'Easy decision': UKREiiF conference to stay in Leeds until at least 2027, organisers announce
The huge UKREiiF real estate conference will remain in Leeds until at least 2027, organisers have confirmed.
The UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) was launched in 2022 and has been held in Leeds on an annual basis since then – bringing together thousands of investors, developers, occupiers, and representatives from local and national government at the Royal Armouries.
Analysis has suggested the event has been worth more than £60m to the local economy, with delegates travelling from across the country to stay in Leeds for the event each year.
Nathan Spencer, Managing Director at UKREiiF, said: “Leeds has been an exceptional home for UKREiiF, and the enthusiasm, growth, and collaboration we’ve experienced here made the decision to return in 2027 an easy one. The support we’ve received from Leeds City Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Allied London and The Royal Armouries has been instrumental in our success, creating the foundations for an event that grows in scale and impact each year.
"The city’s accommodation offer continues to strengthen too, with plans for two major new hotels set to add significant extra capacity to an already extensive range of rooms.
"In addition, the Leeds Hotels and Venues Association has partnered with the vast majority of hotels across the city and surrounding areas to provide enhanced rates and greater choice for attendees, ensuring the growing delegate base is well served as UKREiiF expands.
“We’re proud to continue driving investment and regeneration opportunities that benefit communities, not just in Leeds, but across the whole of the UK.”
The announcement has been hailed by local political leaders.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said; “As a region where opportunity lives, I am delighted West Yorkshire will once again host UKREiiF 2027 in the fabulous city of Leeds.
“With an economy outperforming the national average, we can build on previous years’ success and provide visiting business with the ‘go to’ destination for inward investment.”
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council said: “We are delighted to be able to continue to welcome UKREiiF back to Leeds for the next two years. Their presence in the city has been a resounding success story delivering significant economic benefits and raising our profile on a national and international stage.
“Beyond the impressive attendance figures, UKREiiF has made a substantial contribution to our local economy, generating an estimated £60 million for the city, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and changing the face of conferencing, positioning Leeds as a prime location for major conferences.
“We look forward to welcoming thousands more delegates from across the world back to the city in May 2026 and 2027 to showcase our ambitions and accomplishments across the region.”
Nat Edwards, Director General and Master of the Armouries, said: “We are so proud of the part the Royal Armouries has been able to play in helping UKREiiF grow from an inaugural event that attracted 4,000 people in 2022 to over 16,000 delegates in 2025. We’re well on with the preparations for 2026, and it is great news for the region that the event will be returning to the city in 2027.
“This decision is another vote of confidence in the Royal Armouries. Our development plans for the wider waterfront site will mean we’ll be able to substantially increase the capacity of the Royal Armouries to host bigger and better events like this in the future.”