Our theme for ULI’s Annual Conference in February is Hope, Hype and Opportunity which we feel encapsulates where the market is as we enter 2013.

Nowhere is this sentiment truer than in Ireland, where investors with capital are looking closely at the opportunities provided as NAMA continues to sell distressed assets. It is therefore excellent timing that ULI has just launched a National Council in Ireland, with a real estate capital markets forum at the House of Lords in Dublin. The event attracted 30 influential professionals from Ireland’s investment community and struck right at the heart of the challenges faced by the country’s real estate sector. The council has an exciting future and under the chairmanship of Hines Ireland’s managing director Brian Moran we expect our membership to flourish and benefit from ULI’s network and insights.

Next year is set to be another challenging year for the European real estate sector. We will start 2013 with two key events which will help our members make the most of the opportunities presented by the market. The launch of our Emerging Trends in Real Estate Report, undertaken annually in partnership with PwC, will provide the latest insights into the prospects for European property.

Our Annual Conference in Paris at the beginning of February will provide the opportunity to hear how Europe’s key players view the challenges and hopes for our industry.