In the world of regeneration and development, conferences have become a key part of how deals are done, policies shaped, and partnerships formed. But the structure of these events can create a divide between those on the official agenda and those gathering just outside it.
We’re a business that consciously chooses to do both. We invest in attending the formal programmes, joining debates, and supporting major events. We also take part in the fringe: the side events, business gatherings, and relationship-building that happen beyond the conference walls.
And here’s what’s clear: the quality of ideas, expertise and insight doesn’t sit on one side of a fence. It’s spread across both.
The fringe of these conferences is full of technically skilled businesses with years of experience in delivering regeneration day to day. Consultancies, design practices and engineers who aren’t peripheral players but central to making regeneration real. Many don’t always see the value in paying to get “inside” the event, especially if their work or challenges aren’t reflected in the formal programme.
That’s where Downtown in Business make a real impact. Their events, at MIPIM, UKREiiF and beyond, consistently bring together business leaders, political figures and delivery specialists in a more agile, conversational format. There’s no pretence, just genuine discussion. And crucially, they bridge the gap between business and politics in a way many formal conferences struggle to do.
It’s a big reason why we’re renewing our sponsorship with Downtown for MIPIM and UKREiiF in 2026, because we see the need for better integration.
Large conferences often favour major consultancies, institutional investors and headline speakers. Those voices matter, but regeneration isn’t just shaped by those with the budget to take the stage. We also need the insights of people with local presence, deep delivery knowledge, an understanding of the challenges of running a business, and a long-term commitment to place.
That’s what makes the fringe so valuable, and why the two should interact more intentionally.
Here’s what could create more impact:
- Formal programmes that collaborate with curated fringe networks, not compete with them
- Public-private crossover spaces where political leaders engage with SMEs, delivery teams and regional talent, not just major sponsors
- Session formats that focus less on top-down messaging and more on cross-sector working
Conferences can be powerful catalysts, but only if they reflect the full ecosystem of regeneration.
At our business, we see the value in both spaces, and we know how much richer the conversation becomes when there’s more effort to bring them together.
The future of regeneration depends on collaboration. That starts with rethinking how and where those conversations happen. Let’s stop drawing a line between “inside” and “outside.” Because when you straddle both, you can see the best insights often happen at the edges.
Frank Mckenna Frank McKenna Group Chair and CEO at Downtown in Business commented:
“Steven A Hunt & Associates have been a long-standing and valued partner of Downtown in Business. Their insight, expertise, and commitment to regeneration bring real depth to the conversations we convene. We’re delighted to continue our work together at MIPIM and UKREiiF, and we look forward to building on that partnership in the years ahead.”
