Showing Up Matters: Why Events Still Count in the Property Industry
In an increasingly digital world, where webinars replace workshops and LinkedIn likes substitute for real applause, it’s tempting to question the value of industry events.
But as Kristjan Byfield and An Deckers reflect in the latest episode of The Viking Chats, being physically present at events like the Kerfuffle Conference and the Agents Giving Ball still holds serious value, for your business, your brand, your people, and your partnerships.
And that applies whether you’re a letting agent, property manager, operations director, or PropTech supplier.
Connection Over Clutter
In the thick of day-to-day lettings, it’s easy to lose perspective. Industry events cut through the noise. They remind us what we’re working towards, who we’re working with, and why it all matters.
Kristjan and An speak candidly about the importance of getting outside your bubble, hearing from peers, meeting suppliers in person, and stepping back from the daily grind to see the bigger picture.
In a sector as fast-evolving as lettings, staying relevant means staying connected.
Events That Actually Add Value
The right event isn’t just about free fizz and panel discussions. It’s about:
Building authentic relationships across the industry
Learning from the front lines, not just the stage
Sharing stories of challenge and innovation
Celebrating each other’s wins, big or small
The Kerfuffle Conference proved that agents and suppliers can meet on equal ground when mutual respect and shared outcomes lead the way. Meanwhile, the Agents Giving Ball showed that community, compassion and celebration are still essential ingredients in our industry’s culture.
What the Best Leaders Are Doing
Kristjan and An have built Base Property Specialists and The Depositary on a foundation of people-first culture, tech-led processes, and community-driven growth.
This episode highlights how showing up at events isn’t a vanity metric—it’s a business strategy. It’s about visibility, credibility, and influence. And it’s something the most forward-thinking leaders across lettings and property management are prioritising.
Events aren’t just for the sales team or social media. They’re touchpoints of inspiration and strategy for senior managers, ops leads and decision makers looking to:
Forge better supplier relationships
Discover emerging solutions before the competition
Motivate their teams with new perspectives
Reignite their own drive and purpose
Burnout, Belonging & the Business Case for Culture
The episode also dives into a topic rarely addressed on industry stages: burnout. An opens up about the emotional load of running a business and managing tech growth. Kristjan reflects on the mental strain of staying “on” in a public-facing role.
Their takeaway? Events that blend insight, empathy and community aren’t just nice extras. They’re vital support structures for the people driving this sector forward.
The Takeaway for Lettings Professionals
If you’re in lettings, BTR, or residential property management, and you care about growing your impact, these are the key questions to ask:
Are you showing up where your peers and partners are?
Are you giving your team exposure to the wider ecosystem?
Are you learning from those outside your own brand and bubble?
Because in a landscape of shifting compliance, AI disruption, and operational pressure, community and culture are your unfair advantage.
At The Depositary, we’re proud to build with collaboration in mind. But we know that the strongest tech is only as impactful as the relationships and understanding behind it.
So yes, the platform matters. But so does the room you’re in.
