70th FIABCI World Real Estate Congress in Moscow

Jun 17, 2019 Latest News

From May 27th to 31st, Moscow welcomed the 70th FIABCI World Real Estate Congress, where industry professionals from all sectors gathered to focus on the "Digital Era of Real Estate". Between an exhibition, professional program, and several networking events, a true business atmosphere emanated from the complex selected to host the Congress - World Trade Center Moscow -, throughout the 5-day event.

On May 27th, the first day of the Congress, the leadership of FIABCI Chapters took part in a closed-door training session organized by the General Secretariat to deepen their knowledge on the Chapter management process (administration, development, communication and event management). The interactive session also allowed the leaders to introduce themselves and their vision to the future of the Chapters. Later that day, all delegates were invited to the Welcome Cocktail, the first occasion for them to network and get to know each other in a convivial atmosphere. As with other FIABCI Global Events, the World Congress is a time to renew friendships and business relationships, and to forge new ones. Events such as Welcome Cocktail, Business Networking Lunch, Delegates Reception, B4B Breakfast, and Farewell Dinner are an important part of accomplishing that goal.

May 28th and 29th proved to be the busiest days for the delegates. It started with a full house for the presentation of Sergey Shapiguzov, Managing Partner at FBK Grant Thornton on the Panorama of Russian Real Estate Market, as well as the Opening Ceremony, held in the Mercury Hall of the World Trade Center Moscow. Kalinka dancers surprised the guests and World President 2018-19 Assen Makedonov who was greeted with the traditional bread and salt, a symbol of prosperity and health in Russia. Last but not least, it was time for the keynote speech of world renowned Economist and CEO/Founder of Thought4Action Elena Panaritis on the "Digital Era of Real Estate".

Fast forward to the professional program of the Congress. There were presentations, panel discussions, and workshops for every taste, with a common denominator: "Digital Era of Real Estate". From blockchain to smart cities, PropTech to artificial intelligence, professionals from all backgrounds related to real estate looking to get their hands on the new and valued tools that technology brings to the table were able to learn from the industry’s finest on a variety of topics related to digital technologies.

28th FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards

A record of 35 projects were recognized with the "world's finest property achievement" in front of an audience of 400 professionals of the real estate industry at the FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards Gala Dinner that took place at the Golden Palace in Moscow on May 30th. The winners - some of the best property developments in the world - included 16 World Gold Awards and 19 World Silver Awards respectively from Taiwan, Malaysia, Hungary, Germany, Indonesia, Singapore, China, Russia, United Kingdom, and a first-timer, Austria. Assen Makedonov, FIABCI World President 2018–19, said in his speech that the winners are worthy of being ranked as world excellence by helping the world to become a better place to live, work and enjoy. More information on the winners here.

Presidential Installation

On the last day of the Congress, during the official Closing Ceremony, World President 2018-19 Assen Makedonov passed the torch to World President 2019-20 Walid Moussa. This moment was followed by a video of the incoming President's journey, including as Founding President of FIABCI Arabic Countries and President of the Real Estate Syndicate of Lebanom "REAL". Following tradition, official flags were transferred and the next edition of the Congress announced: the 71st FIABCI World Real Estate Congress will take place in Manila, Philippines.