As is customary with social events, the attendees arrived in a staggered manner. After being greeted by the hosts and organisers, the stakeholders from all across the Property industry were ushered into the main room under the watchful eye of Grandmaster Manoel de Vilhena, his bust perched on top of the Baroque lintel of the doorway.
And so, the evening began. Conversations sparked to life in corners and adjacent corridors, punctuated by the timbre of laughter and the clinking of glasses that spoke of budding partnerships and camaraderie.
As the gentle buzz of the speaker system began to rise, the hum of the crowd softened to a whisper.
His Excellency Fabrizio Romano took the stage first, lauding the summit as a beacon of Italian-Maltese economic collaboration and a forum for international discourse within the property industry.
Ho il piacere di aprire questo evento di presentazione del MARE Summit 2024, iniziativa che si sta consolidando a Malta come testimonianza concreta e visibile della significativa interazione economica esistente tra Italia e Malta e del reciproco interesse ad approfondire tale interazione
I have the pleasure of opening this presentation event of MARE Summit 2024, an initiative that is consolidating in Malta as a concrete and visible testimony of the significant economic interaction existing between Italy and Malta and of the mutual interest in deepening this interaction.
H.E. Fabrizio Romano
The cooperation brings together Italy’s architectural innovation and Malta’s expertise in space-efficient development, fostering economic growth and investment opportunities. Aligned with European Union goals for sustainability and innovation in construction, the Italian-Maltese collaboration sets a model for environmentally conscious and culturally sensitive property development in the region.
He was followed by Hon. Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, who underscored the summit’s commitment to reformative conversations in building and construction, advocating for safety and quality, all of which will feature strongly in this year’s edition. In his address, he highlighted the significance of the MARE Summit as a platform for constructive dialogue in the property sector, bringing together experts and insiders to share ideas and improve the industry.
The time is ripe to grab the bull by the horns […] We cannot afford to rest on our laurels.
Hon. Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi
Malta has taken a significant step towards enhancing safety and quality in the construction sector with the enforcement of Legal Notice no. 166 of 2023. This new regulation, now in effect, mandates that all contractors engaged in demolition, excavation, and construction activities must obtain a license from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).
Malta’s property sector, a vital component of the national economy, is currently undergoing significant policy and regulatory reviews aimed at enhancing aesthetics and the urban landscape. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to meet the unique requirements of regions like Gozo and to elevate the overall standard of the construction industry.
Concluding the triad, Hon. Stanley Zammit MP elaborated on the significance of democratic scrutiny and continuous improvement, mirroring this year’s focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Each speech, a cornerstone, built upon the last, setting the tone and expectations for this year’s iteration of the National Property Summit.
The MARE Summit and other conventions are very important to keep the Government and the decision makers, including the Opposition, scrutinised […] This is the duty of all of us towards democracy and good governance.Hon. Stanley Zammit MP
In the wake of Zammit’s speech and the ensuing discussions among attendees, the value of platforms like this one in promoting meaningful dialogue has become evident. These conversations, pivotal for enhancing the property industry’s competitiveness, also emphasize the necessity to improve the quality of life. This dual focus showcases a strong commitment to not only economic development but also to the betterment of society. Such an approach is a testament to the summit’s commitment to fostering responsible and inclusive decision-making within the property sector.
The final speech was delivered by Ms. Beatriz Rodríguez Sanz from MARE Summit. She expressed deep gratitude for the engagement and presence of all attendees, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that embodies the Property industry. Beatriz also introduced new initiatives like MARE PRO, hinting at the developments and opportunities awaiting in the upcoming summit, and which will be revealed in due time through our social media channels, keeping the community engaged and anticipating.
It’s inspiring to witness such a diverse group of professionals from government representatives to industry innovators unite with a common goal.
Ms. Beatriz Rodríguez Sanz
The summit, scheduled for the 23rd and 24th of May 2024, is poised to be a cornerstone event for the sector. This is underscored by the engaging evening dialogue aimed at transforming the built environment. Add to calendar
With the conclusion of the speeches, the atmosphere in the room shifted, and the evening went back into the full chatty swing. Glass in hand, attendees mingled with renewed vigour. Conversations, now coloured with insights from the speeches, took on a livelier tone, rumours were fuelled about the potential international speakers, and the new speaking session formats.
The myriad applications of AI in Real Estate, construction, architecture, and urban planning were eagerly discussed, as envisioned by the attendees. Equally engaging were the debates about the EU’s recent move to revise the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, with professionals dissecting its implications for sustainable urban development and energy efficiency.
In one of the many conversing circles of attendees, someone made an offhand comment about the 18th-century fresco under which they were conversing, which segued into the topic of Maltese heritage conservation and the importance of aesthetics in urban environments.
As the discussions wound down, the evening drew to a close, some attendees opting for a French leave, while others engaged in heartfelt farewells, exchanging business cards and final thoughts with newfound connections. ‘Showing up is 80% of life’, as the adage goes, and tonight’s gathering was a testament to that. The remaining 20%, that’s where the magic unfolds: the collaborations formed, ideas sparked, and the anticipation built for the upcoming MARE Summit, where these initial connections will flourish into impactful ventures.
Updates and further information about the summit’s developments can be followed on the official blog and on its social media channels.
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We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of MARE Summit’s esteemed partners who play a key role in the success of this event.
Our gratitude goes to the Maltese Italian Chamber of Commerce, for their unwavering support and collaboration and for hosting the evening of the date reveal.
We also appreciate the significant contributions of the Malta Chamber of Construction Management, whose expertise has informed many of the topics we deal with at the summit.
Special thanks to Kamra tal-Periti for their continuing commitment to working with architects to elevate the quality standards of the discipline and enhance the built environment, a contribution that is vital to the advancement of our industry.
We are equally grateful to the Chamber of Engineers for their invaluable assistance in sourcing many insightful speakers and experts.
Our efforts are further bolstered by the knowledge and skills of the Malta Chamber of Geologists (MCG), who bring a unique and much needed perspective to our discussions.
The Gozo Business Chamber (GBC) is also a key player in our network, enriching our summit with their business acumen.
Last but not least, we are grateful to MIDA for their support and engagement in making this summit a landmark event.
Together, these partnerships embody the collaborative spirit that drives the MARE Summit towards new heights of success and innovation in the Property industry.