The ULI Europe Young Leaders Annual Forum 2015 took place on 3rd February in Paris. The event attracted over 80 attendees, comprising a diverse range of nationalities and professional experience.

The day kicked off with a tour of the Saint-Ouen docks, followed by sessions on sustainability, career development, and investments.  A networking dinner brought the Forum to a close.

Below are reflections from several Young Leaders on their experience at the Forum.

Ashley Perry, JLL

I was delighted that the ULI Young Leaders Forum attracted members from as far away as Seattle, Hong Kong and virtually everywhere in between. Our goal was to achieve the largest attendance since its inception which we achieved to great success. We delivered a timely and worthwhile programme of sessions from career development to the emerging rental sector and a fascinating sustainability discussion. The Young Leaders Forum is a unique event that brings new connections, a network of young real estate colleagues and a broad range of perspectives under one roof. It was my first ULI Europe Young Leaders event and I’m very much looking forward to 2016.

Lucy Barratt, Grosvenor

For me, the highlight of the sustainability session held at this year’s ULI Europe Young Leader Forum was the emphasis on the evolution of sustainability. The combination of all four speakers’ presentations emphasised the holistic nature of sustainability as a means of remaining attractive, competitive and productive. For me, the session identified that there were advantages and opportunities open to all through developing a strategic sustainable approach regardless of their role and business type.

Thomas Leinberger, Allianz Real Estate

We’re very proud to have had a diverse, international group at this year’s annual YL day in Paris. More than 80 attendees out of Europe, the US as well as Asia joined this programme created for Young Leaders by Young Leaders. Participants, including investors, developers, architects, urban planners and many more, attended both content-driven and career-orientated sessions. In particular, the small group discussions with senior leaders on their career aspirations and recommendations provided a unique opportunity to all participants. As with all ULI events, this one was dominated by a spirit of openness from dedicated real estate professionals.