Programs

The Art of Uncertainty.
STRATEGIES TO FACE…
THE UNKNOWN!

THE LEARNING & THE NETWORKING EXPERIENCES / DAY 1 & 2

THE MEDITERRANEAN EXPERIENCE / EXTENDED PROGRAM / DAY 3

THE ISLAND EXPERIENCE / FOR SPOUSES ONLY

A fresh and unusual proposal especially created for the leading players of the property industry in Europe, with the participation of infrequent world-class speakers.

An event designed to meet, learn, share experiences and network in a different, distended, and friendly way in a unique place like Ibiza.

SQUARE is more think tank than conference, designed for the fast-changing world of real estate and built to address across the board issues.  Attendees are not an audience, they are contributors. All sessions at SQUARE devote at least 15 minutes to an open and lively debate/discussion between the floor and the stage.

And this year SQUARE will be more interactive than ever before, as you will discover when reading down below what we have prepared, especially on Day 2.

* All sessions will be in English (no simultaneous translation).

Download the 2025 SQUARE program.

THE LEARNING & THE NETWORKING EXPERIENCES

DAY 1 / Wednesday, June 4th

• A NEW GEOPOLITICAL ORDER? HOW IS TRUMPISM AFFECTING IT? WHICH ARE CHINA’S PLANS? DOES EUROPE HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY? WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND SAUDI ARABIA?
• CONSEQUENCES FOR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT?
• PLUS… A UNIQUE “BY-THE-SEA” SESSION: “MUSIC AS A TOOL FOR PROPERTY VALUE CREATION”
1.00 pm - 2.30 pm

Doors Open & Registration.
Welcome Lunch in the Gran Hotel’s gardens.

2.30 pm - 2.50 pm
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Struan Robertson
Chairman EMEA Real Estate, Gaming & Lodging
Bank of America Securities
Paris
Chantal Clavier
Partner and Head of RE
Heidrick & Struggles
London
Struan Robertson
Chantal Clavier
2.50 pm - 3.15 pm
Introduction to
“The Art of Integrating Artificial Intelligence”
Didn’t you get enough about going to conferences “just to hear” what AI can do? SQUARE, once again, will be different. At SQUARE, we’re moving past the buzz. It’s not about watching slides or listening to theories— it’s about experiencing AI in action.
At this year’s edition, thanks to the DeepSearch Labs proprietary technology, AI won’t just be a topic. It will be a real, visible, and interactive participant throughout the conference— challenging ideas and even helping define strategies. Welcome to the next level. Welcome to AI, the SQUARE way.
with
Murat Demiral
Board Advsior
DeepSearch Labs
London
Nick Turner
Managing Partner
Stratforma
London
Murat Demiral
Nick Turner
“The Art of Geopolitics: Chaos, Change and the New World Order”
3.15 pm - 3.55 pm
Opening Keynote.
“Geopolitics and business – What’s Next?”
The Trump presidency and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have shown how developments in world politics can upend markets and business strategies. But after a real war started by Putin and a trade war started by Trump – could peace be about to break out? And how can business navigate the uncertainty ahead?
Keynote Address by
Gideon Rachman
Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator
Financial Times
London
Gideon Rachman
“The View from China: Rise or Decline?”
The way China sees the world is critical to understanding its economic and geopolitical strategies. As Trump throws more uncertainty into trade and strategic relationships around the world, China’s response over the next few years will define whether or not it can become a regional or global hegemon.
China is of course feeling the heat of Trump’s tariffs. At the same time, China’s AI and technology companies are blooming. Is China in a weaker position than the U.S. or vice versa? Will China be able to overcome structural challenges and exogenous macro shocks? Are there still opportunities to develop business with China even in the midst of all these uncertainties and challenges?
by
Alice Han
Director of China
Greenmantle
London
Alice Han
3.55 pm - 4.45 pm
A Geopolitical Debate with:
Alice Han
Director of China
Greenmantle
London
Ayham Kamel
President, GCC
Edelman Government and Public Advisory
Dubai/Riyadh
Gideon Rachman
Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator
Financial Times
London
Curated by
Struan Robertson
Chairman EMEA Real Estate, Gaming & Lodging
Bank of America Securities
Paris
Ayham Kamel
This Geopolitical Session is kindly brought to you by “Marjalizo Corp”
4.45 pm - 5.15 pm
Coffee & Refreshments Break
5.15 pm - 6.15 pm
Fireside Chat: “The Art of Seeing the Future of Global Real Estate”
Two most internationally renowned industry leaders share their views on what’s keeping them up at night — and what gives them hope — as real estate moves into uncharted territory. An open, honest, and inspiring exchange to close Day 1.
with
François Trausch
CEO & CIO
PIMCO Prime Real Estate
Paris
Karim Habra
Senior Advisor
Paris
Curated by
Struan Robertson
Chairman EMEA Real Estate, Gaming & Lodging
Bank of America Securities
Paris
François Trausch
Karim Habra
6.15 pm
Closing Remarks – Day 1 takeaways
by
Chantal Clavier
Partner and Head of RE
Heidrick & Struggles
London
Struan Robertson
Chairman EMEA Real Estate, Gaming & Lodging
Bank of America Securities
Paris
7.00 pm
Buses departing to a special by-the-sea location for dinner and an immersive experience on ‘Music and Real Estate.’
7.45 pm - 8.45 pm
“The Art of Music: How Music Can Drive Real Estate Values”
This session will explore the strategic value of music as a transformative force in real estate—its role in placemaking, identity building, and long-term asset appreciation. From hotels to urban developments, from atmosphere to investment logic, music is becoming an essential layer of experience and differentiation.
Set in an exceptional seaside location, this immersive encounter will offer new perspectives on how music and creativity can shape property value in subtle, lasting ways.
A unique experience where space, sound, and real estate will collide. Not just another panel. Not just another venue.
with
Abel Matutes
President
Palladium Hotel Group
Ibiza
Sebastian Gamboa
CEO
Ibiza Songs
Ibiza
Conductor
Tono Gamiz
Innovation Officer
Merlin Properties
Barcelona
Abel Matutes
Sebastian Gamboa
Tono Gamiz
8.45 pm - 11.30 pm
Dinner at a by-the-sea location.

DAY 2 / Thursday, June 5th

• THE WORLD IS TURNING!! WILL YOU TURN WITH IT??
• MAGA VS MEGA (FROM A PROPERTY STANDPOINT) : A MOST TIMELY OXFORD-STYLE DEBATE
• AGEING: SHAPING REAL ESTATE STRATEGIES
• SOURCES OF CAPITAL FOR (TROUBLED?) EUROPE
• POLICIES TO MAKE EUROPE GREAT AGAIN (PROPERTY-WISE)
• STRATEGIES FOR THRIVING IN UNKNOWN TIMES
9.30 am - 10.30 am
“The Art of Predicting the Future: Will Trump Change the World?”
“Hallelujah
The world is turning. Will you ?
by
Howard Saunders
Futurist
22nd & 5th
London
Introduced by:
Chantal Clavier
Partner and Head of RE
Heidrick & Struggles
London
Howard Saunders
10.30 am - 10.45 am
Break
10.45 am - 11.45 am
“The Art of Debate: MEGA vs MAGA in European Real Estate”
“Over time we will become less prosperous, less equal, less secure, less free to choose our destiny”: in 2024, the Draghi report on the future of European competitiveness has painted a gloomy picture of where we in Europe are headed if we don’t change now. It has created a sense of urgency that, respectively, the new U.S. administration has felt for their economy too. Whereas the European Commission has adopted parts of the Draghi wake-up call in their work programme, the Trump administration is implementing much faster and bolder measures to change course.
In this year’s SQUARE Oxford-style debate, two high-calibre senior professionals from Brussels and London will argue about the best way forward, which will inevitably also define the future of the real estate industry in Europe.
And you are invited to voice your opinion and vote !
with
Dominic Smith
Senior Director, UK Head of Research
CBRE IM
London
Michael MacBrien
Founding Partner
MacBrien Cuper Isnard European Affairs
Brussels
Conducted by
Alex Gebauer
Senior Partner
Palm Capital
Munich
Dominic Smith
Michael MacBrien
Alex Gebauer
11.45 am - 12.15 pm
Coffee & Refreshments Break
12.15 pm - 12.45 pm
“The Art of Demographics: Why It Matters for Real Estate”
The way we interact with the built environment will change as demographic profiles evolve, mainly due to ageing and migrations. In this session, it will thoroughly be examined: 1) Why do demographics matter? 2) The impact of demographics on inflation, growth, and national debt. 3) How will ageing demographics change the real estate landscape? And 4) The demographic challenge and implications for real estate investment: risks and opportunities.
by
Simon Durkin
Global Head of RE Research
BlackRock
London
Introduced by
Chantal Clavier
Partner and Head of RE
Heidrick & Struggles
London
Simon Durkin
12.45 pm - 1.00 pm
Break
1.00 pm - 2.00 pm
“The Art of Raising Capital for European Real Estate”
Although some believe that political chaos in the US might benefit Europe, there seems to be a general sense that the foot is currently off the risk pedal—at least until Trump & Co. have left the Oval Office. Do you expect this to radically reshape investors’ appetite for risk or for certain strategies over the next four years?   With limited appetite for new IPOs, are we likely to see the same pipeline of activity in building new platforms as we’ve seen in the past? How is the fundraising environment evolving? Given that so many firms are now pursuing similar strategies in residential and industrial sectors, what do you believe founders and CEOs need to do to differentiate themselves?
with
James Jacobs
Managing Director
Lazard
London
Mike Bessell
Global Investment Strategist
Invesco
London
Alister Moreno
CEO
Clikalia
Madrid
Conducted by
Andrew Teacher
Founding Partner
Lauder Teacher
London
James Jacobs
Mike Bessell
Alister Moreno
Andrew Teacher
2.15 pm - 4.00 pm
Networking Lunch Buffet in the garden
4.00 pm - 5.30 pm
“The Art of Policy Making: Man vs Machine in European Competitiveness”
Compete with your colleagues’ intelligence (Real and Artificial) to create a European real estate sector able to win capital and tenants in an ever-increasingly competitive global market.
with
Nick Turner
Managing Partner
Stratforma
London
Maryam Torshizi
Founding Director
DeepSearch Labs
London
Murat Demiral
Board Advsior
DeepSearch Labs
London
Nick Turner
Maryam Torshizi
Murat Demiral
5.30 pm - 6.00 pm
Coffee & Refreshments Break
6.00 pm - 7.00 pm
Closing Session:
“The Art of Managing Uncertainty: Advice from the Council of the Wise”
The final session will bring bold ideas and practical responses to the uncertainties ahead. Leaders from top firms share how they’re reshaping their strategies to stay resilient — and, more importantly, seize new opportunities.
with
Thomas Mueller-Borja
Global Co-Head RE
BlackRock
London
Randy Giraldo
Senior Managing Director, Head of Europe
Nuveen
London
Curated by
Struan Robertson
Chairman EMEA Real Estate, Gaming & Lodging
Bank of America Securities
Paris
Thomas Mueller-Borja
Randy Giraldo
7.00 pm - 7.15 pm
What Did We Learn?
Key Takeaways from Two Days of Figuring Out The Unknown
by
Chantal Clavier
Partner and Head of RE
Heidrick & Struggles
London
Struan Robertson
Chairman EMEA Real Estate, Gaming & Lodging
Bank of America Securities
Paris
Chantal Clavier
Struan Robertson
7.15 pm
End of Learning Program
& Happy Networking Hour
9.00 pm
Cocktail & Farewell Dinner
As the perfect ending to two days of inspiration and exchange, join us for a Cocktail & Farewell Dinner in a charming restaurant in Marina Ibiza, a unique space by the sea and under the stars. An uncommon and unforgettable collegial experience of enjoying Ibiza while developing business friendships.

THE NETWORKING EXPERIENCE

DAY 3 / Friday, June 6th

Extended Program

For those willing to extend their networking (and fun time!!) with peers, on our last day we always organize a fabulous luncheon at one of the hottest “chiringuito” (Spanish word for a restaurant “very much on” the beach) on the neighboring island of Formentera (30 minutes away on a motorboat ride).

11.00 am: Assemble at the Gran Hotel’s lobby.
12.00 pm: Yachts departing from the marina towards Formentera

1.30 pm: Lunch at one of the famous “chiringuitos” at “Illetes Beach”.

5.00 pm: Yachts depart from Formentera.
5.45 pm: Yachts arrive at Ibiza’s marina

THE ISLAND EXPERIENCE

ALL DAYS

For spouses only

For those willing to travel to a place as appealing as Ibiza with their “better half,” SQUARE will offer a special program to experience different aspects of the island—ranging from lunch at an exclusive beach club to shopping at the Dalias Hippie Market in San Carlos, or from visiting the charming village of Santa Gertrudis to exploring the shops in Ibiza’s Old Town.