Lobby groups employing novel strategies to draw young talent

The European chapter of SIOR, the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors, is using a novel approach to attract young professionals as members. The US-headquartered organisation annually invites students from all disciplines across the UK and the Continent to take part in a competition ahead of its global conference.

All they need to do is put together a one-minute video explaining why they should be there, explained Matthew Leguan de Lecroix, head of Business Development EMEA, during a recent panel on setting the priorities for young leaders and the future of real estate.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to get to know the real estate industry and meet thousands of real estate professionals at our global conference,” he said. SIOR is also booking progress with its mentor programme, he added. “The median age of our members is 53, but we’ve seen a 24% increase in those aged under 34. And the number of our designee members has jumped 60% year-on-year.”

KERN, the knowledge and network organisation for central areas and placemaking formerly known as the Dutch council of shopping centres, is likewise bent on fostering its young members, according to director Herman Kok.

“The new gen members are one of the pillars of our association – our senior members expect they be given our support through education, mentorship, exchange of ideas and interaction with senior members. When we’re talking about the future of marketplaces, inner-city and other catchment areas, generations Y and Z are crucial for the success of these places. We’re also keen to encourage reverse education – enabling the older members to learn from what the new gen wants to get out of these places.”