The closed-type conference gathered company partners and leading experts from various sectors to exchange experiences, foster innovation, and identify new business directions. Participants had the opportunity to hear an analysis of the latest trends and specific examples MPC Properties and their lessee’s practices, reputable companies in the local and global markets.
The conference was opened by Jonathan Doughty, an award-winning expert in the hospitality and entertainment industry with 45 years of experience managing restaurants, hotels, and global consulting. He brought contemporary trends in the hospitality and entertainment industry across Europe and the world closer to the participants and encouraged all conference attendees to think and engage in constructive discussion through his fantastic lecture.
Two panels addressed key topics:
Panel 1: “New Retail Experiences and Green Practices”
moderated by:
- Jovana Cvetković, Director of Development, Technical Operations, and Innovation, MPC Properties
Panelists:
- Vladimir Kraljičić, Fashion Company, COO
- Orsolya Emese Riesz, Amrest Group, Regional Property Management Manager, CE&SEE
- Marija Golubović, Energo Group Efficiency Engineering, CEO.
This panel addressed new trends and challenges in commercial real estate- the retail sector, their impact on existing business models, as well as innovations that will reshape the future of business.
Key themes and conclusions:
- Experiential retail: Physical retail spaces should provide a unique experience that cannot be replicated online, focusing on food and beverage segment, entertainment, leisure.
- Omnichannel retail: The boundaries between online and offline shopping are blurring, and companies are implementing omnichannel strategies, creating a authentic shopping experience.
- Integration of technology: Retailers are using technology to enhance the shopping experience and streamline operations.
- Environmental responsibility: Developers are implementing “green building” principles in new properties, and retailers are increasingly focusing on offering sustainable products and reducing their ecological footprint.
- Flexibility and agility: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for an human-centric approach, focusing on occupants’ well-being, health and safety, and spaceflexibility and agility in commercial real estate and retail.
- Placemaking: repurposing traditional retail formats to mixed-use developments.
Panel 2: “Evolution of Business Spaces: Trends and Transformations”
moderated by:
- Bojan Jevremović, Office Leasing Director, MPC Properties
Panelists:
- Milan Gospić, Country Manager, Microsoft Serbia
- Nebojša Ristin, CEO, Zühlke Engineering
- Milorad Krstikeski, Country Manager for Serbia and Montenegro, British American Tobacco.
This panel analyzed the organization of office spaces, hybrid work models, the impact of modern technology, and ESG strategies.
Key themes and conclusions:
- Office organization: Location, materials used for furnishing, and the buildings themselves play an increasingly significant role in attracting new employees.
- Hybrid work model: The hybrid work model is unlikely to disappear soon, and companies should consider how best to implement it to attract people back to the offices.
- Modern technological solutions: Technological advancement is a valuable tool for organizing workspace and hybrid work models.
- ESG strategy: ESG strategy is becoming increasingly important for companies, initially based on green building in the context of business buildings.
“MPC Echo” was a successful platform for sharing experiences and knowledge, and MPC Properties, as the organizer of the conference, announces its continued work on implementing and promoting innovative business practices.
