The AREF Annual Dinner & Awards was launched in the late 1990s, to raise the profile of the Association and to create an opportunity for fund managers and their specialist advisors to network.  It has become a highlight in the real estate social calendar.

The dinner has hosted a vast array of speakers and entertainers, including:  Nina Conti, Lucy Porter, Lord Sebastian Coe, Rory Bremner, Ian Hislop, Miles Jupp, Marcus Brigstocke and mind-reader Graham Jolly.

We are delighted to announce that the AREF Annual Dinner & Awards 2025, one of the most eagerly awaited events in the real estate industry's calendar, will take place on Thursday 25th September 2025.

This exclusive event is open to AREF members and their invited guests, offering a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, celebrate achievements, and enjoy a truly memorable evening.

For full details on booking a table, please see our Events Calendar or click here to view the event page.

Proudly Sponsored by JTC

For the second year running, we are thrilled to have JTC as our sole sponsor for the AREF Annual Dinner & Awards. Their continued support underscores the significance of this event, and we are excited to collaborate once again with the exceptional team at JTC.

JTC is a publicly listed, global professional services business with deep expertise in fund, corporate and private client services.

Over the past 36 years, JTC has become a leading provider of real estate administration services with over US$54 billion of real estate assets and around US$410 billion in total assets under administration. JTC provides multi-jurisdictional, integrated real estate administration and accounting services to real estate asset managers and real estate owners allowing them to concentrate on their core competencies and enhance asset values.  Find out more here.

An Iconic New Venue: Raffles Hotel, London

In 2025, we are elevating the Annual Dinner experience by hosting it at the magnificent Raffles London, situated in the historic Old War Office (OWO) on Whitehall. This landmark building, steeped in history, has been meticulously restored over the last 8 years into a luxurious venue that marries its rich heritage with contemporary elegance.

About The OWO:

  • Historical Significance: Once the base of operations for Winston Churchill during World War II.
  • Architectural Splendor: A stunning setting that reflects the grandeur and importance of our event.

Learn more about Raffles London and its incredible transformation here.

A Night of Elegance and Celebration

Evening Highlights:

  • Pre-Dinner Champagne Reception
    Begin the evening in The Lawrence, an enchanting space named after the legendary T.E. Lawrence ("Lawrence of Arabia"), who once worked at the War Office.

  • Dinner & Awards Ceremony in The Whitehall Ballroom
    Guests will descend a grand staircase into the exquisite Whitehall Ballroom for a sumptuous three-course dinner.

  • Entertainment and Networking
    The evening will feature live entertainment during dinner—past performers include stars like Nina Conti, Lord Sebastian Coe, and Ian Hislop—followed by live music at a post-dinner soirée back in The Lawrence.

More Space, More Community

The larger venue at Raffles London allows us to welcome even more members to join this incredible evening, ensuring a broader representation of our vibrant community.

Don’t Miss Out

Mark your calendars for this landmark event on 25th September 2025. Details on how to secure your table at the AREF Annual Dinner & Awards will be released in late January, We look forward to celebrating with you!

View Photos & Video from the AREF Annual Dinner 2024

Scroll below to view photos, or view all photos from the evening click here.

View JTC's Video from the AREF Annual Dinner 2024 by clicking the image below:

 

Photos from Previous Years

Browse our photo gallery from past events here.

AREF Annual Awards

The AREF Annual Awards were introduced in 2011 to recognise AREF member funds that have consistently provided attractive, risk-adjusted performance to investors and to acknowledge member firms and individuals that have made exceptional contributions in supporting the work of AREF.

To find out more information on the awards, including the purpose, selection criteria, selection process and previous winners, view our Annual Awards page here.
 

Enquiries

Email us at [email protected].

 

View 'Our History' publication below to read more about AREF and the AREF Dinner specifically on pages 16 & 17.