THIS INCISIVE one-day event will bring together local and global influencers from the listed property sector at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, on 15 March 2018.

The South African Real Estate Investment Trust Association (SA REIT) today announced that its highly anticipated third biennial SA REIT Conference is set to take place on 15 March 2018 at the Sandton Convention Centre and will be sponsored by Property Finance at Nedbank CIB.

Following the immense success of its first two conferences, this major industry event will once again bring together an outstanding programme of thought leaders to offer first-rate insight and debate on all the topical issues most pertinent to the sector, in South Africa and abroad.

Mark Stevens, SA REIT Association’s Marketing Committee Chairman, notes that SA REITs have become one of the most active and innovative sectors on the JSE, and this has happened in a very short time. While the industry’s moment continues unabated, it is confronted with economic, political, cyclical and structural changes.

As an increasing number South Africa’s property companies invest offshore in response to poor local operating conditions and investor preferences, both local and global industry insights have become crucial for the industry.

“The SA REIT Conference 2018 is designed to arm delegates with an invaluable perspective on influences and innovations around REITs. It will offer a world-class conference specially tailored for the industry. Its exceptional programme provides direct access to the most influential players active in the local and international REIT sector,” confirms Stevens.

The 2018 edition of this incisive one-day senior management conference also brings together the REIT industry’s most prominent decision-makers at an unprecedented time for the South African economy and business environment.

Chairman of the SA REIT Association, Izak Petersen, says: “REITs influence our economy and the quality of people's lives. South Africa’s companies and business leaders are being challenged to play a bigger role in the broader issues affecting the country. The SA REIT Conference 2018 is an opportunity for the critical examination of the forces that are shaping the sector. The REIT sector is already active in creating a more prosperous and inclusive South Africa and this gathering is a great opportunity to challenge ourselves to do better, do more and work together to amplify our impacts.”

Conference delegates will be able to participate in thought-provoking conversations with peers and industry leaders, while also identifying important new investment opportunities.

An industry masterclass, the SA REIT Conference offers many opportunities to hear from REIT executives first hand, and learn from leaders in the real estate investment community. Delegates will benefit from unique market intelligence on a range of topics covering the latest industry trends, insights and challenges.

The conference attracts executives and senior management representatives, property and retail analysts, institutional investors, banks, entrepreneurs, corporate sponsors, and accounting and legal entities operating in the dynamic world of property.

The SA REIT Association represents South Africa’s listed REIT sector. Currently, there are 31 SA REITs listed on the JSE. SA REIT members comprise all listed SA REITs and represent a market capitalisation of over R422 billion.