More than 400 delegates gathered in central London for the ARL (Association for Rental Living Annual Build to Rent Conference and Awards 2024.

The even focused on elevating rental living – to government, policy makers, local authorities, consumers and across the wider BTR sector.

Diverse discussions encompassed three keynote speeches and six in-depth breakout sessions.

Simon Century, managing director, housing, private markets at Legal & General, kicked off the day by looking at elevating rental living.

UCL Professor of Real Estate Yolanda Barnes delivered the day’s second keynote presentation, examining residential rented investment criteria in the current environment.

The third keynote saw Rightmove’s Tim Bannister and HomeViews’ Hannah Marsh looking at the full BTR consumer journey, from research to residence.

Interspersing the keynote speeches were breakout sessions covering a rich variety of topics. Presentations and panel discussions covered data rooms, data engines, learnings from the US hospitality sector, the evolution of operational management, the cost of housing delivery and employee wellbeing. A further, interactive workshop saw delegates take part in an ‘elevating design challenge’, adding to the day’s other actionable and inspirational activities.

As is traditional at the sector’s annual event, the action-focused conference saw extensive networking take place, with delegates making the connections they need to underpin the elevation and future evolution of the BTR sector.

Throughout the conference, the winners of the ARL People Awards 2024 were revealed which saw three individuals honoured for their outstanding contribution to the BTR sector. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Lesley Roberts of Monogram Living for her work as an innovator, mentor, outstanding industry commentator and unstinting service and commitment to the ARL as Chair.

Chloe Factor of LGIM scooped the Rising Star Award for her move from consultancy to asset management. Overseeing a large portfolio of assets at a challenging time of inflation and disruption in the delivery supply chain, she is a great example to a growing sector.

And it was Ben Hall of LOFT who took home the Industry Shaper award, in recognition of his commitment to his values of helping the sector maximise value by providing interior design and furniture solutions that benefit people and the planet, working closely with the sector to influence and create change for over two decades.

Brendan Geraghty, CEO, ARL, said: “Delegates from across the rental living sector gained enormous value from their attendance. My thanks go to all our expert speakers, panellists and comperes, whose knowledge and skill contributed to such a packed and inspirational agenda.

“I would also like to offer congratulations on behalf of the ARL to the three worthy ARL award winners recognised at the event. With such an array of committed talent, the BTR sector is well placed to continue its elevation and evolution into 2025 and beyond.”