More than 450 property professionals gathered at London’s Shaw Theatre yesterday for the fourth consecutive sell-out event hosted by Women in Estate Agency (WiEA).
The flagship gathering, officially titled “Not a Conference” for the first time, brought together estate agents and property professionals from across the UK for a day focused on leadership, personal stories and industry collaboration.
WiEA said the event reflects the rapid growth of its community, which now connects around 5,000 members through its online network and industry initiatives.
The programme featured speakers from across the property and business worlds, including Hamptons managing director Mary Beeton, A Conveyancing founder Natalie Moore and lettings specialist Hannah McCartan. Business founders Maxine and Darcy Laceby of Absolute Collagen also headlined the event, sharing their experience of building a multi-million-pound brand.
NOT A CONFERENCE
Opening the event, WiEA Chair Verona Frankish reflected on the organisation’s growth and its aims within the industry.
“We didn’t set out to create another industry event,” she told the audience. “We set out to create a space where people could be honest about the reality of their careers and ambition, the wins and the wobbles, and where everyone could see what might be possible for them. Today is not just a moment, it is a movement. And it is most definitely not a conference.”
COMMUNITY MATTERS
Rightmove, the headline partner for the event, also took to the stage to discuss the role of community within the property sector.
Colleen Babcock, head of partner marketing and property expert at Rightmove, highlighted the commercial power of community building for businesses and the importance of creating stronger relationships with customers.
The event also featured contributions from elite rugby referee Sara Cox MBE and a keynote address from Monica Collings OBE, who spoke about resilience and leadership under pressure.
NEW INITIATIVES
Alongside the speaker programme, WiEA used the event to outline new initiatives including the relaunch of its Charter programme as the WiEA Partnership Programme, designed to support organisations and individuals committed to improving equality within the property industry.
The organisation also announced new leadership roadshow training dates and a collaboration with Agents Together for the “Walk for Sarah” fundraising event on 12 September in support of Breast Cancer Now, honouring founding board member Sarah Edmundson.
During the event, WiEA introduced the inaugural Spirit of Sarah Award, recognising individuals who demonstrate Edmundson’s commitment to supporting others in the industry. The first recipient was Emma Redley of Smart Compliance.
SHOWING UP FOR EACH OTHER
Closing the event, WiEA vice chair Kirsty Franks thanked attendees and acknowledged the volunteers who support the organisation.
“We wanted to put on a show,” she said. “And you absolutely brought it. The energy in that room was extraordinary. But none of this happens without the Board and our Champions who live and breathe this community every single day on a voluntary basis.”
She added: “WiEA exists because people care enough to show up for each other. That is what makes this powerful, and that is what will continue to move our industry forward.”
The event concluded with an after-show gathering sponsored by The Depositary, bringing together attendees for further networking following the day’s programme.
