The UK's Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) will move from Leeds to Liverpool in 2028, with organisers citing the need for more room to grow. The event, which attracts thousands of property professionals annually as UK cities and regions showcase investment opportunities, will hold its final year in West Yorkshire in May 2027 before relocating to Liverpool's waterfront arena and convention centre complex.
Move driven by expansion needs
UKREiiF was founded in Leeds and each year takes over the Royal Armouries and surrounding waterfront complex, serving as a British equivalent to MIPIM, the global property event held annually in Cannes. The announcement follows earlier speculation that the event would need to move to a city with more exhibition space and more hotels. Liverpool's venue complex hosted the Labour Party conference this week.
UKREiiF bosses paid tribute to Leeds, insisting the event would not be as big as it is without its Yorkshire roots. They said: "The decision to move to Liverpool aligns with UKREiiF’s strategic direction and continued growth, with the Liverpool Experience Campus offering room for the event to keep expanding and a wide choice of accommodation for delegates as UKREiiF enters its next chapter."
Leaders reflect on legacy
Nathan Spencer, co-founding director and managing director of UKREiiF, said: "This isn't a story about leaving Leeds; it's a story about celebrating everything that Leeds and West Yorkshire has helped UKREiiF become – without the region and the people within it the event wouldn’t have been as successful."
He added: "When we launched UKREiiF, we wanted to create an event that challenged convention and put collaboration, investment and opportunity at the heart of the UK's built environment. Leeds gave us the platform, the confidence and the partnership to do exactly that. That legacy will always belong to Leeds and West Yorkshire, and we’ll continue to be based here with the region holding such a brilliant talent pool that will help us continue our growth – both within the UK and overseas, which starts with our first event in Australia in 2027."
Matt Christie, co-founding director and director of external affairs at UKREiiF, said: "We’re enormously grateful to the whole West Yorkshire community and would like to thank them for their support in making UKREiiF into what it has become. I’d also like to look forward and mention our next host destination – Liverpool – which will take the reins from 2028. The proposition we’ve created alongside them is excellent and will keep the Festivalisation and vibe which makes UKREiiF what it is, and we look forward to showcasing what we’re set to bring to Liverpool over the coming months."
Local leaders respond
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: "We have loved having UKREiiF in Leeds, it was born here, and I hope it comes back home soon. We have proven that we are the best place in the UK to start and grow a business, and it has been great to welcome people from across the country to strike investment deals, while showing what our great city and region has to offer."
Cllr James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: "UKREiiF's presence in our city has been a resounding success story, delivering significant economic benefits of around £75 million for the economy and raising our profile on a national and international stage. We are immensely proud to have played a part in its remarkable growth, from a local startup founded here in Leeds to its current position as the largest property and investor conference in the UK."
He added: "Working alongside the UKREiiF team has been a true partnership and pleasure. Seeing the Royal Armouries transformed each May and welcoming thousands of delegates from across the UK and the world has been a privilege. It's great to see the conference staying in the North, and we look forward to working with other cities to continue to press the case for investment and growth across our regions."
Lewis noted that UKREiiF has helped prove the unique ability of conferencing in Leeds, with many more larger scale conferences committing to the city as a result. He said the council is excited to work with the Royal Armouries towards accelerating the vision for the next generation conference and exhibition centre, which will see a significant upgrade in capacity and visitor experience over the next few years.
