Property debate moves to Barcelona

The focus will be on the REITs 'revolution' when property professionals come together at the 10th Meeting Point property symposium from November 7 to 9 in Barcelona. The event is supported by the European Property Federation, the Global Real Estate Institute, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, the Urban Land Institute, and the business schools ESADE and IESE. The event stats on Tuesday with a seminar on 'investing and building for the future. how to thrive in uncertain times', hosted by the Urban Land Institute.

Real estate professionals from Europe and the United States will share their opinions on why the Spanish market is attractive and what investors are they now looking for. Leading Spanish companies will present their expansion strategies both for the Spanish and international markets. ULI and international consultants will present key trends in the market and growth and risk management strategies. Nicholas Axford, director of research EMEA for CB Richard Ellis, will address another meeting on Tuesday morning about 'the globalization of the real estate market'. This event is organised by Esade. After lunch, shopping centres will be the subject of discussion.

REITs will be the main subject on Wednesday morning, with a keynote speech by Paul McNamara, head of research of Prudential Property Investment Manager on the 'changing nature of property as an investment asset'. Afterwards there will be a review of the REITs situation in France, the UK, Germany, Spain and Italy. Thursday sessions focus on 'vertical building as a solution for future urban development'.

PropertyEU will have daily reports from Barcelona Meeting Point in its electronic newsletter.