The Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) sector is dynamic, global, and increasingly technology-driven. For professionals, investors, analysts, and executives involved in the REIT ecosystem, attending industry conferences and networking events is one of the most effective ways to stay informed, discover new trends, meet key players, and explore investment opportunities.
Whether you’re a fund manager in the UAE, a real estate executive in Egypt, or a family office representative in Saudi Arabia, participating in leading REIT industry conferences can help you connect with global thought leaders and gain strategic insights into how markets are evolving.
In this article, we explore the most influential REIT industry conferences held around the world, what they offer, and how both newcomers and seasoned professionals can benefit from attending. We also highlight growing opportunities in the Arab world for regional networking in the REIT and real estate finance space. 
Why Conferences Matter in the REIT Industry
REITs operate at the intersection of real estate, capital markets, and regulation. Trends shift quickly—from rising interest rates to ESG mandates, and from digital infrastructure growth to demographic-driven housing shifts. Conferences offer a concentrated forum to hear directly from CEOs, policymakers, investors, and analysts who shape the industry.
These events go beyond presentations. They provide valuable face-to-face (or virtual) networking opportunities, investor briefings, access to proprietary research, and even deal-making environments where partnerships are formed.
In a field where timing, knowledge, and relationships matter, conferences help professionals stay competitive.
Top Global REIT Conferences
1. Nareit REITweek – New York, USA
Organized by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (Nareit), REITweek is considered the premier annual event for listed REITs in the United States. Held in New York each June, it brings together institutional investors, REIT executives, and analysts for three days of presentations, panel discussions, and private meetings.
REITweek offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from senior management of leading REITs across all sectors—residential, retail, industrial, healthcare, data centers, and more. Attendees include major pension funds, hedge funds, mutual fund managers, and global capital allocators.
For international investors, REITweek is a gateway to understanding U.S. real estate trends, capital markets behavior, and regulatory updates.
2. EPRA Conference – Europe
The European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) hosts an annual conference that attracts key players in Europe’s listed real estate sector. This event focuses on market performance, corporate governance, sustainability standards, and policy changes affecting the European REIT landscape.
Given the diversity of REIT structures in Europe—each country with its own tax and regulatory framework—the EPRA conference is an excellent place for cross-border collaboration and benchmarking.
It also features awards for excellence in reporting, which highlights REITs with strong investor communication and transparency—an important benchmark for long-term investors.
3. PERE Global Summit – Multiple Locations
Private Equity Real Estate (PERE) is a global platform that hosts several high-profile summits in cities like New York, London, Hong Kong, and Singapore. While its focus includes private real estate funds, it often attracts listed REITs and institutional investors looking to bridge public and private real estate capital.
Sessions cover topics such as fund structuring, real estate innovation, alternative asset classes, ESG investing, and capital flows from sovereign wealth funds and pension plans.
PERE Summits are ideal for professionals seeking global diversification, cross-border investment opportunities, or partnerships in REIT-adjacent spaces.
4. MIPIM – Cannes, France
Although MIPIM is a broader real estate event, it draws a significant number of REIT leaders, investors, and developers. Held annually in the French Riviera, it’s considered one of the largest real estate gatherings globally, with thousands of attendees from over 100 countries.
MIPIM offers a unique mix of conferences, exhibitions, and networking events. While not exclusively focused on REITs, it provides access to trends in urban development, smart cities, hospitality investment, and mixed-use assets—sectors where REITs are highly active.
REIT-Focused Events in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
1. Cityscape Global – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Previously held in Dubai and now based in Riyadh, Cityscape Global has evolved into the largest real estate event in the MENA region. While its traditional focus was residential and commercial property sales, the new format includes finance, investment, and REIT sessions, particularly as Saudi Arabia’s capital markets expand.
With the rise of Saudi REITs listed on Tadawul (the Saudi stock exchange), Cityscape is becoming a prime venue for real estate fund managers, public REIT executives, and regional investors to network and share insights.
2. Middle East Investment Summit – Dubai, UAE
This annual summit gathers institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and fund managers across asset classes. It typically includes REIT-focused panels, particularly on real estate allocations, Sharia-compliant investment vehicles, and income-generating real assets.
Given the UAE’s growing REIT ecosystem—including listed REITs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi—this event is valuable for investors seeking exposure to Gulf real estate through public markets.
3. Real Estate Future Forum – Riyadh
An emerging platform supported by the Saudi government, this forum focuses on real estate development, financing, and innovation. It reflects Vision 2030’s push to diversify the economy and deepen financial markets, including REIT development.
While still growing in global recognition, it offers important networking opportunities with regulators, developers, and local REIT managers.
Virtual Conferences and Digital Networking
Since 2020, many REIT events have adopted hybrid or fully virtual formats. This has opened access for investors in remote regions or emerging markets who previously could not attend in person.
Platforms like Zoom, Webex, and proprietary investor portals are now commonly used for:
- Live earnings call Q&A sessions
- REIT CEO webcasts
- Real-time chat during conference panels
- Virtual one-on-one meetings between investors and REIT management
If travel is a barrier, subscribing to these virtual opportunities ensures you stay connected with the global REIT conversation.
Some REITs also offer quarterly webinars, live property tours, or digital roadshows for investors. Signing up for investor relations mailing lists or LinkedIn updates can help you access these events early.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of REIT Conferences
To make the most of any REIT conference or networking event:
- Prepare beforehand: Research the REITs attending, study their latest reports, and prepare thoughtful questions. This helps you make meaningful connections.
- Network strategically: Aim to meet not only REIT executives but also analysts, portfolio managers, and service providers who shape the ecosystem.
- Attend multiple formats: Join keynote sessions, break-out panels, and informal networking lunches or investor dinners.
- Follow up: After the event, send thank-you emails or LinkedIn messages. A short, professional note can help maintain relationships and lead to future opportunities.
- Think long-term: Use these events to build a network, not just gain short-term insights. Relationships in the REIT sector often lead to partnerships, research access, or career development.
The Value for Professionals in Arab Markets
REITs in the Arab world are still maturing. While countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have made significant progress, many investors, developers, and regulators are still exploring the full potential of REITs as financial instruments.
By attending global conferences or regional summits, professionals from Arab countries can:
- Learn global best practices in REIT governance, reporting, and valuation.
- Attract foreign investment to local REITs or projects.
- Forge partnerships with established REITs or funds from North America, Europe, or Asia.
- Build professional credentials and networks that support career growth in capital markets, finance, or real estate development.
Conclusion
REIT industry conferences and networking events are more than just gatherings—they are engines of growth, innovation, and collaboration. From global summits like REITweek and EPRA to emerging platforms in the Gulf, these events shape the strategies, partnerships, and investments that define the REIT market.
Whether you are an individual investor trying to understand the market better, a REIT manager seeking capital, or a policymaker designing regulation, engaging with these platforms is essential.
As the Arab world continues to develop its REIT landscape, participating in these conferences ensures that local professionals stay informed, competitive, and connected to the global real estate investment community.
