Hannover (13.04.2023). Bold, controversial, up close: True to its own motto, the Real Estate Arena presents a multifaceted conference program at its second edition in May, addressing the relevant topics of the real estate industry. From climate crisis to interest rate turnaround, ESG regulation to inner city development and the concept of green shrinkage. "The real estate industry is facing huge challenges. Our conference program will contribute to the necessary positioning in turbulent times. We want to open new horizons, build a stage for discussions, innovations and solutions for the future," said Hartwig von Saß, project manager at Deutsche Messe in Hanover.

In addition to the expected 250 exhibiting companies, the conference forms the main focus of the Real Estate Arena in terms of content and focuses on six highly topical issues of the real estate industry: climate change and the resulting ESG criteria, portfolio development, neighborhood and residential construction, shortage - What to do when there is too little of everything? In addition, the digitalization of the real estate industry and, under the heading "What's next?", innovations in the industry. The conference program will feature keynotes, panel discussions and workshops on several stages. The "Arena Stage," the "Surprise" Stage, "Designing the Future" by Drees & Sommer and the Innovation Stage by housing developer meravis. There will be discussions at the extra-long kitchen table of the Nordlounge as well as at the ressource:architektur booth.

After the opening on May 24, Sven Plöger will illuminate climate change and its consequences from the perspective of a meteorologist in his keynote address. Where do we actually stand from a scientific perspective and what can we still do? Dr. Paul Kowitz, political advisor for the real estate industry, will describe how the EU and the German government are responding and what regulations the industry is facing with regard to ESG. How viable strategies can look in this area of tension will be worked out in a workshop under the guidance of innovation researcher Prof. Gunnar Spellmeyer. The company Engie has taken on the sponsorship for this complex of topics.

The topics of climate protection and sustainability always go hand in hand with the question of existing buildings and the use of existing resources. Susanne Wartzeck, President of the Association of German Architects (BDA), will talk about a new culture of maintenance and repair. Portfolio development as an important part of the solution to the housing shortage will be the subject of a presentation by GdW President Axel Gedaschko entitled "Bestand - Das neue Neu."

In her article, taz economics correspondent Ulrike Herrmann sheds light on the "opportunities in scarcity" and explains her thoughts on "green shrinking". She is the author of the book "The End of Capitalism. Why growth and climate protection are incompatible - and how we will live in the future" and a popular guest on various TV formats.

Matthias Hartmann, CEO of Techem, will address the untapped potential of building data in his presentation and develop images of the digital future. Sarah Schlesinger from blackprint and Prof. Verena Rock from gif will explain the opportunities that lie dormant for established companies in collaboration with PropTechs. The following panel discussion will focus on the most exciting digital innovations of the moment: "ChatGPT and Midjourney: Can AI revolutionize the real estate industry? Real estate expert Miriam Beul will moderate.

Another highlight in terms of digitalization of the real estate industry and innovation is the keynote by Prof. Mirko Becker (Faculty of Architecture, Leibniz University of Hanover), who will speak about the digitalization of construction production - keyword "Zoo of Robots" - and the associated opportunities under the heading "Automated Architecture".

The talk "Investments for the Future" with Aygül Özkan (ZIA - Zentraler Immobilien Ausschuss), Iris Schöberl (CT Real Estate Partners), Susanne Klaußner (DIR - Deutsche Investment Retail) and Sonja Knorr (Scope Fund Analysis) also looks ahead. And architect Annabelle von Reutern from Concular will discuss circular building on the topic of "Concrete: It depends on what you make of it".

The Real Estate Arena is Germany's new real estate trade fair and will be held for the second time in Hanover on May 24 and 25, 2023. It focuses on the medium-sized real estate industry and the B and C cities and their topics. It brings together all stakeholders in the real estate value chain and aims to facilitate new business options as a solution-oriented networking platform. The organizers are Deutsche Messe AG and Real Estate Events GmbH.