This week, more than 10,000 executives and 250 firms from the sector are gathering at The District to discover new business opportunities, present investment projects, understand the macro trends driving capital today, and create synergies. However, news is being made both inside and outside the venue, from Fira Barcelona at Gran Via de l’Hospitalet de Llobregat.
The housing unions of Barcelona are disrupting the normal proceedings of The District, where they believe that „speculators and vulture funds are meeting, while social democracy uses housing as an electoral weapon, giving a free pass to the congress of those responsible for our misery.“ This has led to protests, with activists splashing paint and confronting attendees, resulting in moments of tension on both sides.
One individual who found themselves covered in paint is former Barça vice president of economics, Jordi Moix, who led the entity during the presidency of Josep Maria Bartomeu. Moix, who is now an Investment Manager at Talus Real Estate, was targeted by activists from the Housing Union.
The District is a summit that focuses on the development of capital market structures, the transformation of various assets such as Residential, Hotels, Offices, Retail, Industrial and Logistics, Healthcare, Senior Living & Student Living, Data Centers, and other alternative assets, as well as the added value of ESG criteria (Environmental, Social, and Governance). Despite this focus, tensions have been high due to confrontations with protesters.
„This is a war, a class war. A war against the rich, speculators, and the capitalist system that supports them. We have been met with threats, police charges, and attempts of aggression by the attendees of The District,“ stated the Housing Union. The Mossos (Catalan police) have been present to reinforce security, and there have been reported police charges that have been denounced by the unions on social media.
The District World Summit 2023, the largest European congress focused on all sources of capital, will take place within the summit. Over 380 international experts from globally renowned firms such as Blackstone, Angelo Gordon, TPG, Goldman Sachs, Frux Capital Investments, Blackrock, JP Morgan, Stoneshield, and King Street will analyze the current financial landscape, marked by high interest rates, inflation, and changes in consumer and work habits. Additionally, these experts will guide investors in their decisions for the upcoming real estate cycle, which begins this September.
In conclusion, The District serves as a platform for industry leaders to come together, discuss key issues, and shape the future of capital and investments. Despite the protests and disruptions, the summit remains a crucial event for networking, learning, and staying informed about the latest trends in the sector.