On the 6th of October, leasehold professionals from across the industry gathered at the highly anticipated ARMA Conference, transforming it into a bustling hub of insights, networking opportunities, and innovation.
This annual event had been eagerly awaited, and it did not disappoint. The conference served as a vital platform for attendees to stay well-informed about the latest developments and legislative changes within the leasehold sector. Moreover, it provided a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge solutions that have been revolutionising the landscape of leasehold management and shaping the future of residential property management.
Attendees were able to immerse themselves in a rich learning experience, engaging with industry experts and accomplished panellists who provided valuable insights into the ever-evolving legal and regulatory framework. The conference’s program was thoughtfully curated, offering a diverse range of panel sessions and breakout sessions that delved into various critical topics. From discussions about the role of housing associations in leasehold management to strategies for enhancing resident engagement and even an exploration of how The Property Institute (TPI) fosters competence, the conference catered to a wide spectrum of interests and concerns within the industry.
As an event attendee representing our company, Flat Living, we are thrilled to take a moment to reminisce about the incredible lineup of events and discussions that defined the 2023 programme.
This year was indeed an exceptional gathering of industry leaders, experts, and professionals, offering invaluable insights into the ever-evolving world of property management. Let’s reflect on some of the highlights:
The day began with TPI updates delivered by CEO, Andrew Bulmer including how this organisation is working towards shaping the future of property management alongside all the support available to all.
1. Keynote Panel: Health Check: Taking Stock of Where You Are with Building Safety with esteemed panellists, including:
- Kim Tichias, Health and Safety Executive
- Shaun Lundy, Tetra Consulting
- Charles Seifert, Inside the Box Advisory
- Mark Varley, Emeria
This thought-provoking discussion allowed us to assess the current landscape of building safety, thanks to the knowledge shared by our expert panellists. We left with a clearer vision for ensuring the safety and well-being of buildings and current changes to legislation.
2. Keynote Panel: Business Challenges Faced by the Managing Agents of Today
- Chaired by Malcolm Perryman, The Property Institute (TPI)
- Featuring representatives from Hegarty Property Management & JFM Block & Estate Management
We had the privilege to explore the challenges that managing agents face in today’s dynamic property management landscape. Industry giants shared their experiences and strategies for success, leaving us with invaluable takeaways.
3. How Big Can the Residential Rental Universe Get? (Nick Whitten, JLL)
Nick Whitten from JLL guided us through an eye-opening exploration of the growth potential of the UK residential rental world. We gained an eye-opening understanding of the Private Sale, Build-to-Rent, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), and Social Housing sectors in the UK compared to other European nations.
4. Breakout Session: Housing Associations – Unravelling the Mysteries. Led by Steve Michaux, Former Director of Residential Services at A2Dominion.
In this enlightening session, we explored the world of housing associations. Steve Michaux’s insights shed light on the intricacies of this vital sector within the property management industry. Key points covered include how housing associations are organised, how to talk to the right person, and getting bills paid.
5. Learning Matters! We upskilled our drive to competency with TPI’s Training Officer, Lawrence Diamond, and its Qualification Development Manager, Simon Walker.
Being competent in your role is top priority. This was enforced by TPI experts as they highlighted the importance of enhancing staff competency to meet the evolving demands of property management.
6. Legal Updates: Industry leading experts Ellodie Gibbons, a Barrister from Landmark Chambers, and Cassandra Zanelli, CEO of Property Management Legal Services discussed significant legal developments.
The discussions are essential for disseminating accurate, up to date and understandable information. Their insights not only educate but empower professionals and the public, contributing significantly to a well-informed and legally compliant society.
7. Essential Tech of Today
We discovered the latest practical technologies designed to streamline property management processes. Learning how these tech innovations could enhance our efficiency as a business was a game-changer.
The Tech Talk session at the conference shed light on the transformative impact of Proptech in residential property management. The speakers consisted of Dave Wardell, Business Passport; Joe Goss, Fixflo; and Henry Bliss, Built-ID.
Dave Wardell from Building Passport discussed how technology aids property managers in ensuring building safety and maintaining the Golden Thread. Dave discusses the Golden Thread and how it presents a centralised, digitised, and secure platform to manage essential building information in adherence to the regulations. Joe Goss, Fixflo, highlighted the potential of technology in enhancing internal processes that will lead to greater overall efficiency. Lastly, Henry Bliss from Built-ID explored the ways technology can strengthen resident and community engagement, showcasing the diverse applications of Proptech in reshaping the management and operation of residential properties.
With these captivating sessions and many more, the 2023 ARMA conference was an enlightening and transformative experience for all attendees. We are grateful for the knowledge, innovation, and networking opportunities that took center stage. A big thank you to this year’s ARMA Conference speakers, industry suppliers, and of course the attendees who contributed to the success of Friday’s event!
Beyond its educational value, the ARMA Conference was a prime opportunity for networking and collaboration. Throughout the day, attendees had multiple chances to connect with fellow professionals, vendors, and service providers. The conference facilitated interaction through four well-timed breaks, providing ample moments for impromptu discussions and the exchange of ideas. To top it all off, the day concluded with a drinks reception, creating the perfect setting for attendees to relax and continue connecting. Notably, the Flat Living team had the privilege of meeting several magazine and website contributors, an experience that undoubtedly added a special highlight to the event.
To conclude, the ARMA Conference 2023 emerged as a resounding success, achieving a harmonious blend of education, networking, and celebration. In an industry characterized by constant change and innovation, events like this play a vital role in shaping the future of property management. As the leasehold landscape continues to evolve, the insights and connections forged at conferences like this become increasingly vital in guiding professionals toward success and excellence in their field.
Make sure to keep an eye out on our website and social media platforms for articles and summaries from some of the attendees who will be sharing valuable insights and their experience of the event.
Don’t forget to visit the ARMA website for the Conference Gallery 2023.
