Geopolitics, infrastructure, transformation: The EXPO REAL conference program

International real estate markets are currently being shaped by geopolitical crises and the resulting uncertainty. Because of this, the EXPO REAL conference program will devote special attention to this topic when the trade fair takes place in Munich from October 5 to 7. Among others, Wolfgang Ischinger, the long-time Chairman of the Munich Security Conference, will provide guidance and strategic insights.

“The EXPO REAL conference program highlights the key challenges facing the real estate industry—from developments in Germany and international markets to concrete solutions and technological innovations. It provides a platform for professional exchange, diverse perspectives, and forward-looking debates, and offers the industry guidance in this challenging market environment,” says Claudia Boymanns, Exhibition Director of EXPO REAL.

The geopolitical situation in Germany, Europe, and the world

The participants can look forward to a varied program featuring more than 200 panels and over 650 speakers on all three days of the trade fair.
To kick off the conference program on October 5 at 11:00, a high-profile panel of international investors will take a critical look at Europe: Is the old continent still an attractive real estate market? Does Europe still meet the requirements, and in which areas is action needed? Answers will be provided by the likes of Martin Towns of M&G Real Estate Ltd., Michael Neal of Savills Investment, Brad Gries of LaSalle Investment Management, and David Green-Morgan of ANREV.

After this, the president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Prof. Dr. Moritz Schularick, will give an overview of major global economic developments starting at 12:20 and will analyze their impact on Germany. The discussion will cover both the strengths and weaknesses of the real estate market as well as necessary policy reforms.

Are geopolitical crises becoming the new normal? And, if they are, what does that mean for the economy and society? On the second day of the trade fair, Wolfgang Ischinger, the long-time Chairman of the Munich Security Conference, will examine the impact of global wars and conflicts, strategic rivalries among major powers, and shifting power dynamics on the markets. His presentation on “Geopolitical Risks: Security in Uncertain Times,” scheduled for 11:00 at the Investment Forum, will make it clear that stability can no longer be taken for granted—it must be actively fostered.

Infrastructure gets its own forum for the first time

This year, investable infrastructure will have its own platform at the trade fair for the first time—with its own forum, a comprehensive conference program, and an accompanying special show. “With the addition of investable infrastructure, EXPO REAL is consistently expanding its product portfolio: In addition to commercial and residential properties, this brings another long-term, stable investment segment into focus for investors. This also leads to increasing convergence within the ‘real assets’ asset class,” explains Boymanns.

Conferences, stages, and forums offer insights

In addition, eleven other forums, stages, and conferences will provide ample opportunity to discuss industry topics in depth and meet other market participants. Highlights include the Flexible Housing Forum, featuring a special exhibition on forward-looking housing concepts; the Grand Plaza Stage, serving as the central marketplace for retail in Hall B3; and the Transform & Beyond Forum, where the real estate industry’s future topics will be addressed.

Selection of further top events at EXPO REAL 2026:

• Asia Investment Conference, Parts 1 and 2
  Keynote by David Green-Morgan, ANREV
  Investment Forum and Conference, October 6, 2026, 14:00 to 17:00 | Hall B3, Room B21
  
  
• Housing as a key enabler of growth: Workforce demand, immigration, and regional shortages
  Keynote by Mathias Günther, Pestel Institute
  Flexible Housing Forum, October 5, 2026, 14:00 to 15:20 | Hall B3, Booth 420
  
  
• What will make our city centers attractive again in the future?
  Keynote by Andreas Kaapke, Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University
  Grand Plaza Stage, October 5, 2026, 11:00 to 11:50 | Hall B3, Booth 230
  
  
• Defense industry—an opportunity for the real estate sector?
  Discussion with State Secretary Nils Hilmer, Federal Ministry of Defense, et al.; Moderator: Thomas Beyerle
  InfrastructureNow, October 6, 2026, 11:00 to 11:50 | Hall A3, Stand 420
  
  
• Wars, crises, AI, and cards: Economic and capital market outlook
  Keynote by Gertrud Rosa Traud, Helaba, followed by a panel discussion
  EXPO REAL FORUM, October 7, 2026, 11:00 to 11:50 | Hall B3, Stand 530