Annual Conference Milan 2025

BCO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025 | PLENARY SESSIONS

Plenary 1 –  ‘Welcome to Milan’

Wednesday 28 May | 14:15 – 15:00

Speaker: Carlo Alberto Carnevale – Maffé, Associate Professor of Practice of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at SDA Bocconi School of Management

Milan is the financial centre hub and economic powerhouse of Italy, but also the centre of design and fashion. It is a vibrant city that has seen huge reinvention and development, which has been done sensitively hand-in-hand with sustainability at its core.

To ground the conference in Milan and provide orientation to delegates, proud Milanese and Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at the highly regarded Bocconi School of Management will provide a historical overview of the modern city and summarise how Milan has managed a transformational regeneration in modern times.

Plenary 2 – ‘Delivering Milan’

Wednesday 28 May | 15:30 - 16:30

• Chris Brett, Managing Director, Capital Markets, EMEA, CBRE
• Manfredi Catella, Founder and CEO, COIMA

A unique one to one interview between two leading figures of the Milan property scene – Chris Brett, Head of Capital Markets (Europe) CBRE and Manfredi Catella, Founder and CEO of COIMA.

COIMA is a leading group for the investment, development and management of property assets on behalf of international and Italian institutional investors. Active in the Italian real estate sector since 1974, among its most important projects, the group has developed and still manages the Porta Nuova neighbourhood, one of the most prestigious urban regeneration plans in Europe, first in the world to achieve both the LEED for Cities and Communities and WELL Community sustainability certifications.

During the conference, technical tours are offered to Porta Nuova and also the 2026 Olympic Village and the Porta Romana disused railway yard, which is a regeneration project under development. This is therefore a unique opportunity to hear insight direct from the COIMA CEO on the insight and drivers behind the developments and how significant regeneration and placemaking schemes have been delivered.

Plenary 3 – ‘Meet the Contractors’

Friday 30 May | 09:30 – 10:45

• Chair: Angela Joseph, Director of Development, Brookfield Properties
• Mark Chain, Managing Director of Major Projects Division, Overbury
• Matthew Nesbit, Group Board Director, William Hare Group
• Gavin Seager, Managing Director, Mace Construct Specialist Services Ltd
• Callum Tuckett, COO for Europe, the Middle East and Canada, Multiplex

Meet the Contractors – a lively and engaging debate with contractor leaders from the industry who will discuss the challenges their businesses face with the delivery of office space, what they would like to see more of and their thoughts for the future.

There will be ample period for Q&A so delegates can probe the panel.

Plenary 4: Design and Brand

Friday 30 May | 11:15 – 12:45

• Chair: Katy Ghahremani, Partner, Make
• Philippa Wagner, Founder / Experience Design Strategist, People Places Spaces
• Speaker TBC, B&B Italia

The importance of brand and design in the workplace - what can be learned from hospitality and the design industry, and, where next !?

Hospitality and the workplace are converging in ways that go beyond shared design and service inspirations. Today, the workplace can take valuable lessons from how hospitality is evolving to align with people’s shifting values and how they choose to live. Workers are rethinking the traditional 9-to-5, diversifying their careers, seeking fulfilment, or choosing “good enough” jobs over high-stakes roles. These changes reflect a broader desire for freedom and balance, especially as older, hierarchical work cultures fall short of modern expectations. Adding to the shift is the demographic “Flip”: in 2024, the global population aged over 65 surpassed those under 15 for the first time. This milestone is set to redefine workplace dynamics, consumer spending, and hospitality trends, with longevity and intergenerational lifestyles taking centre stage.

This plenary will unpack some of the key trends shaping the future and explore how trailblazing brands in hospitality, and adjacent categories, are responding to these seismic shifts, and what this means for the future of work, travel, and living.

BCO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025 | TOURS

T1 – Allianz and PWC towers

Thursday 29 May, 09:00 - 12:30 & 14:00 - 17:00

The tour includes a visit to both impressive buildings in the City Life business district to the west of Central Milan. City Life, originally developed by Generali, was commenced in 2009. The total area of development is around 36 Hectares and provides 1300 apartments. The final section, CityWave, to the east of the area is due for completion in 2025.

The district includes a significant transport interchange, extensive areas of retail, restaurants, surrounding residential development, top quality public realm with parks and extensive tree planting.

Of the 3 towers, Allianz (209m) was constructed first and PWC (175m) last, being complete in 2020. Delegates will see lobby areas, fitted out floors and the client and dining spaces at the top.

T2 – The Sign

Thursday 29 May, 10:30 - 12:30 & 14:00 - 16:00

The Sign has been developed by Covivio and is situated to the southwest of central Milan and completed construction in 2024. Conceived as a business incubator,the overall development is around 40,000m2 across four buildings which share common features in the design and linked by public realm featuring extensive planting. Occupiers include AON and NTT Data.

Delegates will be able to visit the recently completed L’Oreal headquarters fit out. The campus certification is LEED Platinum, Near Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) class ‘A’ and BiodiverCity. The location is part of a wider urban regeneration of a former industrial site and has excellent public transport links. The tour starts in the office of Sign architect Progetto CMR which is close to the site.

T3 – Parco Romana and Symbiosis

Thursday 29 May, 09:00 - 12:30 & 14:00 - 17:00

The Parco Romana Coima masterplan is a regeneration project to the south of Milan focused on a disused railway yard. The tracks in this area have long severed two important districts of the city.

The heart of the masterplan is the Olympic athlete village which will serve the Milano – Cortina winter games of 2026.
Following the games, the buildings will become student residences with over 1,000 places. The principal buildings are of modular construction and will be surrounded by green spaces. The active rail track will be decked over and landscaped to provide an improved visual outlook as well as an acoustic screen. Delegates will continue past Lorenzini 8 which will provide 32,000m2 of office space in the form of two L shaped interlocking blocks, incorporating roof top amenity space.

After passing the Prada Foundation campus, delegates will arrive at Symbiosis, developed by Covivio. This collection of buildings has transformed a previous industrial site into a new mixed-use facility comprising 130,000m2 of office, retail, education, showrooms and research space. Delegates will see the public realm, water features, offices and amenities in the principal building. The combination of this site with Parco Romana will lead to a full regeneration of the Porta Romana district.

T5 – Porta Nuova district

Thursday 29 May, 09:00 - 12:30 & 14:00 - 17:00

The Porta Nuova district is a large urban regeneration area to the north of the historic centre of Milan. The area extends from Garibaldi station in the west through to Piazza República, Lombardia and Via Melchiori Gioia. The 34-hectare district now contains many office buildings (57,000m2) including several of height. In addition, there are retail zones, cultural spaces and apartments. To enable the development there was also very considerable infrastructure investment to provide road tunnels, metro connectivity, cycle paths and other landscaping. At the centre is a very large new park named Biblioteca degli Alberi. During the decade of its main construction (2005 – 2015) it was the largest construction site in Europe.

Leading Milan developer Coima will commence this tour from their own offices on the campus. They will present the masterplan, and delegates will then see two current buildings including Pirelli 35 and Gioia 20 twin towers which have extremely strong sustainability and energy characteristics based upon PV’s incorporated in the cladding and the adaptive re-use of existing buildings. Gioia 20 uses no fossil fuels and 65% of its electricity will come from renewables.

T6 – MIND

Thursday 29 May, 14:00 - 17:00

The MIND innovation district is described as an urban centre of scientific excellence, building a city of the future. The aim is to create an ecosystem of exchange between the private and public sectors. The location is a short coach ride to the northwest of the city on the site of the 2015 Universal Exhibition (Expo). Today the site is a collaboration between Arexpo, the public company owning the site and global development company, Lendlease.

The master plan envisages maximum permeability at street level via a system of courtyards. Specifically, the site will be a home for the University of Milan, the Human Technopole incubator labs and numerous other facilities. Delegates will visit the Lendlease marketing suite to understand the ambition of the masterplan as well as buildings emerging on the site.

One of the key locations’ delegates will visit is the new West Gate which is in construction. It will provide 50,000m2 of office space across twin timber buildings rising to 13 storeys and will be complete in 2026.

T8 – Monte Rosa

Thursday 29 May, 10:30 – 12:30 & 14:00 - 16:00

The Monte Rosa building is located to the west of Milan just beyond the City Life campus and developed by AXA IM Alts. This building was first delivered as a commercial office headquarters in 2003 and has been recently extended and upgraded by the same design team.

The revised design incorporates new MEP systems plus photovoltaics on the roof, energy consumption has been cut by 40%. The new building is a mixed-use facility providing offices, gym, nursery, education, gardens, public realm and a cafe.
Overall, the building is now around 80,000m2 and has achieved WiredScore Platinum status. The building offers extremely flexible space over 5 storeys with a lowered rear courtyard. Delegates will visit a variety of spaces on the campus including the Leading business school 24 ORE.

T9 – Bocconi University

Thursday 29 May, 10:30 – 12:30

Founded in 1902 by Ferdinando Bocconi as “Institute of Higher Education in Economics”, Bocconi University was the first Italian University in the field.

The first building in via Sarfatti 25 was designed by Giuseppe Pagano and represents a perfect example of rationalist architecture. In the following years, the Student House was followed by the Library. In the framework of the Strategic Plan “Bocconi 2000”, Bocconi University decided to further expand the campus and the first SDA School of Management was developed closely followed by the velodrome.

More recently, the Via Roentgen building, by Grafton Studio was inaugurated in 2008. Finally, in 2019 Bocconi campus expanded to an area previously occupied by a milk processing plant through a project of urban requalification. Designed by Japanese architect, Studio Sanaa, the new campus comprises the buildings of the new SDA School of Management, the Castiglioni student house and a new sport centre.

Delegates will see all aspects of this campus which has been thoroughly upgraded with the striking and innovative new School of Management.

T10 – Torre Velasca

Thursday 29 May, 10:30 – 12:30 & 14:00 – 16:00

Torre Velasca is one of Italy’s most iconic buildings and soars 75m above the city skyline to the south of the historic centre, only 500m from the Duomo. It comprises 20,000m2 of mixed-use space, completed in 1958 and designed by Studio BBPR. The mix of uses is unusual being residential at the top thereby benefiting from the views with offices below and a fringe of retail at street level. The building was effectively listed in 2011 in recognition of its innovative design and revolutionary architectural form at completion.

The investor and developer, Hines, has recently undertaken a major refurbishment and intervention to enhance its value, sustainability and energy efficiency. Delegates will see the refreshed public realm and setting at street level which surrounds the slender office portion of the building.

A visit to the top enables delegates to experience the views over the city from the wider residential area. In addition, there is a visit to an occupied office floor of real estate lawyers, Studio Inzaghi now occupying recently refurbished space.

T11 – Piazza Cordusio Historic Conversions

Thursday 29 May, 10:30 – 12:30

Further details to follow.

T12 – WPP Offices

Thursday 29 May, 10:30 – 12:30

The WPP Milan campus provides workspace for over 2,000 people working in the advertising, communications and media industry. The building now houses 35 agencies under a single roof and was opened in 2021. WPP believe they have created unique spaces for co-creation, and has been designed to specifically enable greater collaboration and encourage creativity across teams for the benefit of clients.

The building is conveniently located within the historic district of San Cristoforo not far from the BCO conference base of Superstudio. The building now forms a key part of the urban redevelopment area which was previously an abandoned industrial area. Delegates will see an excellent example of adaptive re-use in what was once one of the most important factories in the city. The campus comprises a total area of 27,000 square metres and has been renovated to reflect the historical and cultural heritage of this part of Milan.

IT1 – Duomo Cathedral & Terraces

Thursday 29 May, 14:00 – 16:00


Image: YesMilano - Duomo-AnnaDella-Badia

Experience the grandeur of Milan’s iconic Duomo di Milano with a guided tour that takes you through its interior and up to the terraces for panoramic views of the city.

Start inside the cathedral, with its intricate Gothic architecture, from the towering spires to the beautiful stained-glass windows that date back to the 14th century. Your expert guide will highlight key features of the Duomo, including its historical significance and artistic masterpieces. Learn about the cathedral’s construction, which took nearly six centuries to complete, and discover hidden details like the Statue of Saint Sebastiano.

Next, ascend to the Duomo’s terraces via elevator, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Milan. From here, look out over the city’s rooftops, the Piazza del Duomo, and landmarks like the Sforza Castle and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The terraces themselves are adorned with intricate sculptures and offer an up-close look at the cathedral’s spires and sculptures.

This tour provides a perfect mix of history, architecture, and stunning vistas, giving you a deeper understanding of Milan’s most celebrated landmark while offering one of the best views in the city.

IT2 – Museum of Teatro alla Scala & Foyer & Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Thursday 29 May, 14:00 – 16:00

Image: YesMilano - Teatro-alla-Scala-Orchestra- Badia

This is perhaps the most famous opera house in the world and dates from 1778. The seating capacity is 2,030 arranged as pit stalls, 6 tiers of boxes and an upper gallery known as the ‘loggione’.

The tour includes a visit to the eight rooms of the Museum dedicated to the Theater and music, and to the Theater’s principal foyer.

The original cost of construction was covered by the sale of boxes to wealthy Milanese people. The less wealthy watched from the stalls and stood up for performances. In the mid nineteenth century, the opera was also used as a casino, meeting and trading hall - including during performances. The lighting system gradually evolved from oil lamps to gas lamps and finally to electricity in 1883. Various renovations and improvements were carried out in the 20th century and especially to repair bomb damage in 1943. Today, the magnificent building also hosts the Academy of Performing Arts providing training for technical staff, dancers and musicians.

IT3 – Walking tour of the fashion district

Thursday 29 May, 14:00 – 16:00

Image: YesMilano - Quadrilatero - Jose Limbert

Discover the elegance and style of Milan on a guided walking tour through the city’s iconic fashion district, a global hub for luxury shopping and design. The tour will begin on Via Monte Napoleone, one of the most exclusive shopping streets in the world, lined with flagship stores from top designers like Versace, Prada, and Gucci, with its refined architecture and window displays that showcase Milan’s renowned fashion sense.

Via della Spiga, a picturesque cobblestone street home to even more luxury boutiques, is synonymous with sophistication and elegance, offering a glimpse into the city’s high society. You will find high-end brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. From here the tour will take you to Piazza San Babila, a bustling square where modern shops meet historic landmarks. The tour will continue through the nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a stunning 19th-century shopping arcade with beautiful mosaics, glass ceilings, and luxury stores.

Your guide will offer insights into Milan’s status as the fashion capital of the world, sharing stories of its fashion history, iconic designers, and how the city became synonymous with style. This walking tour offers the perfect blend of Milan’s past, present, and future in the world of fashion.

IT4 – Walking tour of the historical city centre

Thursday 29 May, 14:00 – 16:00

Image: YesMilano - Castello_Sforzesco

Milan, one of the world’s four fashion capitals, is also a global hub for design and culture. In 286 AD, Roman Emperor Diocletian moved the capital of the Western Roman Empire to Milan, and it was here that Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, granting religious tolerance across the Empire. Milan’s rich history spans from an independent duchy to part of the Spanish and Austrian empires, and later the Kingdom of Italy under Napoleon. The city also played a key role in the rise of Benito Mussolini in the 1920s.

Milan’s legacy is deeply tied to the arts, particularly Leonardo da Vinci, who worked here from 1482 to 1499. His masterpieces, The Last Supper and The Virgin of the Rocks, as well as his Codex Trivulzianus, are housed in the city’s museums. Milan is also home to the world-renowned La Scala opera house.

In the 1980s, Milan became a fashion capital, and today it thrives as a modern metropolis, blending history with luxury shopping, design, and high-end dining. The walking tour of the historic city centre will explore the cities iconic landmarks.

IT5 – Walking tour from Superstudio to Navigli

Thursday 29 May, 14:00 – 16:00

Embark on a scenic walking tour through Milan’s creative heart, starting at Superstudio, and winding your way to the iconic Fondazione Prada, passing through the charming Navigli district along the way.

Begin your journey at Superstudio in the Via Tortona area, known for its vibrant design studios, trendy cafes, and fashion boutiques. This is Milan’s design district, where contemporary art and innovation meet. As you stroll, take in the local galleries, pop-up stores, and cutting-edge architecture.

Continue towards the Navigli area, Milan’s picturesque canal district. This neighbourhood, historically home to the city’s boatmen and artisans, is now a lively hub of cafés, art galleries, and boutique shops. Wander along the canals, where you’ll find colourful buildings and scenic bridges.

Cross the Navigli, passing through the Darsena now known for its artistic and bohemian atmosphere. At the end of the tour we will be hosted by one of Milan’s quaint bars for an Italian-style aperitif.

IT6 – Open top bus tour of Milan

Thursday 29 May, 14:00 – 16:00

Image: Teatro-alla-Scala-Esterno

Hop on an open-top bus for a unique, panoramic tour of Milan, Italy’s fashion and design capital. This relaxing ride takes you through the heart of the city, offering stunning views of its most iconic landmarks and hidden gems. From the Duomo di Milano—the magnificent Gothic cathedral—to the Sforza Castle with its grand architecture and historic significance, this tour showcases Milan’s rich cultural heritage.

Enjoy the sights of Piazza della Scala, home to the world-renowned La Scala opera house, and the elegant Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, a stunning shopping arcade with luxury boutiques. You’ll also pass by the Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan’s top art gallery, and Parco Sempione, a peaceful green space behind the Sforza Castle.

The open-top bus offers an unbeatable view of the city’s modern architecture, trendy districts, and historical charm. The audio guide will provide commentary, bringing Milan’s fascinating history, art, and culture to life. The open top bus tour is the perfect introduction to this vibrant city!

BCO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025 | SEMINARS

SEMINAR 1 - THE CHANGING FACE OF THE WORKPLACE: What to deliver and why?

Thursday 29 May | 09:00 – 10:30

• Chair: Betsy Brady, Surveyor, London Capital Markets & Development Workplace, Knight Frank
• David Crew, Director of Global Operations, Hogan Lovells
• Dr Nigel Oseland, Visiting Lecturer, UCL & LJMU
• Simon Wyatt, Partner, Cundall
• Chiara Zanello, Corporate Real Estate Manager, Willis Towers Watson

The Covid-19 pandemic caused a seismic shift to where, when and how we work with significant implications for employees, occupiers, developers and investors. Modern offices that have quality at the core and are on-point with the needs of occupiers are in the demand – the “flight to quality!”. What does this really mean? What is important and why – contemporary design, a strong focus on sustainability specifically carbon and energy performance efficiency, flexibility, location and embracing ESG criteria? The volume of accreditations and criterion of a “good” is vast and subject to constant evolution.

Our panel will explore what good looks like and what are the real points of focus that designers, occupiers, investors and developers should be focusing upon.

SEMINAR 2 – RESEARCH SEMINAR

BEYOND THE WORKPLACE: The role of placemaking and third spaces play in shaping CRE

Thursday 29 May | 09:00 – 10:30

• Chair: Rachel Edwards, Workplace Futures Lead, Lendlease
• Fabio Bianco, Chief Scientific Officer, Bio4Dreams
• Eric Parry RA, Principal and Founder, Eric Parry Architects

Join us for an engaging seminar exploring the evolving role of placemaking and third spaces in corporate real estate. As occupiers seek to foster innovation, attract talent, and strengthen community connections, the integration of “spaces in between” traditional workspaces has become more crucial than ever. This session will dive into how placemaking and local community networks are reshaping the workplace experience, driving business outcomes, and creating new opportunities for developers, landlords, and occupiers. We will examine emerging typologies, successful case studies, and future steps. Do not miss this chance to hear from industry leaders and discover how placemaking is defining the future of workplace.

SEMINAR 3 – NEXTGEN SEMINAR

BCO IN 2030: Our evolving workplaces

Thursday 29 May, 09:00 – 10:30

PANELLISTS AND WORKSHOP FACILITATORS

• Tom Buckley, Partner, Core Five
• Victoria Caines, Associate Director, Turner & Townsend alinea
• Sophie Davies, Associate, Heyne Tillett Steel
• Oliver Hall, Partner - Head of Innovation and Sustainability, Make Architects
• Lauren Lewis, Senior Engineer, Arup

The Next Generation of the BCO workshop aims to shape the future of the workplace. Through presentations and interactive sessions, NextGen members will share insights on key topics: desired workplace features, technology, sustainability, and culture. Participants from across the membership will then collaborate to envision the future of the BCO and the workplace sector. The goal is to identify innovative approaches, strengthen collaboration, and ensure the BCO remains relevant in the evolving workplace landscape. Workshop outcomes will be displayed during the conference and summarised in a post-event research paper.

SEMINAR 4 – THE ART OF CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE: The secret sauce to property success

Thursday 29 May | 11:00 – 12:30

• Chair: Nicola Jones, Customer Experience General Manager, GPE
• Helen Berresford, Head of ID:SR Partner, Sheppard Robson
• Charlie Green, Co-Founder, Office Group/Fora
• Andy McBain, Head of Future of Workspace & Design, Natwest

The art of customer experience – the secret sauce to property success.

In today’s competitive property market, customer experience (CX) has emerged as a pivotal factor influencing both consumer satisfaction and business success. As consumers and customers become increasingly discerning, their expectations extend beyond mere transactions to encompass holistic experiences that resonate with their lifestyles and values. This transformation is evident in the rise of smart homes, sustainable building practices, and personalised services that cater to individual needs.

Likewise, the office property sector is currently witnessing a shift towards a more customer-centric approach. Developers and property management professionals are now prioritising user feedback, leveraging technology, and enhancing service delivery to create environments that foster community and engagement.

The future success of property development hinges on the ability to adapt to evolving customer preferences. As the demand for transparency, sustainability, and innovation grows, developers must integrate these elements into their projects. This includes utilising data analytics to understand customer behaviours, investing in technology for seamless interactions, and designing spaces that promote well-being, productivity and connectivity.

Ultimately, the success of future property developments will depend on a deep understanding of customer experience. By prioritising CX, developers and property management professionals can not only enhance satisfaction and loyalty but also drive long-term growth and sustainability in an ever-changing market.

SEMINAR 5 – TECHNICAL SEMINAR

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF OFFICE DESIGN: Interactive session on the BCO

Guide to Fit Out

Thursday 29 May | 11:00 – 12:30

• Chair: Neil Pennell, Head of Design Innovation and Property Solutions, Landsec

Be part of an interactive session where the Technical Affairs Committee (TAC) will showcase the newly released BCO Guide to Fit Out. This is your chance to provide valuable feedback and help shape its future direction. The TAC will also highlight the key areas they are currently working on, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how evolving workstreams are reshaping office space design. Join the conversation and learn how your input will directly influence the upcoming updates to the Guide to Specification and Guide to Fit-Out. Do not miss out on this opportunity to drive the future of workplace design!

SEMINAR 6 – NEXTGEN SEMINAR

BCO IN 2030: Our evolving workplaces

Thursday 29 May, 11:00 – 12:30

PANELLISTS AND WORKSHOP FACILITATORS

• Tom Buckley, Partner, Core Five
• Victoria Caines, Associate Director, Turner & Townsend alinea
• Sophie Davies, Associate, Heyne Tillett Steel
• Oliver Hall, Partner - Head of Innovation and Sustainability, Make Architects
• Lauren Lewis, Senior Engineer, Arup

The Next Generation of the BCO workshop aims to shape the future of the workplace. Through presentations and interactive sessions, NextGen members will share insights on key topics: desired workplace features, technology, sustainability, and culture. Participants from across the membership will then collaborate to envision the future of the BCO and the workplace sector. The goal is to identify innovative approaches, strengthen collaboration, and ensure the BCO remains relevant in the evolving workplace landscape. Workshop outcomes will be displayed during the conference and summarized in a post-event research paper.

BCO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025 | SPEAKERS BIOGRAPHIES

Helen Berresford, Sheppard Robson
Helen is passionate about designing for people, championing an activity-driven design approach that puts human experience and requirements at the heart of the design process. The breadth of Helen’s knowledge allows her to expertly advise clients on every step of the project journey, from the early due-diligence and strategy, to creating efficient and inspiring spaces that encapsulate the culture of an organisation. Often her work involves the blurring of the boundaries between 'live, work and play'—with a people-centric approach applied to ID:SR’s growing portfolio of work in the office, residential and hospitality sectors.

Fabio Bianco, Bio4Dreams
Dr. Bianco received a degree in Medical Biotechnology (2003) and a PhD in Pharmacology (2006) from the University of Milano. In 2007 he founded Neuro-Zone srl, a CRO focused on delivering highly technological product for increasing efficiency in drug discovery programs using a cutting edge multiparametric analysis approaches. Under his guidance, Neuro-Zone has been the 2008 European Academic Enterprise Award finalist. In 2009, NeuroZone was ranked among the Top 25 Most Innovative European Life Science companies at Eurecan European Venture Contest.

In 2016, Dr. Bianco founded BrainDTech Spa, focused on the development of biomarkers for brain diseases from liquid biopsies. As CEO of BrainDTech, he enabled BrainDTech to be among the Top 20 global miRNA based startups in 2021 (www.medicalstartups.org) .
Dr. Bianco is VP Scientific & Corporate Development at Bio4Dreams Spa, a certified private business nursery accelerator for early stage innovative startups in life science with over 35 founded startups within the last 5 years. He has become Scientific Reviewer Board Member of the Merck Manual of Health – Italian Version and sits on the Editorial Board of Annals of Neurodegenerative Disorders. He is also member of Life Science Professionals, Pharma Connections and Drug Discovery and Development Professionals.

Betsy Brady, Knight Frank
Betsy works in Knight Franks London Development Consultancy where she advises developers looking to regenerate the City of London’s stranded assets. Her focus is ensuring the next generation of commercial property within the Square Mile has sustainable purpose throughout its life cycle and meets the anticipated needs of the future workforce. Betsy has to solve the complex equation of the financial implications of the changing nature of the workplace and how can the desired outcome be achieved.

Betsy has a passion for ensuring the next generation of professionals is properly represented within professional organisations. Betsy serves as the Vice Chair for London on the British Property Federation’s Futures Advisory Board creating career growth opportunities for the industry’s next generation. Since 2021 she has led the BPF’s leading mentorship programme and is focused on its expansion into the regional and virtual space. In 2024, Betsy was selected as a MIPIM Challenger – a global competition amongst young real estate professionals tasked with solving urban developments’ most pressing issues.

Chris Brett, CBRE
Chris Brett is Managing Director, Capital Markets, EMEA for CBRE, leading the Capital Markets business across the UK and Continental Europe. Chris is based in Milan, so has a unique and grounded perspective on the city. CBRE Capital Markets is the #1 ranked brokerage firm globally, according to Real Capital Analytics.

Tom Buckley
Tom is a Partner at Core Five and a member of the BCO NextGen committee for London. He specialises in delivering projects within the commercial sector and has led the cost management role on several complex and challenging projects since joining Core Five early in 2015. His experience ranges from large scale developments such as 50 Baker Street for Derwent London through to high profile end user projects such as Sony Music’s headquarters in Kings Cross. Tom has also delivered a number of low-carbon retrofit projects for which he is very passionate about.

Victoria Caines
Victoria is an Associate Director at Turner & Townsend alinea, who specialises in MEP services. She recently joined the BCO National Judging panel, with her first judging role in 2024.

With over ten years of experience, Victoria has worked across various sectors, primarily focusing on commercial offices. Her expertise extends to both fit-out projects and shell-and-core developments.

She closely monitors how the industry adapts to the ever-increasing demands placed on the commercial office sector. Whether targeting embodied and operational carbon metrics, ensuring the wellbeing of tenants, or implementing SMART technologies to enhance building intelligence, Victoria recognises the critical importance of staying up to date with the constantly evolving technical aspects of construction.

Victoria has been an integral part of Turner & Townsend alinea for over five years, where she leads on the delivery of the MEP aspects for multiple large scale projects within the commercial office and mixed use sectors.

Carlo Alberto Carnevale-Maffè, Bocconi University
Carlo Alberto Carnevale-Maffè is Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at SDA Bocconi School of Management, Bocconi University, where he has been director of the Master in Strategy. He also taught at MBAs and Executive Programs with Wharton School, New York University - Stern School of Business, HEC Paris, Steinbeis University Berlin, IMI New Delhi, Korea University Business School, St. Mary’s College of California, Columbia Business School.

He is president of the board of director of ASM Energia, a utility of A2A Group, and member of the Corporate Venture Board of A2A Spa. He is also president of “Fondazione Riccagioia” for genetic and agrifoodtech research. He is member of the board of directors of United Ventures, a high-tech venture capital fund, and Foolfarm, start-up studio for artificial intelligence. He is independent director and strategy adviser of leading international companies in technology and finance, some of them listed on Euronext stock exchange, and of industrial automation companies in India and USA. He has been member of the board of ABI Lab, research consortium of Italian Banking Association. He has been serving as scientific adviser to many national and international organisations, such as Euroconsumers Association, EY Consulting, CEFRIEL - Politecnico of Milan, Confindustria (ANIE, ASSOMAC, Assolombarda) and Confapi.

He has been member of the Data-Driven Task Force of Italian Government for the COVID-19 pandemic, within the eHealth Network of European Commission. He published several books and articles in scientific and professional journals, and served in many editorial boards of management journals (e.g. Harvard Business Review Italy). He collaborates as columnist and commentator for financial newspapers and televisions (Mediaset, Sky TV, RAI, Class CNBC). He has been interviewed and quoted on international press and media, such as Financial Times, Bloomberg, Reuters, BBC, The Guardian, Time, Business Week, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, International Herald Tribune, Les Echos, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

Manfredi Catella, COIMA
Manfredi Catella graduated in Economics from Cattolica university in Milan and holds a Regional Planning and Real Estate master from the Polytechnic university of Turin. Catella is Founder and CEO of COIMA, a specialist in the investment, development and management of Italian real estate assets, focused on delivering an ESG impact.

Previously responsible for the Italian activities of the US group Hines, he worked for JP Morgan in Milan, Caisse Centrale des Banques Populaires in Paris, Heitman in Chicago and HSBC in Paris. Mr. Catella has gained 30 years of experience in the investment management and real estate sectors.
Chairman of the Riccardo Catella Foundation, Manfredi Catella is a financial analyst and member of the Association of Journalists, author of numerous articles and documents on real estate and land redevelopment.

Mark Chain, Overbury
Mark Chain is the Managing Director of Overbury’s Major Projects Division, bringing over 30 years of experience in the fit-out and refurbishment industry. Since joining Overbury in 1998, he has played a pivotal role in the successful delivery of large-scale, complex projects. His expertise spans commercial, contract and delivery management with a strong track record of executing high-profile fit-outs for global clients.

David Crew
David Crew is the Director of Global Operations for Hogan Lovells with direct responsibility for the firm's Corporate Real Estate, Procurement, Sustainable Operations and other support functions.

Hogan Lovells have 41 offices across the world totalling 2.4M RSF with c.7,300 people globally. David is focused on helping shape the culture of the firm, ensuring the firm benefits from a high quality office experience that supports the demands of an innovative law firm.

David has experience in leading strategic change across a global organisations including an award-winning “Smart Working” workplace program for an international financial services company.

Sophie Davies
Sophie is an Associate at Heyne Tillett Steel who takes a particular interest in heritage projects. With her research-based approach and eye for detail, she is adept at solving problems with existing fabric to mitigate risks in the early stages of design. Over her ten years in structural design, she's worked on a variety of different projects, from complex high-rise commercial buildings to historic conversions and retail refurbishments, and she's experienced working in multi-disciplinary teams on large and small developments over the full project lifecycle.

Katy Ghahremani, Make
Katy is one of Make’s directors and has been a Maker since 2004. Her portfolio spans a variety of sectors and includes designs for a number of prestigious hotels around the world, including the award-winning Temple House hotel in Chengdu, China.

Katy is currently leading Make’s high-profile refurbishment of Hornsey Town Hall. She’s passionate about interiors as well as architecture, and is often called upon to help clients develop their brand philosophy and identity. She is a driving force in the development of Make’s hotels and retail portfolios, hosting bespoke events, supporting our thought leadership, and engaging with clients and collaborators on their biggest challenges.
Katy is a trustee of the Built Environment Trust and was a longstanding member of the Architectural Appraisal Panel at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. She sits on the Industry Advisory Panel for UCL’s Engineering and Architectural Design MEng course as well as the Westminster Design Review Panel.

Charlie Green, Greener Capital
Having co-founded The Office Group (TOG) in 2003, Charlie led the company for nearly 20 years as co-CEO growing the business to over 3 million square feet, with a reported valuation of £1.6 billion. Charlie stepped down as co-CEO in June 2023 and is currently focusing on other ventures. Charlie has dedicated his career to reimaging the way people work, blending innovative design with flexible, sustainable places. He is passionate about design, people and sustainability.

Oliver Hall
Oliver is the BCO NextGen Chair and Partner at Make Architects. In 2019 he established Make’s dedicated sustainability team and working group, Make Neutral, he is now Head of Innovation and Sustainability.

Oliver is a practicing architect and has worked on several developer led award winning workplace schemes, including 80 Charlotte Street, a major mixed-use scheme in Fitzrovia comprising commercial, residential and urban design. He leads Make’s major retrofit projects, developing the adaptive reuse and circularity approach.

In addition, he is the Masterplan guardian on the 240-acre Crescent Salford masterplan, a £2 billion regeneration project that combines urban design, commercial, residential, infrastructure, education and innovation use. Oliver continues to support young architects as an Associate Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University.

Nicola Jones, GPE
Nicola is Customer Experience General Manager for GPE, with a passion for creating efficient customer journeys to increase customer satisfaction and customer retention. Nicola has extensive experience working cross property functionally to develop customer strategies that align with the business’s priorities and initiatives.

Angela Joseph, Brookfield Properties
Angela is Director of Development working across a number of commercial developments within the Brookfield Properties portfolio with a current focus on delivery. Angela has experience working across both Australia and the United Kingdom as both a Quantity Surveyor and in Development with broad sector experience having worked on large scale commercial, life science and cultural projects. Angela is also the current Chair of the judging panel for the BCO Awards for London and South East.

Lauren Lewis
Lauren is a BCO Next Gen committee member and actively involved in Arup’s London Property Leadership team. She is a mechanical building services engineer with a passion for low energy, architecturally integrated designs within the commercial property sector. Lauren has led the MEP design and delivery of over 20 co-working spaces for a well known global brand as well as being involved in significant masterplans such as Television Centre and a recently completed 330,000ft2 redevelopment close to Liverpool Street ; both of which push the dial on achieving low carbon buildings.

Andy McBain, Natwest
Andy is Head of Future of Workspace & Design for Natwest Group and Junior Vice President of the BCO. Andy leads on workplace experience across Natwest Group which includes - new office designs, the evolution of the office, support for working from home and in the office effectively, workspace apps that support colleague collaboration and building efficiency. Andy has supported panel discussions at the BCO conferences in Dublin and Manchester and will be hosting the 2026 BCO conference.

Matthew Nesbit, William Hare Group
Matthew is Group Board Director and a respected member of the London supply chain. As a leading player in the steel industry, Hare are one of the major UK structural steel fabricators, always seeking to engineer the best steel frame solution for every client, with market leading approaches to sustainability, quality and technology they have fostered many long-term relationships. Having joined the business from outside industry, Matthew offers a different and valued perspective to this debate.

Eric Parry RA
Eric Parry leads a practice of about 110 delivering high quality buildings that demonstrate sensitivity to context and meticulous attention to detail. He is known for his intellectual rigor and sensitivity in every project, recognizing the importance of art and craft in the built environment. Eric's projects include a broad range of buildings both in the UK and abroad ranging from tall offices to residential as well as research and development and cultural buildings.

Eric has undertaken a range of wellbeing-led tall buildings, with inclusive and accessible public realm. Projects in the City of London include 1 Undershaft, to be the tallest building in the City of London; One Fen Court, described by the Guardian as “one of the most well-crafted buildings the City has seen for some time” as well as a new headquarter building for the City of London Police. In Oxford a mental health hospital and a university research building will be on a site with listed buildings, currently in use as a hospital, which will become a new graduate college.

International projects include Kyobashi, a landmark 180-metre tower in Tokyo, an R&D building in Singapore as well as a 5-star resort hotel in Okinawa.

He has also made significant contributions to the retrofitting and renewal of existing building fabric.

Eric has held several eminent posts, including President of the Architectural Association and he was elected a Royal Academician in 2006.

Neil Pennell BTech (Hons), CEng, MCIBSE, Landsec
Neil Pennell is Head of Design Innovation & Property Solutions at Landsec, one of the UK’s leading property companies. His role is to drive the design and development of innovative, environmentally sustainable and technically excellent buildings.

Neil is a senior thought leader specialising in technical and innovative solutions to decarbonise Landsec’s current and future portfolio, acting as a trusted adviser to the senior executive team.

He is charged with providing strategic advice to the business on sustainable building design, smart building technology and innovative procurement and construction processes to ensure Landsec retains its leadership position in the real estate sector.

This involves a wide remit to drive innovation and the application of new technology, including; Net Zero Carbon buildings, AI, advanced building analytics, IoT, BIM, P-DfMA, modern methods of construction, smart building and Prop Tech solutions.

Neil is an advocate of sustainable buildings, renewable energy technologies and intelligent building design. His goal is to create amazing and inspiring buildings for people; to live, work, shop and enjoy their leisure time.

Neil sits on the Board of the British Council of Offices (BCO) and chairs the Technical Affairs Committee which is responsible for producing the BCO’s industry leading technical publications. He is also chair of the Buildings Clients Group, a director of the Better Buildings Partnership and a member of the Construction Productivity Task Force.

Gavin Seager, Mace Construct Specialist Services Ltd
Gavin Seager has 30 years of experience in the construction industry and currently serves as the Managing Director for Mace Construct Specialist Services Ltd. His leadership style is calm, balanced, and highly motivated, aligning with Mace’s core vision and values. With a background in electrical engineering, Gavin joined Mace in March 2014 as an Operations Director in the Mace MEP business unit, overseeing projects from conception to completion. In 2018, he took over the self-delivery business, achieving steady growth and delivering MEP services to key clients.

Callum Tuckett, Multiplex
Callum joined Multiplex in 2017 as COO for Europe, the Middle East and Canada. During his 25 year career, he has risen from project-based positions to board level. He has been a Commercial Director in the Middle East and India, and is currently the Managing Director of Multiplex in the UK.

Philippa Wagner, PeoplePlacesSpaces
Philippa Wagner is a leading voice in the hospitality industry, celebrated for crafting future-focused brand experiences that combine cultural insights with strategic consumer understanding. As founder of PeoplePlacesSpaces, she collaborates with global brands such as Ennismore, Gleneagles, TFE Hotels, and Locke to develop innovative concepts and reimagine guest experiences to ensure lasting impact in a changing market.

A sought-after speaker at major industry events, Philippa shares her visionary insights into the shifts reshaping the wider hospitality sector. From evolving guest expectations to the intersection of cultural trends and design, her thought-provoking perspectives unpack the future of the industry, inspiring brands to innovate and adapt.
Her work includes the award-winning MM:NT Berlin Lab, a groundbreaking micro-hotel concept operating in perpetual beta, redefining room design and engagement through real-time guest feedback. With over two decades of experience, Philippa’s relentless curiosity and cultural awareness continue to drive innovation, shaping transformative guest experiences and authentic narratives for some of the world’s most beloved hospitality brands.

Simon Wyatt, Cundall
Simon is a Partner of Cundall having joined the pioneering building physics and sustainability team in 2005 as a graduate. In Simon’s career to dare, he has watched the team grow and flourish into the world-leading team it is now. Simon leads the net zero carbon and sustainable governance service streams; he is a member of the UK Green Building Council’s Members Advisory Committee, the British Council for Offices (BCO) ESG Group, the Whole Life Carbon Network (WLCN) committee and the Green Property Alliance, and as chair of the CIBSE Knowledge Generation Panel.

Chiara Zanello
Chiara Zanello is a Corporate Real Estate Manager within Willis Towers Watson’s Corporate Real Estate team in Europe, with over 10-years experience helping organisations to achieve strategic business goals by shaping and delivering successful Real Estate strategies.

Equipped with an international background, Chiara holds both global and regional Corporate Real Estate roles, including delivering projects in London and Milan. Chiara brings insight and experience from the hard and the soft components of the complex CRE world - from portfolio optimisation, transactions and financial analysis to CRM, employee experience, change management, ESG, I&D and more.

With a double background in Architecture & Engineering and Enterprise & Project management, Chiara possesses technical understanding and business awareness, with a passion for anything concerning sustainability and innovation in the Real Estate world.

BCO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025 | DRINKS RECEPTION

Wednesday 28 May 2025
18.30 -20.00

Galleria Meravigli
Via Gaetano Negri, 6
Via Meravigli, 5
20123 Milan

The Gallery Meravigli is a private gallery in Milan that connects via Meravigli with via Gaetano Negri, near the central Piazza Cordusio and Piazza degli Affari. It was built by the company "La Milano Centrale" between 1928 and 1930 as part of the transfer of the Stock Exchange to Palazzo Mezzanotte which took place in 1932 and the director of the works was the engineer Luigi Repossi.

BCO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025 | PARTY

Thursday 29 May 2025
20:00
Superstudio Events
Via Tortona, 27, 20144 Milano MI, Italy