Over 7000 made the journey to Leeds for the second year to talk all things place, property, sustainability, climate and much, much more. Whilst it wasn’t as sunny as 2022, the rain stayed away, and despite some of the challenges swirling around us all, the mood was optimistic and the conversations were positive. The uplift in numbers was clear to see as people clung to their cherished table and chairs like some on holiday reserving sun loungers! From a place perspective it was great to see old friends and meet new ones and especially pleasing to see some places attending who wouldn’t normally be at this type of event; it was all the more engaging for that. Whilst there were some fantastic sessions to listen to, it was interesting how many people gained a huge amount by talking to different places and other exhibitors and by having accidental and arranged meetings scattered around the complex. It’s important to remember that what happens between the buildings and pavilions is just as important as what happens within them.
We had lots of very focussed discussions, with places having a clearer idea about what they needed; a shared sense of direction for their place, how to move out of silos, a real requirement for enhanced collaboration, how to create more confidence and pride in the place, increasing their chance of being successful with funding bids, getting heard by Government and investors above the noise and getting their place on the map. For many, local election results were front of mind, potentially throwing plans in the air, as if councils didn’t have enough to worry about!
And then it was our Magic of Place event on Wednesday evening which was fantastically attended, where everyone could relax, stop talking business (if they wanted to!) and meet different people. It struck me that in this funny old place world we work in there are some truly fantastic people who care so much about what they do and we’re proud to call many our friends. The best close-up magician there is, Jason Rea, entertained the room and it summed up UKREiiF and the places and people we work with … magic!
