Investor Summit
by invitation only
The GSL Investor Summit is an invitation-only event for leading global PBSA funders, investors, developers and operator C-Suite.
The Summit comprises a number of short presentations and themed round-table sessions held under Chatham House Rules.
Sessions are chaired by leading members of the investment community and are designed to allow participants to discuss issues and share knowledge in confidence.
Registration is now CLOSED – please email [email protected] for late entry requests.
Registration and Breakfast Networking
How Well are Operators Responding to the Evolving Expectations of Students in the UK PBSA Market?
Presenter:
Tim Daplyn, Chief Executive Officer, GSL
Moderator:
Robin Moorcroft, SVP Commercial, Yugo
Chairs:
Scott Lewis, Chief Operating Officer, Homes for Students
Joss Muirie, Chief Executive Officer & Founding Partner, Abodus
Alan Baird, Operations Director, Student Castle/ Capitol Students
Darren Gardner, Chief Operating Officer, Nido Living
Overview:
As UK PBSA operators face ongoing challenges around university clearance cycles, fluctuating occupancy rates, and evolving student expectations, it’s critical to assess whether current strategies are aligning with market demands. This session will explore the state of the UK student accommodation market, diving into occupancy trends, student behaviors, affordability, and how operators and investors can deliver the experience students want while maintaining profitability.
Discussion Points:
1. Occupancy Challenges and University Clearance
2. Student Preferences and Experience
3. Affordability vs. Profitability
4. Delivering Value for Students and Investors
5. Future of UK PBSA Operations
Networking Break
How Can Investors and Operators in Southern Europe’s PBSA Sector Navigate the Growing Demand, Operational Challenges, and Evolving Trends?
Moderator:
Richard Fisher, European Head of Portfolio Management, GSA
Chairs:
Christof Flöckner, Managing Director, Milestone
Matteo Milan, Managing Director – Real Estate Finance, Cain International
Carlo Matta, Chief Executive Officer, Nido Living
Ioannis Verdelis, Chief Investment Officer, Vita Group
Matteo Minardi, Head of Real Estate Italy & Managing Director, Ardian
Marc Sampietro, Head of European Living Operations, Hines
Josep Franch Bellmunt, Real Estate Private Equity Director – South of Europe, Rockfield Real Estate
Discussion Points:
1. Growing Demand for Student Housing
2. Attractive Investment Returns & Institutional Interest
3. Challenges in Operations and Scalability
4. Sustainability and Technological Innovation
5. Future Outlook: Consolidation and New Development Models
Networking Break
What Alternative Strategies and Funding Structures Are Emerging to Sustain Growth Amid Rising Costs and Market Challenges in the UK and Ireland’s PBSA Sector?
Moderator:
Seb Horst, Investment Director, Host.
Chairs:
Freddie Wonnacott, Director: Fund Management, M&G Real Estate
Russell Petrie, Head of Student – Europe, EQT Exeter
Charlie Oliver, Managing Director, Curlew Capital
Alex Pease, Chief Executive Officer, Watkin Jones Group,
Paddy Allen, Chief Executive Officer, Kinetic Capital
Zejian Yang, Head, Investment & Asset Management, Student Housing, UK & Europe, Mapletree
Discussion Points:
1. Shifting Appetite for UK PBSA Investment
2. Refurbishment Strategy and Affordable Rents
3. Exploring Alternative Strategies
4. Global Context: UK PBSA in the Eyes of International Investors
5. City Selection & Underwriting Strategy
6. Comparative Performance: Student Housing vs. Other Asset Classes
7. Navigating Rising Build Costs
8. Alternative Funding Structures Amidst Forward Funding Challenges
Lunch
What Are the Current Trends Shaping Global Student Accommodation as an Asset Class and Why Are Investors Embracing PBSA?
Moderator:
Aaron Bailey, Head of Real Estate Projects, GSA
Chairs:
Niamh O’Connor, Partner Summix Capital (UK & Ireland)
Veronica Jarvis, Vice President, Slate Asset Management (Canada)
Nicolaas Erasmus, Managing Partner, Newlyn Asset Management (South Africa)
Moritz Irmen, Principal, BentallGreenOak (DACH region)
Juan Manuel Acosta, Chief Investment Officer, Rockfield Real Estate (Iberia)
Andrea Patti, Head of Structured Real Estate Finance, EMEA, Mizuho (EMEA)
Jasper Gilbey, Head of Housing and Alternatives, Europe, Nuveen (Europe)
Pavlos Gennimatas, Managing Director – European Living, Hines (Europe)
Discussion Points:
1. Investment Appeal of PBSA
2. Demand Drivers for PBSA
3. Key Trends Impacting the PBSA Market
4. Challenges Facing PBSA Development
5. Opportunities in Emerging Markets
6. The Future of PBSA as an Asset Class
Networking Break
How Can the Student Accommodation Industry Best Support Women’s Career Development & Leadership Opportunities?
Moderator:
Suraiya Comunello, Chief Marketing Officer, Nido Living
Sorrel Basher, Head of Marketing & Communications, GSA
Chairs:
Niamh O’Connor, Partner, Summix Capital
Jan Capper, Executive Director, CUBO
Joanne Pollard, Chief Operating Officer, Empiric Student Property
Kim Nisbett, Head of Data and Insight, Unite Students
Irina Stamate-Rocha, Partner, Patron Capital
Sarah Ead, Head of Insight, GSL
Pavlina Chandras, Senior Director of Operations – Living Strategies Europe, EQT Exeter
Discussion Points:
1. Experiences and Challenges Faced by Women in the Industry
2. Opportunities for Career Growth and Leadership
3. Work Environment and Gender Inclusivity
4. Maternity Leave, Return to Work, and Support Systems
5. Personal Experiences, Challenges, and Strategies for Overcoming Obstacles in Career Advancement
Closing Networking Drinks
Black Tie Networking Dinner and Afterparty (ticketed separately)
Platinum sponsors
Gold sponsors
Silver sponsors
Hotel partner
