AFIRE members are invited to the Waldorf Astoria in Berlin, Germany, June 11-12, 2025 for the AFIRE 2025 European Conference Conference, AFIRE’s annual executive conference for real estate leaders and institutional investors from around the world.
This premier gathering convenes leading global institutional investors with a shared focus on commercial real estate investment in the United States. Set in the heart of Berlin at the iconic Waldorf Astoria, AFIRE 2025 European Conference offers an exclusive forum for dialogue, insight, and connection among senior decision-makers from around the world.
The program will feature deep dives into the macroeconomic and capital market forces shaping cross-border investment strategies, as well as critical discussions on the intersection of energy and real estate, evolving geopolitical dynamics, and sector-specific updates across the US commercial property landscape.
The AFIRE European Conference is held annually in June in a European city with a focus on the unique challenges of operating a global investment platform. Past locations have included London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and more.
WEDNESDAY JUNE 11
13:30-17:00
AFIRE PROJECT TOURS:
13:30–15:00: Das Center am Potsdamer Platz
A bus will depart from the Waldorf Hotel for a 15-minute ride to Potsdamer Platz, a mixed-use complex in the heart of Berlin. After touring the development, attendees will board the bus for the next tour stop at Upper West.
15:30–17:00: Upper West
Located directly across from the Waldorf, tour attendees will enjoy an exclusive look at the vacant top floors of Upper West and enjoy a brief cocktail reception before returning to the hotel for the official Welcome Reception and Keynote Dinner.
17:30-20:15
WELCOME RECEPTION & KEYNOTE DINNER: ALLIANCES, PARTNERSHIPS, AND RENEWED SECURITY
Kenneth R. Weinstein, Hudson Institute
Waldorf Astoria Berlin
20:30-23:00
AFIRE AFTER HOURS
Spreegold Bikini Berlin
Budapester Straße 50 Im Bikini
(Separate RSVP Required / View Invitation)
THURSDAY JUNE 12
08:00-09:00
NETWORKING BREAKFAST
09:00-09:15
MEETING BEGINS / WELCOME REMARKS
Gunnar Branson, AFIRE; Amy Price, BGO
09:15-10:00
OPENING KEYNOTE: THE NEXT CHAPTER FOR EUROPE
Christian Lindner, German Free Democratic Party; Dr. Matthias Danne, DekaBank Board of Management
10:00-10:30
MORNING BREAK
10:30-11:15
US PROPERTY MARKETS: TRENDS, RISKS, AND REGIONAL SHIFTS
11:15-12:00
TABLE DISCUSSIONS & REPORTS
12:00-13:30
LUNCH
13:30-14:15
CAPITAL DISCIPLINE: FINANCING STRATEGIES IN A SHIFTING LANDSCAPE
Dr. Holger Schmieding, Berenberg
14:15-15:00
CROSS-BORDER OUTLOOK: WHERE IS INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL GOING NEXT?
Amilcar Grot, Achmea Investment Management; Sonia Gonzalez Valverde, Shell Asset Management; Audrey Klein, Spencer House Partners; Mads Rude, Patrizia; Robert Wagenaar, Bouwinvest
15:00-15:30
AFTERNOON BREAK
15:30-16:15
ALLOCATION TO EXECUTION: HOW LPs ARE NAVIGATING THE NEW CYCLE
David Rückel, PIA Pontis
16:15-17:00
A NEW ERA FOR NUCLEAR POWER
Simon Treacy, PolarBlue
17:00-18:35
CLOSING RECEPTION
The AFIRE 2025 European Conference will be held at the Waldorf Astoria Berlin (Hardenbergstraße 28, 10623 Berlin, Germany), an elegant urban oasis in the heart of Berlin that provides an exclusive experience at Germany’s first Waldorf Astoria Spa and The Library, a cozy lounge on the 15th floor with epic views.
Book your rooms directly with the hotel by email (berlin.reservations@waldorfastoria.com) or phone (+49 (0) 30 814 000 2288). The AFIRE room rate is €335 per night, plus fees.
Reference AFIRE for booking.
