A glimpse of the future | Stimulus to plan | Reasons to be excited
Considering the bigger picture of the ‘workplace return’ decision

Simon Kuper
The International Thought Leader
Based in Paris, Simon has been writing for the Financial Times for some 20 years. His column is highly respected and read by tens of thousands of people around the world. He is best known for his analyses of modern/urban life, from the future of offices, to demographics and the impact of Covid and Brexit. His insights on modern/future living are peppered with humour and insightful anthropological observations. Simon will share his views on ‘The Future of Place’ by exploring the likely future of city centres, offices, neighbourhoods, mobility, shops, homes and gardens.

Prof Raffaella Folli
The Transformational Project
As Provost of the Ulster University campuses at Belfast and Jordanstown, Raffaella plays a key role in the development of the enhanced Belfast city campus and leads the links to local communities by promoting the vision of third level education as key to social development.

Dr Callie Persic
Custodians of Regeneration
Callie works in urban regeneration in Belfast City Council and is leading the Connectivity Programme and the new vision for the city centre. Working with stakeholders, she brings innovation and creativity to projects through collaborative working across sectors and communities to problem solve and find solutions to the challenges facing Belfast.

Vincent McIvor
The Growing SME
Vincent is MD of Amet Insurance, a specialist insurance underwriting agency. Founded in 2016, the business now employs 18 people and is based in Belfast City Centre. He is also the President of the Insurance Institute of NI which represents over 2,000 insurance professionals.

Raymond Millar
The Large Employer
Raymond is Head of Property and Procurement Services at Danske Bank and provides strategic and operational management of the Bank’s property portfolio. Raymond has over 30 years experience within the construction industry throughout GB & Ireland and has held Director roles at The McAvoy Group and Farrans.