD and co-founder, EQ Group
Alexander Goad, CEO, The July

DAY 2 - HOSPITALITY : Roundtable: Scaling lifestyle brands

As cities tighten rules on short-term rentals, how can the sector adapt responsibly? This panel unpacks the latest regulatory trends, explores strategies to combat overtourism, and discusses the path to sustainable growth.

Moderator: Priya Khaira, Editor - short term rentalz, IHM

Panellists:

Oliver Stern, Enterprise account executive III, Wheelhouse
Lisa Roads, CEO, The Holiday Property Coach
Jessica Gillingham, CEO, Adobe Worldwide

DAY 2 - SHORT TERM RENTALS : Deconstructing STR regulations

A chance to enjoy afternoon tea, networking, and explore the expo space.

DAY 2 - Afternoon Break

Roundtable discussion

How machine learning and predictive analytics are shaping smarter buildings, resident services, and sustainability.

Moderator: Justin Harley, Yardi and one other (tbc)

DAY 2 - AI LOUNGE: Built for intelligence: AI’s role in urban living desigN

A deep dive in to the coliving investment landscape, moving beyond the hype to focus on long-term value creation.

• Ewa Scott, associate, residential investments, Knight Frank

DAY 2 - COLIVING : Presentation: Achieving long-term value in coliving 

A look to the future of the PBSA market, exploring emerging trends and potential disruptions that could shape the sector.

Presenters: Sarah Canning and Deenie Lee, The Property Marketing Strategists

DAY 2 - PBSA : Presentation: The future of student living: trends 

A deep dive in to the investment landscape for flex workspace, examining market trends, opportunities, and risk mitigation strategies.

Presenter: John Williams, director, B&E Consulting

DAY 2 - WORKSPACE : Presentation: Investing in flex: navigating the market

Audience members will be divided into groups, each assigned a guest persona. Groups will brainstorm the travel requirements and habits of each demographic before feeding back to the room.
 
Profiles:
Corporate traveller
Digital nomad
Family
Luxury traveller
Budget traveller

DAY 2 - HOSPITALITY : Workshop: Understanding the guest of tomorrow

Branded short-term rental concepts are reshaping urban hospitality. We’ll look at how operators and developers are using design, technology, and brand experience to differentiate their offering  and how branded STRs are blurring the lines between hotels, serviced apartments and flexible living. 

Moderator: Priya Khaira, Editor - short term rentalz, IHM

Panellists:

Sandrine Zechbauer ,CMO, RMS
Roshan Ramlugan, Sector lead residential UK&I, AXA
Ruth Whitehead, COO, eviivo

DAY 2 -  SHORT TERM RENTALS : Branded STR: The New Face of Urban Hospitality

As the UK multifamily sector matures, what can operators to do ensure guest satisfaction and tenant retention in an increasingly competitive market?

Panellists:

Damon Gacicia, director, Airbnb for Real Estate
Dheraen Quick, BTR general manager, Greystar
David Woodward, CEO, CompassRock International and Global Apartment Advisors
 

DAY 2 - BTR : Panel: Strategies to drive occupancy, retention and resident 

Roundtable discussion

From deal modelling to tenant retention, how AI is influencing property valuations and investor decisions.

Moderator: To be confirmed

DAY 2 - AI LOUNGE: The bottom line: AI’s role in real estate investment 

Analysing the rise of the SFR market - why has it been so successful and where does it go from here?

Moderator: Richard Berridge, founder, Blackbird RE
Panellists:
• Justine Edmonds, head of BTR, LRG
• David Reid, managing director, Legal & General Suburban Build To Rent

DAY 2 - BTR : Panel: The rise of single-family rentals 

Exploring the potential for coliving beyond major urban centres, including suburban areas, smaller towns, and even rural locations.

Moderator: Bart Sasim, co-founder, Coliving Ventures
Panellists:
• Anton Chernikov, founder, Selgars Mill Estate
• Katia Dimova, founder, Chateau Coliving and Coworking

DAY 2 - COLIVING : Panel: Beyond the city: new markets, new demographics

A look to the future of the market, covering trends, challenges and potential disruptors.

Moderator: Michael Dubicki, founder, Flex Engine
Panellists:
• Jane Sartin, executive director, FlexSA
• Josh Dane, business operations manager, Runway East
• Lisa Cations, managing director, JCR Advisors

DAY 2 - WORKSPACE : Panel: The future of flex and coworking

A panel discussion exploring how travel programmes are evolving to incorporate sustainability. Key topics will examine the changing roles of travel buyers, agents and operators in developing responsible travel products and strategies.
 
Moderator: Matthew Parsons, Founder, Etude Agency
Panellists:
Ufi Ibrahim, CEO, Energy & Environment Alliance

DAY 2 - HOSPITALITY : Panel: Sustainability in business travel

The short-term rental sector is flooded with tech solutions — from PMS and channel managers to dynamic pricing tools and guest experience platforms. But is too much choice creating confusion, inefficiency, and fragmentation? This session examines why consolidation is becoming critical, the challenges it presents, and what a more streamlined future could look like for operators, investors, and guests alike.

Moderator: Priya Khaira, Editor - short term rentalz, IHM

Panellists:

Kate Cox, CMO, Guesty
Fausto Silva, Manager, Solutions consultants, Pricelabs 

DAY 2 - SHORT TERM RENTALS : Why the tech landscape needs urgent consolidation

Grab a drink and network with your new connections.

DAY 2 - COURTYARD: Drinks reception and networking

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Urban Living Festival 2025

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Urban Living Festival 2025

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