Team #DCS at UKREiiF 2023; what a blast!
#TimeToStopPlayingSmall _ Abisogun OBE [May 2023]
The kind invitation by the organisers at UKREiiF was humbling and well received. The kind offer to bring a team of DCS members meant that aesthetically, the attendee / delegate pool was much more 'inclusive and representative', which made for more meaningful conversations and much more ‘diversity of thought’.
From inception of their why – and I vividly recall being courted by the organising committee during 2021 – selling the very ‘idea and intentional purpose’ behind the UKREiiF product, further enhanced through my long standing working 18yr relationship with [fellow PQS] Paul Pavia and more recent dealings with Amos Simbo, following their appointment to the UKREiiF Advisory Committee.
I rather excitingly attended the inaugural event last year in 2022 and returned back to London on the same day.
The three-day event, was substantially better attended this year, and care of BIM Academy, I stayed overnight to engage with more of the networking, which was ridiculously on tap.
Anyway, here is my ‘minute-by-minute / hour-by-hour’ overview for 2023, largely in pictures via my Tweet / Twitter feed, and I very much look forward to delving into deeper conversations with my connects and contacts made, both old and new.
This year, I noted some huge improvements on the programme, breadth speakers and sector expertise amidst the many fringe events, but had no where, no how, exhausted the multiplicity of offers available.
Notwithstanding, this year I was invited back, both as a delegate and as a Speaker for an amazing panel discussion, called ‘the Future of Construction’ – a sweet spot of mine – for a conversation care of Max Farrell and both chaired and moderated by the ever amazing Jamie Parr, Founder of Better Delivery MMC.
Supported by my ever-faithful 'Aburo' DCS Alumni _ Ayo Ajayi #RisingStar _ #PQS extraordinaire
With a packed audience, I always knew that 45mins would never be enough, due largely to the expansive talent of my fellow pannellists......
......... and more perspective from Max .........
Props to an amazing panel of industry experts:
Philipp Grant: Global Director of Sustainability, AESG
Giulia Papi: Data Intelligence Manager, InnDex
Tom Stannard: Chief Executive, Salford City Council
Helena Powell: Senior Land and Development Manager, LinkCity
And further industry acknowledgement and unwavering support:
All of which was followed by an amazing conversation on the #BuildingSafetyAct .......... my passion spot!
Now this conversation was informed and electric, brought to life with perspective and context; well done Chair!!
This conversation, was frank and full of home-truths, but will the industry really and truly commit to cultural change?
Can clients lead the charge for 'structural and systemic' change; in the public interest?
Is the presence of the long awaited Building Safety Act 2022 enough to trigger the paradigm shift required?
The conversation followed a similar theme that I explored with a panel, earlier this year [the first ever BIM Academy 'Building Safety' Breakfast Event] held in January 2023 .....
However, at least for me, the star performer on the day for, was a clear winner in the form of Cllr Darren Rodwell [Leader of the Council, London Borough of Barking & Dagenham]; yes, the London Councils Executive Member for Housing & Planning went there, with eloquence and style 'and he said it in plain language' - my kinda guy!!
The event was packed with a #London crowd, including upcoming and [yet another] #RisingStar ...........
And after such a riveting day of thought provoking conversations, wide-ranging perspective and deliberation, it was finally time to eat, care of Max and Jamie!
It turned out to be a 'Cast from Cast' but I'm sure my mate Mark won't be too annoyed, we have all learnt from one of the best names in the game _ 'Sir' Mark Farmer, take a bow my dear friend and industry ally!!
And, it just so happens that I was sitting in the same restaurant as my dear friend and long lost industry ally, in the form of the amazing, Jack Hopkins, who has since moved on from Lambeth Council and onto and into the Private Sector; working on some amazing projects and initiatives.
I sincerely hope to discuss my new body of work in the digital twin space ....... and knowing Jack, it's going to be an explosive affair, so watch this space!!
And so to bed, but before I crashed out; I had to 'gate-crash' the DCS Crew over at Tattu .......
So: in summary ....... whilst there is still so much more to do and get done [even after only it’s second year] and given that I am convinced that MIPIM has finally met it’s UK match; I still wonder, is it all too much for a three-day gig?
Clearly not for some!!
And, the following day, just before, I headed back into London, had to show some love for my fellow London Chamber Exhibitor _ Crystal Associates ........
- perhaps we'll be sure to add the DTSA logo to the banner, next year Mark!
Because we all count and representation matters.
Roll on #UKREiiF2024
Comments