Building the RICS community

RICS in Canada - Connecting with the Association of Land Engineers in Ontario

The Ontario chapter and AOLE organised a golf tournament in Toronto. This is something that we used to do annually so it signals a return to pre-pandemic activities at the local level. Impact: Members connected and were excited to return to the golf course. Next year, they plan to raise money for a charity as this annual event resumes building our brand among professionals here in Ontario.

RICS in USA - NY Climate Week event in NY

Joint event held with the American Institute of Architects (NY) and the International Code Council as part of NY Climate week on Sustainable Asset Management; speakers included RICS SVP, Maureen Ehrenberg and former RICS Americas Board Member, Alexandra Faciu.

Impact: Continue to establish RICS presence in the US and strengthen alignment with other organizations.

RICS India Knowledge Event – Urban Resilience: Building Sustainable and Future-Proof Spaces – in Gurgaon

RICS India recently hosted a knowledge event in Gurgaon focused on urban resilience. In a world grappling with climate change, rapid urbanization, and dynamic workplace shifts, this event explored how resilience has become more crucial than ever.

The expert panel offered powerful insights into how cities can not only withstand challenges like floods, heatwaves, or pandemics but also thrive in their wake. They discussed the importance of deep-rooted planning and adaptive flexibility as key strategies for building resilient and sustainable urban spaces for the future.

Member and Industry Engagement

In a landmark event in Sri Lanka, we hosted an industry dialogue on "Empowering Development through Dialogue — Aligning National Vision with Built Environment Priorities." This event was a dynamic platform that brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and built environment professionals. The discussions centered on critical topics like sustainable growth, resilient infrastructure, and inclusive urban development.

The dialogue successfully bridged the gap between national policy frameworks and on-the-ground industry practices, creating a unified vision for a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for Sri Lanka. It also highlighted RICS’s active role and commitment to supporting these national priorities and contributing to the nation’s growth journey.

RICS in South Asia – DEI Event

Hosted DEI roundtables in Gurgaon and Bangalore during the India visit of Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Sep. RICS is convening a roundtable of industry professionals to examine the DEI landscape in India and co-develop strategies to build inclusive workplaces, ensure equal opportunities, and remove barriers for women and individuals with diverse abilities. Impact: The session reinforced the shared belief that advancing DEI is not only a moral imperative but also a driver of innovation and long-term industry resilience.

RICS in South Asia - Cross-profession Collaboration, Academia, industry, and policymakers, Members and Industry Engagement

Overview: RICS launched the RICS-Crescent Centre of Excellence for Built Environment in Chennai, a pioneering initiative aimed at advancing knowledge, innovation, and professional excellence in the sector.

Impact: The Centre is envisioned as a knowledge and innovation hub that will bring together academia, industry, and policymakers to reimagine the built environment. Our focus will be on sustainability, resilience, digital transformation, and inclusive growth—all critical for shaping the future of India’s cities and communities.

RICS in Germany: Future Talk - Smart Data -> Smart Decisions?

Overview: RICS Munich Regional Group members and IMMOEBS participated in the second “Future Talk” hosted by Münchener Hypothekenbank. Under the theme “Smart Data & Smart Decisions”, the event explored how building and financial data can be intelligently linked to support sustainable and economically sound decision-making.

The session highlighted why the real estate sector must consider sustainability beyond CO₂ emissions and emphasized that ESG remains central. Through demos and practical examples, attendees saw how smart analysis of building and financial data can support sustainability planning, risk management, and economic efficiency.

Impact: The webinar provided members with practical insights into leveraging building and financial data for sustainable and economically sound decision-making.

RICS in Germany: ResiTail – A New Love Between Residential and Retail

In Cologne, we held a successful event together with our partners. The focus was on how combining residential units with retail space on ground floors in selected locations not only pays off but also sustainably enhances our city centres – fostering short distances and vibrant communities.

Impact: in Cologne showed that integrating residential space with ground-floor retail in selected locations is both economically viable and socially valuable. This approach strengthens city centers, promotes vibrant communities, and supports the vision of “cities of short distances.” Key outcome: mixed-use concepts emerge as a promising solution to the persistent housing shortage in metropolitan areas, while simultaneously revitalizing urban life.

Activity: Member and Industry Engagement

We successfully launched the first RICS Matrics event in Riyadh, a sponsored bowling night hosted by Alvarez & Marsal. The event sold out immediately, drawing 50 members and professionals. It created a valuable platform for networking and engaging the next generation of diverse professionals. We've received brilliant feedback and generated significant momentum on LinkedIn.

Activity: MEA - Candidate Engagement

We delivered virtual and in-person B2B and B2C sessions to 107 candidates, significantly deepening engagement with our ASP cohorts. This initiative strengthened our firm's relationships by providing tailored support and maintaining a consistent presence with candidates.

RICS in Ghana – Cross professional collaboration

Overview: Following a recently signed collaboration agreement between DMA Invest and RICS, our members in Ghana had the opportunity to participate in the UK–Ghana Trade & Investment Mission, held on 24–25 September 2025 in Accra, Ghana. It was delivered in partnership with UK Export Finance, the Department for Business and Trade, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, and Ghana’s 24H+ Secretariat.

Impact: This event offered real value to our members, giving them the chance to connect with key players, build meaningful relationships, and take advantage of the exclusive opportunities that come with being part of such a high-level mission.

RICS in Kenya: Cross professional collaboration

Overview: Following a recently signed collaboration agreement between Kenya property Developers Association (KPDA) and RICS, Our members in Kenya had the opportunity to participate in the KPDA annual conference. RICS members got a 20% discount on the ticket price, and we had 3 complimentary tickets that went to 1 board member, 1 matrics committee member and 1 AssocRICS to represent the young surveyors

Impact:  This event offered real value to our members, giving them the chance to connect with key players, build meaningful relationships, and take advantage of the exclusive opportunities that come with being part of such an event.

Activity: Next Generation

The "Coffee, Cake and Candidates" event, held at RICS HQ in London, was attended by 65 candidates who engaged directly with RICS staff, assessors, and Lionheart representatives. The event provided valuable support and advice, giving attendees a new perspective on their journey to RICS membership. Feedback from both candidates and assessors was positive, with many highlighting the supportive environment and useful insights. This session provided candidates support across any area of their journey no matter the qualification route to membership, network with RICS Staff, Lionheart and RICS Assessors.

Celebrating milestones while fostering professional relationships and industry networking

Overview: Attended Quantex Consulting Limited’s 25th anniversary in Birmingham City Centre, enjoying a celebratory evening with colleagues and professionals from across the construction industry,

Impact: The event provided an excellent networking opportunity, strengthening relationships with industry peers and raising the profile of RICS DRS within the construction sector.

Professional development and CPD, combined with inclusivity and engagement within the adjudication community

Overview: The RICS Dispute Resolution Service held its second Adjudication Dinner at Crowne Plaza, Birmingham City Centre, bringing together over 100 adjudicators, practitioners, and stakeholders for CPD, networking, and professional development. The afternoon CPD session featured Nigel Davies (Davies & Davies) on the psychology of decision-making for adjudicators, and Faye Allen of Rimkus sharing insights from her book Building Women: How Everyone in Construction Can Win, highlighting inclusivity and the role of allies.

Impact:  The event successfully combined learning, engagement, and networking. Attendees gained valuable CPD, practical insights, and exposure to inclusive practices in construction. It strengthened relationships with panel adjudicators and practitioners while enhancing awareness of service developments.