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News and Insight

UKREiiF: RICS leads talks on skills, technology, housing and sustainability

30 March 2026

At this year’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) 2026, RICS will once again take a leading role in bringing together key voices from the built environment.

We’ll be addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges and opportunities, from technology and skills to housing and sustainability, whilst championing the interests of our members so their voices remain front and centre.

Over three days (19–21 May), a series of roundtables and panel discussions will cover the importance of digital transformation, as well as the need for strong professional standards and effective regulation. Sessions will look at the Responsible and Ethical Use of AI, Skills, Placemaking, New Towns, Stranded Assets, Modern Methods of Construction and Trade and Investment.

With thousands of delegates expected to attend, including investors, developers, policymakers and public sector leaders, UKREiiF provides a huge platform for RICS to reinforce our role as a trusted convener. We are bringing together diverse perspectives to influence, educate and instil confidence across the profession.

Register for RICS at UKREiiF sessions

Please register for RICS sessions using the booking links below. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis, so early sign-up is recommended to avoid disappointment. For those who can’t attend, we’ll be sharing updates on myRICS community, where you can tell us what topics you would like to hear more about.

To keep up to date with the latest announcements, session details and highlights, follow RICS across social media to join the conversation.

For further enquiries, please contact expevents@rics.org.

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Welcome Breakfast Reception

Time: 08:00-09:30 BST
Date: Tuesday 19 May
Location: RICS West Dock Studio 1

Join us for breakfast at RICS Studio as we dive into how the industry has evolved since UKREiiF 2025. We’ll explore what’s changed, what still needs to shift, and how we can collectively strengthen resilience, raise standards, and position the UK Built Environment as a true global leader.

What will the Surveyor of the future look like?

Time: 10:00-11:30 BST
Date: Tuesday 19 May
Location: RICS West Dock Studio 1

How much will tech and AI transform the surveying landscape? Will drones and big data be a part of the surveyor’s everyday experience? How do we upskill to meet the challenge? Visit our roundtable with experts in AI, ethics and regulation for what promises to be a lively discussion.

RICS Members Networking Reception

Time: 14:30-16:00 BST
Date: Tuesday 19 May
Location: RICS West Dock Studio 1

Join RICS members, surveyors and guests for wine, canapes and relaxed networking with RICS CEO Justin Young. Enjoy drinks, meet peers from across the profession, and take the opportunity to connect directly with two of the Institute’s key leaders.

RICS Matrics Reception - UKREiiF Fringe Event

Time: 15:00-17:00 BST
Date: Tuesday 19 May
Location: Revolucion de Cuba Leeds, 64-68 Call Lane, LS1 6DT

RICS Matrics invite you to a relaxed, interprofessional UKREiiF fringe event for networking, conversation and connection. Enjoy drinks and canapés while meeting fellow early‑career professionals and discovering how the Matrics community can support your journey.

Building trust in AI: ethics for the next era of Real Estate

Time: 10:00-11:00 BST
Date: Wednesday 20 May
Location: RICS West Dock Studio 1

AI is transforming how we value, design and manage the built environment, but ethical implementation needs to keep pace. Join RICS experts and industry leaders as we explore the risks of AI implementation, what appropriate human oversight looks like, and how firms can embrace new tools without undermining early career development. A practical conversation on how to innovate responsibly while maintaining trust, transparency and professional standards.

Mini Masterclass – Harnessing AI and Data in Real Estate

Time: 12:00-13:30 BST
Date: Wednesday 20 May
Location: RICS West Dock Studio 1

Explore how AI and data-driven technologies are transforming investment and infrastructure. In this lunch-and-learn session, AI expert Chris De Gruben demystifies adoption challenges, offering practical guidance for confident, responsible use.

Delivering the Future Homes Standard: Challenges and Opportunities

Time: 14:00-15:00 BST
Date: Wednesday 20 May
Location: RICS West Dock Studio 1

Hosted by RICS and TYI at UKREiiF, this session brings together policymakers and industry leaders to explore how the Future Homes Standard can be delivered at scale and the risks it brings. Hear from Sir James Cleverly MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and Justin Young, CEO of RICS, the discussion will examine what net‑zero‑ready homes mean in practice. Panellists will address the challenges and risks facing delivery, including viability, financial pressures, energy security and skills, alongside the opportunities, and what this means for meeting the ambition to deliver 1.5 million new homes.

You Belong Here: Networking reception

Time: 16:30-18:00 BST
Date: Wednesday 20 May
Location: RICS West Dock Studio 1

RICS invites you to a relaxed but meaningful networking reception focused on connection, belonging, and mutual support across the built environment. Meet peers from all disciplines, share experiences, and build networks as we work together to create an environment that is inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to everyone.

Joint networking event at Power, Corruption and Lies

Time: 18:00-20:00 BST
Date: Wednesday 20May
Location: 36 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 6DT

RIBA, RICS and RTPI come together at UKREiiF to explore how closer collaboration across the built environment can attract new talent, develop the next generation and build a workforce ready to deliver the places people need.

New Towns Now: Right Place, Right Time, Right Returns?

Time: 10:45-11:45 BST
Date: Thursday 21 May
Location: RICS West Dock Studio 1

This panel explores the new towns; speakers will examine economic, social and planning drivers, community involvement, and how to create the confidence and long-term value investors need to secure sustainable returns.

Stranded Assets – How to repurpose for investors, social impact and social value

Time: 12:00-13:00 BST
Date: Thursday 21 May
Location: RICS West Dock Studio 1

We are exploring how value can be impacted by assets that are non-performing or nearing the end of their useful life. Touching on how to identify sites for transformation and deliver investor returns whilst being mindful of social impact when regenerating areas.

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RICS is located in the West Dock Pink Zone, Studio space 01.

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