One of the debates will be about the changing real estate scene in SA.

Traditional institutional investors are listing major portions of property portfolios while large owners are divesting in certain market segments. Specialist funds and other investors, meanwhile, are moving into these investments with success.

The sustainability of these trends will be discussed. "We have been able to gather expert opinion with international and local speakers," says Stan Garrun, MD of IPD SA.

Chaired by Angelique de Rauville of listed portfolio management company Provest the first session, called international real estate investment trends, will focus on how overseas lessons can be applied to SA.

Rupert Nabarro, chairman of IPD Holdings in the UK, will speak about the place of property investment in a global context.

Andrew Baum of Oxford Property Consultants UK will discuss the experiences of the US, Australian and European markets in balancing property risk and return.

Dean You Lee of Absa/Maquarie Bank will give a South African perspective on securitisation and innovation in the development of property investment vehicles.

Property economist Francois Viruly will chair the second session, which will include speakers Len van Niekerk of Andisa Securities on how to grow the listed property sector; and Louis Norval. who will speak on the new breed of private investor companies that are excelling in asset and property management.

Mariette Warner of Standard Bank Properties will discuss fund management styles and investment vehicles that are shaping the future.