The key theme of the Proptech Connect 2024 conference was the future of digitalization and automation in the real estate and construction industries, with a special focus on how technology is revolutionizing the operation of commercial properties. Speakers presented numerous innovative solutions that promise progress in sustainability, efficiency, and user experience.
A major highlight of the event was data ownership, which has become one of the industry’s most critical questions. One of the main panel discussions revolved around: “Who owns the data?” – a question increasingly shaping real estate decision-making. Hungarian market leaders also participated in the London event, including the IREMS leadership (Andreas and Eszter Kozma), Gábor Radványi from Futureal, and Marcell Mihályfi from Adventum.
Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) also took center stage, although some participants – particularly asset managers – felt that the AI hype is beginning to fade, with more emphasis now placed on data processing and tangible results.
Discussions highlighted how various automation solutions can drive cost reduction, particularly in an era of high interest rates and rising operating costs. Technology can optimize not only energy consumption but also tenant needs, helping asset managers better understand which spaces are actively used and how property operations can be made more efficient.
The digitalization panel at Proptech Connect 2024 was moderated by Zoltán Kalmár, founder of ProptechZoom. Industry experts shared their perspectives on technological innovation and its role in boosting the efficiency of the commercial real estate market. Panelists included Zuzanna Paciorkiewicz (Co-Head of Asset Services CEE at Cushman & Wakefield), Jonas Hafner (Head of Digital Transformation at REInvest Asset Management S.A.), Costas Koureas (Head of IT at MAPP), and Annie Marston (Product Director at RE:Sustain).
The central theme was how technology and automation can be effectively integrated into commercial property operations, and the resulting impact on asset management and user experience.
Zuzanna Paciorkiewicz emphasized that building automation improves efficiency, but only if the technology remains invisible to users. She pointed out that users often interrupt systems, so automation should never be intrusive but should support seamless operations.
Jonas Hafner highlighted the advantages of automation from an asset management perspective, noting that technology enables better decision-making in CapEx, strategic planning, and sales decisions. While such investments rarely pay off immediately, they improve long-term asset value and tenant retention.
Costas Koureas focused on the importance of IT systems, particularly in data structuring and system integration. According to him, technologies must not only be implemented but also properly managed to process and use data effectively.
Annie Marston stressed sustainability, arguing that automation and AI-based solutions must not only optimize energy consumption but also ensure user comfort and smooth system performance. She underlined that collecting data is not enough – it must be analyzed and translated into practical, usable solutions.
The main lesson from the panel was that technological development is not an end in itself but a means to increase real estate efficiency, enhance user experience, and promote sustainable operations.
Overall, Proptech Connect 2024 showcased numerous practical examples of how proptech tools can support real estate players in achieving greater efficiency and sustainability. The conference was not just about technological innovation but also about how these innovations can be applied in a human-centered way, tailored to tenant and user needs.
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