The Urban Living Festival 2024 is set to take place on September 18-19 at the historic Mary Ward House in Bloomsbury, London. This premier event will explore the latest trends in urban living, bringing together industry leaders and innovators to showcase cutting-edge solutions in accommodation, co-living, and future cities. With a focus on transformative urban spaces and the convergence of real estate sectors, the festival promises to offer a unique experience for professionals looking to navigate the fast-evolving urban landscape.
Urban Living Festival 2024: New Venue, Fresh Format, and Exciting Awards
The highly anticipated Urban Living Festival returns for its fourth edition, promising an even more engaging format, exciting partnerships, and the introduction of the Urban Living Impact Awards. This year, the festival takes place at the stunning Mary Ward House, a short walk from London’s transformative King’s Cross redevelopment area. Get ready to immerse yourself in the latest insights across urban living sectors, from hotels, extended stay, and serviced apartments, to coliving, coworking, flex workspace, and later living markets.
The festival will feature:
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A Peek Behind the Curtain Property Tours:
Enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at some of the most innovative developments in the urban living space. These tours will provide insights into cutting-edge properties across various sectors, offering a unique opportunity to see firsthand the future of urban living.*
Networking Events:
Connect with industry peers, make new connections, and enjoy casual conversations in a relaxed environment. This is the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and learn from each other’s experiences.*
Engaging Sessions:
Attend insightful sessions covering key topics such as market outlooks, adaptive reuse, regulations, government policies, design strategies, emerging asset classes, and achieving net zero. These sessions will provide attendees with valuable insights into the latest trends and best practices in urban living.*
Urban Living Impact Awards:
For the first time, the Urban Living Festival will host the Urban Living Impact Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to urban development. Entry is free and open to all, with submissions beginning July 1, 2024.Who Should Attend Urban Living Festival 2024?
Urban Living Festival 2024 is a must-attend event for forward-thinking professionals in the real estate and hospitality sectors. The festival offers a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from best practices, and shape the future of urban living. With an agenda packed full of engaging sessions, attendees will gain valuable insights into cutting-edge business practices that can help drive their organizations forward. From networking with key players in the market—such as owners, operators, investors, and developers—to learning from industry experts, the festival promises an action-packed experience.
Attendees will include a diverse range of professionals, such as:
* Real estate developers
* Property investors
* Hospitality operators
* Co-living space providers
* Architects and designers
* Urban planners
* Technology providers
* Government officials
* Sustainability experts
Day 1 Schedule: Property Tours and Networking
Kickstart the Urban Living Festival 2024 with an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience. From 14:00 to 17:00, attendees will get a unique chance to participate in “A Peek Behind the Curtain” property tours, providing insights into some of the most innovative developments in the urban living space. With limited spots available, this event offers an intimate look at cutting-edge properties across various sectors. Later in the evening, from 18:00 to 20:00, the day will culminate with a drinks reception and networking session. This will be the perfect opportunity to engage with industry peers, make new connections, and enjoy casual conversations in a relaxed environment.
Day 2 Schedule: A Packed Day of Insightful Sessions
The second day kicks off at 08:45 with a welcome breakfast, setting the tone for a full day of deep industry insights. At 09:20, the MAIN STAGE will officially welcome attendees, followed by a 09:30 panel on “The Development Landscape,” discussing finance, investment, and planning trends. From 10:05, a series of breakout sessions across BTR, coliving, PBSA, hospitality, and short-term rentals will dive into topics such as market outlooks, adaptive reuse, and regulations in their respective sectors. These sessions will run in parallel, allowing attendees to choose topics most relevant to their interests.
After a coffee break at 11:20, the sessions resume at 11:50 with presentations on government policies, design strategies, and emerging asset classes. Key discussions include a panel on achieving net zero by 12:30 and various sessions on proptech, Gen Z accommodation needs, and the evolution of booking behavior in short-term rentals. The day continues after a 13:10 lunch break sponsored by Airbnb, with more presentations on finance, investment, climate resilience, and intergenerational living. The day concludes with a 17:00 wrap-up session on the MAIN STAGE, summarizing the key takeaways from this packed day of insights and innovation.
Urban Living Festival 2024: Exhibitor Highlights
The Urban Living Festival 2024 brings together an impressive lineup of exhibitors, each offering innovative solutions to drive the future of urban living. Here are some key exhibitors:
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[Exhibitor Name 1]:
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[Brief description of their offerings and what they bring to the festival]Event Speakers 2024: Innovators and Leaders Across Urban Living
The Urban Living Festival 2024 will feature a diverse group of visionary leaders shaping the future of the industry. From real estate to technology, these speakers bring a wealth of experience and innovation. Notable names include Aceil Haddad, founder of Matt PR; Alan Pepper, CEO of Orega; Alastair Mullens, managing director of Vertus; and Alex Gibbs, co-founder and director of BAM. Each speaker will provide unique insights into key sectors like Build to Rent, co-living, and property development.
Joining them are top professionals like Ami Kotecha, co-founder of Amro Partners, Andrew Harrington, managing partner of AHV Associates, and Brendan Geraghty, CEO of The Association for Rental Living. These speakers, among many others, will participate in 51 sessions over the course of the event, offering thought-provoking discussions on the latest trends and future opportunities in urban living, property investment, and technology-driven innovations.
Travel Guide: Urban Living Festival 2024 in London
Attending the Urban Living Festival 2024 in London? Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip, including how to get there, where to stay, and what to do while you’re in town.
Getting to Mary Ward House:
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By Air:
London has several international airports, with the most convenient ones being Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), and Stansted (STN). You can easily connect to central London from these airports via train, bus, or taxi.*
By Train:
London’s railway network is extensive and well connected. The closest train station to Mary Ward House is King’s Cross St Pancras, with direct trains from across the UK and Europe.*
By Tube:
The closest London Underground stations to Mary Ward House are Russell Square (Piccadilly line), King’s Cross St Pancras (Victoria, Northern, Piccadilly, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines), and Euston (Victoria, Northern, and London Overground lines).*
By Taxi:
London’s black cabs are iconic, but you can also use ride-share services like Uber or Bolt for convenient trips around the city.Where to Stay:
Bloomsbury and its surrounding neighborhoods offer a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget stays. Here are a few recommendations:
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[Hotel Name 1]:
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[Hotel Name 2]:
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[Brief description of the hotel and its location]Things to Do in London:
While in London for the festival, you’ll have the chance to explore the vibrant Bloomsbury area, as well as other iconic sites around the city. Here are some ideas:
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Visit the British Museum:
This world-renowned museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe, offering a journey through history and culture.*
Explore the National Gallery:
Admire masterpieces from European art history, spanning from the 13th to the 19th centuries.*
Take a stroll through Hyde Park:
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a relaxing walk through London’s largest park.*
Shop on Oxford Street:
Discover a wide array of shops and boutiques along this famous shopping street.*
See a show in the West End:
Experience the magic of live theater in London’s West End, known for its world-class productions.Dining in London:
London is a foodie’s paradise with endless dining options. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite between sessions or a more formal dinner after a long day, you’ll have plenty of choices nearby.
Conclusion
As Urban Living Festival 2024 draws to a close, it leaves behind a powerful vision of the future of urban spaces. Over two days of thought-provoking discussions, insightful presentations, and engaging networking, industry professionals from around the world gathered to explore cutting-edge solutions and innovations that are shaping tomorrow’s cities. With the introduction of the Urban Living Impact Awards and a focus on sustainability, adaptability, and technological advancements, this year’s festival offered a fresh perspective on how we live, work, and play in urban environments. The festival has once again proven to be a must-attend event for anyone at the forefront of real estate, hospitality, and urban development. Attendees are leaving with actionable insights, valuable connections, and a renewed commitment to driving positive change in the urban living landscape. See you next year!
