What is Proptech Connect?
Proptech is the term which refers to the use of technology to improve processes and create new platforms for businesses and consumers within real estate. The PropTech Connect 2024 event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries to explore the trends shaping the future of the built environment. This year’s event placed a spotlight on key themes such as sustainability, innovation, and—perhaps most significantly—talent, underscoring the human element driving change in the industry.
Key Themes
One of the major highlights of the event was the genuine enthusiasm for innovation. Attendees were captivated by the scale-up and start-up pitches, which showcased the new technologies and creative solutions poised to transform the property sector. This spirit of openness to fresh ideas set a dynamic tone throughout the two days, emphasising how innovation is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in PropTech. What was really exciting to see was a real focus ultimately on service design, raising the ability for tenants and housing associations to work better together be it through online appointments for reparations through to monitoring oxygen levels. Likewise there was also a thread around interoperability – for example, the importance of sharing property monitoring data between housing and social care teams to focus on preventative measures to protect a person’s health before conditions escalate.
Sustainability was another key focus, with numerous discussions addressing how the built environment can—and must—play a critical role in achieving a more sustainable future. From new construction methods to energy-efficient technologies, the event made it clear that the future of property development is intrinsically linked to environmental responsibility. For example, bringing new technologies to retrofit older buildings is as critical as developing technology for new buildings to achieve a low-carbon, energy-efficient and greener economy for generations to come.
Talent: The Workforce Driving Innovation
While innovation and sustainability took centre stage, it was the discussions around talent that truly stood out for me. I was proud to support and present at a series of workshops, expertly curated by Jo Tasker, focused on the evolving nature of the workforce within the built environment. The conversations acknowledged that as the industry transforms, it is ultimately people—their skills, perspectives, and adaptability—that will drive progress.
The workshops explored the challenges and opportunities of recruitment in today’s rapidly changing world. One of the most pressing issues being the need to attract, retain, and nurture talent across multiple generations, each bringing its own strengths and expectations to the workplace. Additionally, the importance of creating strategies that embrace neurodiversity is a critical step toward building a more inclusive, innovative, and productive workforce.
By fostering the right recruitment strategies and ensuring that work environments are adaptable to diverse needs, companies can unlock the full potential of their teams. PropTech Connect 2024 reinforced that the future of the built environment will not only be defined by the technology we develop but by the people who make it happen.
We’re excited to continue the conversation. As a follow-up from the series an e-book summarising key insights & top tips, particularly around how to cultivate a future-proof workforce will be released soon. If you’d like a copy, please let us know!
The challenges and opportunities surrounding talent are vast, but with the right strategies, the industry is well-positioned to build a workforce capable of shaping the future. We look forward to seeing how these discussions and innovations shape the future of PropTech in the coming months and year.
We are helping to shape the future of the Digital, Data & Technology sector and the Housing sector by recruiting leaders that make a positive impact to society. If you are looking for your next exciting executive role in Housing be it commercial or digital, our search team here at GatenbySanderson would be thrilled to hear from you.
Please contact: GSLHousingInfastructureTransport@gatenbysanderson.com