Industry Sessions
Please see below for a list of our industry sessions taking place on Wednesday and Thursday of the festival. These sessions will all take place on the Innovation Stage at the times listed below. We advise that you register to attend these sessions in the registration portal or on the festival app.
Insurance considerations for the housing sector
Wednesday 4th: 1.00pm - 1.20pm
Insurance Considerations for the Housing Sector" explores the critical role of insurance in safeguarding assets and managing risks within the housing market. This discussion covers key areas such as risk assessment and adapting to regulatory changes including provision of housing whilst adopting sustainable building solutions.
Attendees will gain insights into managing insurance needs to protect against liabilities, property damage, and unforeseen events such as the rise of natural weather events. For Approved Housing Bodies, understanding these considerations is important for informed decision-making and achieving long-term success in the housing sector.
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Space to Belong
Wednesday 4th: 1.30 – 1.50
The growing demand for transitional housing is becoming one of the most pressing challenges for local councils across the Europe and the UK. With rising costs and limited availability, finding solutions that are both affordable and fit for purpose is more important than ever. In this session, we’ll explore how Portakabin is helping to address this issue with high-quality, rapidly deployable modular accomadation. These innovative solutions provide a dignified and practical steppingstone for individuals and families while they await permanent accommodation. Join us to learn how modular housing can play a key role in tackling this urgent housing need.
Breakfast Networking Session – Hosted by BHP Insurance
Thursday 5th: 8.00am - 8.45am
It’s all about connections and conversations at our BHP Insurance: Breakfast Networking Session. In our 45 minutes session, we’ll have a welcome speech by Martina Westphal, Managing Director, BHP Insurance and we’ll showcase & celebrate the inspiring work of our social housing clients, followed by breakfast while mingling with the fellow attendees.
About BHP Insurance:
We are a specialist Commercial Insurance brokerage who genuinely cares about protecting businesses and putting our customers first.
For more than 20 years, our team has been providing customers with insurance and risk management solutions for a wide range of insurance products.
We specialise in providing Insurance Schemes and products to the Charity and Not for Profit sectors by offering a complete range of insurance and risk solutions to our diverse client base that includes Community groups, Charities, Social Housing groups, Sporting organisations, Healthcare providers and Religious groups.
Our highly experienced team, which is led by Managing Director Martina Westphal, has over 200 years combined experience in the Insurance Industry and are the best in class for providing personable, specialist expertise, guidance and support.
AXA EssentiALL: how inclusive insurance can help bridge the protection gaps for the greatest number of people
Thursday 5th: 1.00pm - 1.30pm
In Europe, a growing number of households are facing increasing financial vulnerabilities due to the rising cost of living, forcing them to arbitrage their budget and expenditure more frequently. Insurance and financial protection are increasingly part of these arbitrations, and if not managed carefully, they can jeopardize households' financial resilience and well-being. In the UK, one in five adults are reducing their insurance coverage to save money or because they cannot afford it. In France, a country where home insurance is mandatory for tenants, it is estimated that up to one in ten social housing tenants lack home insurance.
A growing quarter of people in Europe are either un(der) or ill-insured and do not have equal access to insurance products and services, or if they do, it is not always fitted to their needs.
This session will explore solutions to offer more affordable and accessible insurance products and services for low to middle-income customers, including in the social housing space.
AXA EssentiALL is AXA's inclusive insurance business unit whose mission is to ensure underserved customers around the world gain access to protection for their families, businesses and communities.
Community 3.0: Placemaking in the Age of AI
Thursday 5th: 1.50pm - 2.10pm
Step into the future of community development through real-world case studies from Peabody Trust and Aster Group. See how AI-powered neighbourhood concierges and automated engagement tools are breaking down barriers to participation while preserving the human touch that communities need.
This session reveals practical approaches to implementing intelligent digital services that both delight residents and address pressing operational challenges—from multilingual support to personalised content creation. Join us to explore how the strategic application of AI is redefining what inclusive, responsive community spaces can be, and leave with actionable insights to bring Community 3.0 to life in your organisation today.
Social and affordable housing in Europe - Tuath Housing: A Case Study from Ireland - Sponsored by Tuath Housing
Thursday 5th: 10.40 – 11.00
Thank you to all of our Partners
